Staffing and research areas in the department have changed significantly since it opened, and the old name no longer reflects who we are and what we do. We decided upon a new name that more accurately reflects our current research profile and expertise."
Professor Elizabeth Bradbury, Professor of Regenerative Medicine & Neuroplasticity and Co-Head of Wolfson SPaRC
25 March 2024
Wolfson SPaRC (Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre) new name announced
The name reflects the department’s core strengths in research relating to sensory disorders, pain and regenerating the brain and spinal cord. It was previously known as Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases (CARD).
The new name Wolfson SPaRC (Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre) is officially announced today. This change represents the centre’s research focus on the molecular basis of pain and hearing loss, and neural repair and regeneration following disease and injury to the brain and spinal cord.
The department’s research spans chronic pain & migraine, spinal cord & brain repair, and hearing loss & sensory systems. Their fundamental mission is to understand the biological mechanisms behind neurological and sensory disorders and harness this knowledge to develop new therapeutic strategies.
Current Co-Heads of WSPaRC are Professor Elizabeth Bradbury and Professor Susan Duty. The department is housed in a purpose-built centre funded by The Wolfson Foundation, which awards grants to support and promote excellence in education, science & medicine, the arts & humanities and health & disability.
“We are delighted to have received such enthusiastic support for our new name from the Wolfson Foundation and internally. This marks the start of a new chapter for our department, and we look forward to seeing Wolfson SPaRC flourish”.
Professor Susan Duty, Professor of Pharmacology & Neuroscience and Co-Head of Wolfson SPaRC
The department was officially opened in 2004 by The Princess Royal. It is one of four departments that constitute the School of Neuroscience at the IoPPN. It is located at Guy’s Campus and home to 20 Principal Investigators, 6 Research Fellows, over 50 PhD Students and Postdocs, and 7 Professional Service and Technical staff.
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Professor of Regenerative Medicine & Neuroplasticity
Professor in Pharmacology & Neuroscience