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University of Strathclyde wins Research Project of Year
A lighting system that can kill hospital superbugs – including MRSA, Ecoli, TB bacteria and Cdiff – has been named Research Project of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards.
The pioneering technology, developed by engineering researchers at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, decontaminates the air and exposed surfaces by bathing them in a narrow spectrum of visible-light wavelengths, known as HINS-light.
The Times Higher Awards each year recognise the very best achievements of UK universities across a range of disciplines.
Strathclyde’s cutting-edge decontamination technology was discovered and developed by a multidisciplinary team of experts – Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Scott MacGregor (electrical engineer), Professor John Anderson and Dr Michelle Maclean (microbiologists) and Professor Gerry Woolsey (optical physicist).
Clinical trials at Glasgow Royal Infirmary have shown that the HINS-light Environmental Decontamination System provides significantly greater reductions of bacterial pathogens in the hospital environment than can be achieved by cleaning and disinfection
alone, providing a huge step forward in hospitals’ ability to prevent the spread of infection and improve patient safety.
Professor Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: “This pioneering research project epitomises Strathclyde’s approach of working with the health sector to tackle major challenges of the 21st century.
“Receiving recognition with this prestigious award is a fantastic achievement for the research team and reflects the outstanding quality of work being undertaken throughout the University. This success underlines our commitment to providing real, tangible solutions to significant societal problems in areas including health, energy and the environment.”
HINS-light technology kills pathogens, but is harmless to patients and staff, which means for the first time, hospitals can continually disinfect wards and isolation rooms without the need to move patients.
The technology uses HINS-light which has a violet hue, but the research team have used a combination of LED technologies to produce a warm white lighting system that can be used alongside normal hospital lighting.
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