The Princess Royal has officially opened the new UCL Eastman Dental Institute (EDI) facilities in the UCL Rockefeller Building and been shown around the EDI’s new Clinical Research suite by BRC Oral Health & Disease Theme Lead Professor Stefano Fedele.
Princess Anne toured the new facilities at the EDI on 13 May with Dr Michael Spence, President and Provost of UCL and Professor Stephen Porter, Director of the Institute.
The new facilities are at the heart of the UCL campus, and the research suite is a key part of the new build. The research suite includes eight clinical rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, a Biobank with -20 and -80 freezers, and is staffed with a team of research nurses and coordinators which will enable the BRC Oral Health & Disease Theme to expand its clinical trial portfolio.
Prof Fedele and staff spoke to the Princess Royal about trials currently taking place as part of the BRC Oral Health & Disease Theme , including studies on novel non-invasive diagnostics for oral cancer, repurposed medications for complications of cancer therapy, and the impact of periodontal disease upon diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Princess Anne also met academic staff, members of the professional services, technical and nursing teams, and postgraduates, across the new Institute building.
Prof Fedele said: “I was delighted to show the Princess Royal around our new research facilities, and to talk to her about our research. The new research suite will be vital in enabling us to provide our patients with innovative diagnostics and therapeutics, with a view to improve the care of highly prevalent and notably morbid oral diseases.
Image: James Tye Photography
