Helen Wright
Dr Helen Wright held a Versus Arthritis Career Development Fellowship from 2017 to 2024. Helen's research investigates the role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, with a focus on the regulation of metabolism and gene expression in inflammatory neutrophils.
Who were you a fellow for?
My fellowship was funded by Versus Arthritis.
When did you start your fellowship?
It started in 2017 and ended in 2024.
What were you doing prior to your fellowship?
I held another fellowship between 2010 and 2014, and then for 3 years I was working as a post-doctoral researcher on fixed term contracts.
Why did you choose to undertake your fellowship with the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences?
I was already located in the Faculty and had developed critical clinical collaborations within the University and with local hospitals.
How did Versus Arthritis fund your work?
Versus Arthritis funded my salary, research costs and conference travel.
What is the aim of your research?
My research is investigating a type of white blood cell called neutrophils. These cells are important in protecting us against infection by eating and killing micro-organisms like bacteria. However neutrophils can get improperly activated in some people and this causes inflammatory disease, like rheumatoid arthritis where neutrophils can attack the surface of the joint causing pain and permanent damage. My research is particularly focussed on understanding how neutrophil behaviour changes during inflammation by looking at cell processes like gene expression and metabolism to predict altered (and unwanted) behaviour.
What inspired you to look at this field?
I have been working in this field since I started my PhD almost 20 years ago. Speaking to people who have rheumatoid arthritis has inspired me to pursue new ways to treat this common, auto-immune disease by better understanding the molecules and cells that drive the progression of inflammation and irreversible joint damage.