The MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Restorative Immunology will bring together colleagues from across its partner institutions for its first Centre-wide meeting at the University of Birmingham.
The meeting will introduce the Centre’s vision and scientific programme, with contributions from the Research Streams and Working Groups, and opportunities to explore how colleagues can get involved.
The programme will also include discussions on doctoral training and research culture, providing an opportunity for people from different disciplines and career stages to meet, share ideas and build connections.
Programme
| Time | Session | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30–10:00 | Arrival, registration and coffee | |
| 10:00–10:10 | Welcome to Birmingham and the MRC CoRE in Restorative Immunology | Professor Paul Moss |
| PART 1: OUR VISION AND SCIENTIFIC AMBITION (Chair: Professor Paul Moss) | ||
| 10:10–10:20 | The MRC CoRE Vision: Ambition and Expectations | MRC representative (TBC) |
| 10:20–10:30 | Why Restorative Immunology? Our Vision for 2033 | Professor Adam Croft |
| 10:30–11:05 | Keynote: Human Cell Atlas | Professor Muzlifah Haniffa |
| 11:05–11:20 | Coffee break | |
| PART 2: FROM DISCOVERY TO EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE (Chairs: Professor Lucy Wedderburn & Dr Saba Nayer) | ||
| 11:20–11:55 | Keynote Presentation: Title TBC | Professor Adrian Thrasher |
| 11:55–12:05 | Research Stream 1: Exploring Data, Enabling Discovery | Professor Calliope Dendrou and Professor Brian Marsden |
| 12:05–12:15 | Research Stream 2: Understanding the Mechanisms of Tissue Restoration | Professor Ye Oo and Professor Mariola Kurowska-Stolarska |
| 12:15–12:25 | Research Stream 3: Advancing Experimental Medicine – From Research to Clinical Studies | Professor Ben Fisher and Peter Rimmer |
| 12:25–12:45 | Connecting the Research Streams: From Discovery to Clinical Application | Professor Adam Croft and Research Stream presenters |
| 12:45–13:45 | Lunch and networking | |
| PART 3: TURNING AMBITION INTO OPPORTUNITY (Chair: Professor Helen McGettrick) | ||
| 13:45–14:00 | Experimental Medicine Collaborations – Past, Present and Future | Professor John Isaacs |
| 14:00–14:25 | Translating Research into Impact: Commercial Engagement and Knowledge Exchange | Professor Mark Coles, Professor A. V. Ramanan and John Cooke |
| 14:25–14:35 | The Doctoral Researcher Experience: Opportunities and Perspectives | Dr Chloe Lockwood |
| 14:35–14:45 | Developing People: Training, Mentoring and Career Opportunities | Professor Simon Milling and Professor Lizzy Rosser |
| 14:45–15:00 | Coffee break | |
| PART 4: BUILDING OUR RESEARCH CULTURE (In-person only session) | ||
| 15:00–15:10 | Our Research Culture – Introduction to activity | Professor Adam Croft |
| 15:10–15:35 | Interactive Table Discussions (in small mixed groups) | All participants |
| 15:35–15:45 | Feedback to whole group | Table representatives |
| 15:45–15:55 | Summarise | Professor Adam Croft |
| 15:55–16:00 | Next Steps and Opportunities to Get Involved | Professor Adam Croft |
| 16:00 onwards | Networking and drinks reception | Outside Pevsner |
Information for delegates
We look forward to welcoming you to the Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Restorative Immunology’s first meeting on Friday 20 November 2026.
The information below will help you plan your visit.
Venue and location
Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
53 Edgbaston Park Road
Birmingham
B15 2RS
The hotel is located on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus.
Travelling by train
From Birmingham New Street
Take a train from Birmingham New Street to University station. Trains towards Redditch, Bromsgrove or Longbridge serve University station.
The train journey takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Allow around 30 minutes to reach the hotel from Birmingham New Street, including the connection and walk.
Walking from University station
The hotel is approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk from University station.
- Leave University station towards the University of Birmingham campus.
- Follow the path towards the Main Library and Teaching and Learning Building.
- Continue uphill towards North Gate on Pritchatts Road.
- Turn right onto Pritchatts Road and cross at the pedestrian crossing, with the University’s clock tower behind you.
- Continue along Pritchatts Road until you reach the North East Car Park.
- Turn left and walk past the Centre for Human Brain Health. The hotel will be on your left.
Using Google Maps? Search for Edgbaston Park Hotel, 53 Edgbaston Park Road, B15 2RS and select walking directions from University station.
Travelling by car and parking
For Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, delegates should enter B15 2RS into their sat nav.
Address: 53 Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham, B15 2RS.
Complimentary parking is available at the hotel, subject to availability.
Additional parking is available on the ground floor of the University’s North East Car Park.
Please register your vehicle at hotel reception on arrival to avoid parking charges.
Birmingham Clean Air Zone: If your journey takes you through Birmingham city centre, please be aware that a daily charge may apply to vehicles that do not meet the emissions standards. You can check your vehicle and found out more
Arrival and registration
Registration opens at 9.30 am, with the meeting beginning at 10 am.
Please make your way upstairs to the Pevsner room on arrival.
Tea and coffee will be available during registration.
Catering and accommodation
Catering
Refreshments and lunch will be provided during the meeting.
A networking and drinks reception will follow the meeting from 4pm.
If you provided dietary requirements when registering, these will be shared with the venue.
Accommodation
If you have booked accommodation
Joining online
We will email joining instructions to registered online participants before the event.
Meeting materials and sustainability 🌱
To reduce paper use and waste, we won’t be providing printed programmes or meeting booklets. The latest programme and delegate information will be available on this page throughout the event.
If you need materials in an alternative format, please contact [email protected]
Accessibility and contact
We will inform the venue of any accessibility adjustments or dietary requirements you provided when registering. If your requirements have changed or you have any questions, please email [email protected]
Need to change or cancel your booking?
If you can no longer attend or need to make changes to your registration, including accommodation or meal bookings, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected].