Our research in action

Our research changes lives. We’re committed to solving the problems and answering the questions posed by industry, science and society as a whole. Join our inspiring research community to make your mark on the world we live in. Here are four ways our international researchers are making a difference.

Discover more of our global research in our research magazine discover.hud.ac.uk

Using research and innovative technology to prevent gender-based violence

One in three women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. The None in Three Research Centre aims to turn the tide on this global problem, with research that confronts negative gendered attitudes, increases awareness of gender-based violence and aims to empower victims. Research has been conducted in five countries with survivors and perpetrators of genderbased violence. The findings have been used to create educational and culturally appropriate video games. JESSE, the first game developed, is an educational intervention which raises awareness of domestic violence and seeks to change the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to it.

Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into construction

In countries susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, the construction of buildings plays a vital role in reducing the risk of homes, businesses and lives being destroyed. Researchers Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga and Professor Richard Haigh have carried out extensive research which has increased the understanding, awareness and attitudes of disaster risk reduction among accredited professionals in the construction sector. Their work has played a key role in engaging the global construction industry in disaster resilience building efforts.

Using steroids to combat Covid-19

Huddersfield researchers, Dr Hamid Merchant and Dr Syed Shahzad Hasan, explored the use of steroids to combat Covid-19 in severely ill patients. They examined the use of corticosteroids such as dexamethasone on hospitalised Covid-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who were on respiratory support. Their findings revealed that using steroids could have saved lives and has been published in the Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine. Oxford University’s RECOVERY trial came to similar conclusions, leading to the UK government’s decision that the steroid dexamethasone could be made available to patients, a move being followed around the world.

Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash

Examining the effects of political reform on Nepal’s health care system

After adopting a new Constitution in 2015, Nepal has undergone radical constitutional reform, restructuring the country’s political system and resulting in significant changes to the health system. Professor of Global Health Padam Simkhada and Senior Research Fellow Dr Sharada Prasad Wasti have conducted in-depth research into Nepal’s health system, the reform process and the impact of federalisation. They form part of major international collaboration who together are closely examining the consequences for the health system of Nepal’s move to a federal government structure.