Fellow

Professor Ros Smyth is Brough Professor of Paediatric Medicine at the University of Liverpool She is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in research into children's health. Over the last decade, she has developed an exciting programme of research into the immunopathology of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. This infection has been extensively studied in animal models, but hers are probably the most comprehensive studies to define the nature and time-course of immune activation in airways of infants with bronchiolitis. The work has described the impact of the newly discovered human metapneumovirus on this illness and, by identifying key mediators in the pathogenesis of bronchiolitis, is essential to the development of effective treatments. In 1996 she provided the first molecular evidence of a long-term outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a cystic fibrosis centre, and this resulted, worldwide, in more stringent measures to prevent cross-infection. She recognised that research evidence is complex, cumulative and requires scientific synthesis and she has led systematic reviews that have provided important new information about the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses in children. As co-ordinating editor of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group she is responsible for reviews used to guide best treatment in these diseases worldwide. Her work into a serious complication associated with pancreatic enzyme therapy in children with cystic fibrosis stimulated her interest in the provision of safe, effective medicines for children and she now chairs the Committee on Safety of Medicine’s Working Group on Paediatric Medicines and is Director of the UK Medicines for Children Research Network Co-ordinating Centre.