14 Apr 2016

Loughborough University and Defence Medical Services become research partners

The DMS brings together uniformed and civilian medical and dental personnel from all three military services.  Its primary role is to promote, protect and restore the health of service personnel.

The organisation has a staff of around 9,100 and provides healthcare to 159,630 UK service men and women.

To mark the start of the new research partnership with the DMS the University welcomed Brigadier Tim Hodgetts CBE – the organisation’s Medical Director – to the campus.

Whilst at the University he met with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Allison, and senior academics, to discuss how the two organisations will work together on world leading medical research projects.

This was followed by an open seminar at the University’s National Centre for sport and Exercise Medicine building where Brig Hodgetts gave an overview of UK defence medicine and its research priorities moving forward.

Speaking about his visit to the campus, University Vice Chancellor Professor Allison said: “It has been a great honour to welcome Brig Hodgetts to Loughborough.

“We are delighted to be working with the DMS and using our combined expertise to make advancements in the medical care of the UK’s service men and women.  This marks the start of what we know will be a very positive and mutually beneficial partnership.”

Brig Hodgetts added: “The DMS and Loughborough University have begun to develop a close and mutually supportive academic relationship that reinforces their strengths and promises to provide opportunities that will help transform future healthcare.

“It is hugely professionally stimulating to work with an institute that is vibrant, committed and creative in addressing the enduring and emerging challenges for military medicine."

The visit by Brig Hodgetts came just days after the University signed  the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating its support for the military community by recognising the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring.