The Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) is proud to continue its series of inaugural lectures, honouring the outstanding contributions of our honorary clinical chairs. These lectures celebrate leaders in clinical service, research, and education, who have profoundly impacted healthcare through their dedication, expertise, and partnership with the NHS.

This edition of the series featured two Professors from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT),  Professor Michelle Harvie, an award-winning research dietitian working at the Prevent Breast Cancer Research Unit based at Wythenshawe Hospital and Professor Susmito Biswas, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital with a specialist interest in paediatric ophthalmology.

Michelle and Susmito were introduced by Professor Paul Dark, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health at The University of Manchester. Professor Dark highlighted the importance of receiving a MAHSC Honorary Clinical Chair award, attributing this recognition to their exceptional contributions to clinical leadership both nationally and internationally. He also acknowledged their achievements in teaching and learning, social responsibility, and research and innovation.

In her thought-provoking lecture, Professor Michelle Harvie, a leading expert in diet and health, delved into the intricate relationship between diet, weight management, and cancer prevention. Sharing insights drawn from decades of pioneering research, Michelle, who is also Programme Lead for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre’s (BRC) Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Theme, addressed a fundamental question that resonates with both professionals and the general public: do diets really work, and can they significantly shape long-term health?

Michelle’s career journey began in Essex and after completing a degree in biochemistry at The University of Manchester, she trained as a dietitian and embarked on her professional path at Manchester Royal Infirmary, part of MFT. Her fascination with the role of diet in cancer prevention took root during her PhD on the effects of diet amongst patients with cancer, a pivotal phase that would shape her future work.

Her early post doctoral research uncovered a compelling and consistent link between weight gain and an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. This revelation opened the door to a new question: Could intentional weight loss reverse this risk? Michelle set out to explore this possibility, laying the foundations for groundbreaking research.

Unveiling the Role of Weight Loss in Breast Cancer Risk

One of Michelle’s most significant contributions to the field of nutrition and oncology was her demonstration that weight loss is indeed linked to lower the risk of breast cancer. Through meticulous analysis of cohort data, her team discovered that even modest weight loss had a measurable impact on reducing breast cancer risk. This breakthrough finding set the stage for intervention trials aimed at testing practical and sustainable weight loss strategies in real-world settings.

Among the most impactful of these trials was the pioneering development of intermittent dieting methods. Professor Harvie and her team introduced the now widely recognised 5:2 diet, which involves restricting calorie intake for two consecutive days each week while maintaining a normal eating pattern on the other five days.

Studies confirmed that this approach was not only highly effective for weight loss but also contributed to improved insulin sensitivity and a reduction in cancer risk biomarkers. The 5:2 diet gained popularity not just for its results but also for its simplicity and adaptability, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Broader Implications for Health and Disease

The scope of Michelle’s research extends far beyond cancer prevention. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of the role of diet in managing other chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

By emphasising the importance of tailoring dietary strategies to individual needs, Michelle has highlighted how personalisation enhances both adherence and long-term success.

In her lecture, she also addressed the societal and systemic barriers that complicate weight loss and healthy eating for many individuals. From the pervasive influence of the food environment to the deep-seated psychological factors that affect eating behaviours, Michelle underscored the need for comprehensive and multi-faceted solutions. Her research advocates for a holistic approach that considers the interconnected factors influencing health outcomes.

A Vision for the Future

Looking to the future, Michelle called for more investment in dietary research which is often underfunded. She emphasised the critical need to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that evidence-based dietary strategies reach those who need them most. Empowering healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge to support patients effectively is a central tenet of her vision.

Additionally, Michelle highlighted the potential for innovative digital technologies and collaborative efforts to revolutionise dietary interventions. By harnessing these advancements, the healthcare community can create scalable and impactful solutions that prioritise prevention and health promotion.

Her career serves as a testament to the transformative potential of diet as a cornerstone of disease prevention and overall health improvement. Through her tireless efforts to bring research to life, Michelle is shaping a future where nutrition is an integral part of healthcare strategies worldwide.

Michelle’s lecture was not merely a celebration of her remarkable career but also an inspiring call to action. Her work continues to shine a light on the transformative power of evidence-based dietary interventions. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application, Michelle is paving the way for healthier lives and stronger communities on a global scale.

Professor Susmito Biswas delivered his inaugural lecture offering a deep dive into his professional journey, the evolution of his career in paediatric ophthalmology, and the groundbreaking work that has solidified his reputation in this field.

Susmito began his lecture by recounting his early life, marked by his family’s migration from West Bengal to Liverpool in the 1960s. After brief stints abroad due to his father’s work, he settled in London, where his passion for medicine was ignited. This passion eventually led him to St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School, where an early interest in ophthalmology flourished alongside a notable interest for research.

The Path to Paediatric Ophthalmology

A pivotal career move came when Susmito joined a prestigious ophthalmology rotation in Manchester. Under the mentorship of luminaries like David McLeod (past Head of Department of Ophthalmology at The University of Manchester) and Professor Chris Lloyd (Consultant at The Portland Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital.)

He honed his expertise in corneal disease and paediatric ophthalmology, fields in which he has since become a global leader. His career trajectory also included stints at King’s College and Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he deepened his knowledge in retinopathy of prematurity and corneal transplantation in children.

Susmito’s collaborative spirit became evident when he partnered with renowned Clinical Geneticist at MFT, Professor Graeme Black. Together, they identified a groundbreaking genetic mutation (COL8A2) linked to corneal endothelial disorders, opening the door to more precise diagnostic tools and treatments.

Pioneering Surgical and Genetic Advances

Central to Susmito’s career is his work in anterior segment developmental abnormalities—a group of complex eye disorders that can lead to severe visual impairment in children. His lecture delved into the genetic underpinnings of these conditions, spotlighting genes like PAX6, FOXC1, and CYP1B1, which play crucial roles in eye development.

Beyond diagnosis, Susmito has pushed the boundaries of paediatric corneal transplantation. His team’s innovative surgical techniques and post-operative care strategies have turned Manchester into a national and international referral hub for high-risk cases. Despite the challenges and modest graft survival rates, these surgeries have significantly improved the quality of life for many children and their families.

Expanding Horizons: New Projects and Collaborative Endeavours

Looking ahead, Susmito outlined several key projects:

1. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): His team has pioneered a nurse-led imaging model for ROP screening, which is being adopted across the northwest of England. This model ensures timely detection and treatment, setting a new standard for neonatal care.
2. Nephropathic Cystinosis Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) Service: Manchester now serves as one of three UK hubs for this multisystemic metabolic disorder, facilitating specialised care and advancing research into its ocular and systemic manifestations.
3. Gene Therapy and Research: Building on his expertise in ocular genetics, Professor Biswas continues to explore innovative therapies, including next-generation sequencing and targeted gene interventions.

A Legacy of Impact and Gratitude

Susmito closed his lecture with heartfelt thanks to his colleagues, family, and mentors who have supported his journey. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving clinical and scientific breakthroughs, particularly in paediatric ophthalmology, where the stakes are high, and the impact on patients’ lives is profound.

His lecture was more than a retrospective; it was a celebration of the relentless curiosity and dedication that define his career. From pioneering genetic discoveries to transforming surgical outcomes, Susmito’s contributions continue to illuminate the path for future generations in paediatric ophthalmology.