Nicholas Ashton

Nicholas Ashton is a Senior Lecturer in Physiology at the University of Manchester’s Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, affiliated with the Cardiovascular, Metabolic and Nutritional Sciences research domain. He holds dual appointments within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. His research focuses on kidney function across health and disease, emphasizing developmental programming and regenerative therapies.

Education:

• BSc Zoology, University of Sheffield (1983)
• PhD in renal physiology from The University of Manchester (1987)

Research Interests:

• Developmental Programming: Investigates how maternal diet and stress during pregnancy permanently alter fetal kidney development, leading to hypertension and metabolic disorders in adulthood. Current focus includes effects of intermittent fasting during Ramadan.
• Regenerative Medicine: Collaborates to develop cell-based therapies for kidney transplants using regenerative cells to improve organ viability.

Key Contributions:

• Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles on renal physiology and hypertension mechanisms
• Funded by BHF, Wellcome Trust, and BBSRC
• Supervised 11 PhD students (3 current)

Professional Roles:

• Academic Editor for PLOS ONE
• Former Editorial Board member for Journal of Hypertension and Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
• External referee for Kidney Research UK