Benjamin Newland

Dr. Benjamin Newland is a Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Cardiff University, specializing in biomaterials for neuroscience applications. His research focuses on developing materials like cryogels, hydrogels, and nanotubes for neurodegenerative disorders, brain repair, and cancer therapy. He holds a Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013–2017) and has collaborated with institutions including the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research, Dresden. His work includes improving cell transplantation survival in Parkinson’s disease, creating focal demyelination models for multiple sclerosis, and developing localized drug delivery systems for glioblastoma.

Education:

• BSc Natural Sciences, University of Durham (2005)
• PGCE Teacher Training, University of Leeds (2006)
• MRes Nanomaterials, Imperial College London (2008)
• PhD in Biomaterials for Parkinson’s Disease Therapies, National University of Ireland Galway (2013)

Research Interests:

His interdisciplinary research spans biomaterial synthesis, neurodegeneration modeling, and drug delivery systems. Key projects include cryogel microcarriers for cell transplantation, anti-inflammatory cytokine delivery for MS, and poly(ethylene glycol) nanotubes for localized cancer treatment.

Key Projects:

• Cryogel microcarriers for dopamine neuron survival
• Focal demyelination models in brain slice cultures
• Injectable cryogel sponges for glioblastoma therapy

Awards: Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013–2017).

Lab & Collaborations: Based at Cardiff University, with ongoing work at the Leibniz Institute. Active in funding through Wellcome Trust, Parkinson’s UK, and DFG.