Blond McIndoe has been at the forefront of great scientific discovery for over half a century

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The roots of our research go right back to the Second World War, when Sir Archibald McIndoe challenged existing ways of dealing with the burns suffered by RAF airmen. He revolutionised treatments, plastic surgery techniques and the rehabilitation of burns patients, in the process inspiring the creation of the Blond McIndoe Research Foundation, which now carries on his pioneering work.

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Our early successes included fundamental research into immunological mechanisms, which led to some world firsts – the first ever heart transplant, example of cultured skin cells combined with a new artificial skin, and knee operation using cultured cartilage cells with grafts of cartilage. Over the years, our work has brought progress in areas such as graft rejection research, the use of amnion in wound healing and improved understanding in nerve repair. Some of our more recent innovations have included the development of sprayed skin cells for children’s burns and new biomaterials to reconstruct damaged tissue.

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Our current priorities are advancing burns and wound healing techniques and technologies that aim to repair, restore and regenerate tissue and reduce debilitating scarring. To achieve this we identify and support young, very bright trainees and consultants in their research projects which may make a significant difference to surgical outcomes.

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We are in a unique position to achieve this because of our partnership with The Royal College of Surgeons of England who identify research projects with real potential. Through our board members we have access to expert insight as to whether a project is worth supporting.

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Funding for research is available in two forms: