BIOGRAPHY

Dr Richard Webb BSc DipBioMed PGCE FRSB PhD is a Principal Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences. He has over 30 years’ experience in biomedical research in both clinical and basic science laboratory contexts. Richard was awarded a PhD in Medical Biochemistry from University of Wales College of Medicine (now Cardiff University School of Medicine) in 1995. Subsequently, he worked as a postdoctoral fellow in Southampton University, St George’s Hospital Medical School (University of London), and Bath University. Since taking up an academic role at Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2003, Richard has successfully supervised a team of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers for more than 20 years; this has resulted in 12 successful PhD completions, 39 published research articles, and numerous conference proceedings/presentations. Richard is External Examiner for Biomedical Sciences at Lancaster University, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

1. a) Investigation of cell signalling events triggered by participation in exercise, and therefore evaluation of exercise-associated health benefits. These activities include the actions of IL-6 as a myokine, interactions between IL-6 and its receptor (IL-6R), and the impact of the rs2228145 genetic variant within the IL-6R gene on exercise tolerance (which is likely linked to perceptions of fatigue).
2. b) Investigation of IL-6R as a potential biomarker for fatigue/susceptibility to chronic fatigue in a range of clinical and societal contexts. These contexts include (but are not limited to) long-COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome, overtraining, stress, and burn-out.
3. c) Investigation of Ca²⁺ and/or lipid-related cell signaling events relevant to diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. These activities include the impact of excess lipids (‘lipotoxicity’), and of nanoparticle pollutants, on cellular Ca²⁺
   
   

EXTERNAL POSITIONS

Collaborative Research Projects

Richard has contributed to numerous collaborative research initiatives. He is currently Chief Investigator on a Cardiff Metropolitan University/ Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board clinical research study entitled “Investigation of potential associations between the rs2228145 variant of the Interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) gene and the pathophysiology of COVID-19/long-COVID” (2022-ongoing).

Research community appointments/roles

Richard is recognised as a leading authority on cell signalling events triggered by participation in exercise, and therefore evaluation of exercise-associated health benefits.  He works with several national academic and government-linked bodies to provide evidence to support policy development, and to perform public-engagement-with-science activities. 

• Welsh Genomic Partnership/Wales Gene Park – Local Representative (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
• Life Sciences National Research Network Wales – Local Representative (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
• National Exercise Referral Scheme Wales – Local Representative (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
• ‘Valleys Regional Park’ initiative – Local Representative (Cardiff Metropolitan University)