The IRM (Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health), is known internationally as a centre for research into the characteristics, limitations and adaptability of the human motor system in health and disease. Through an integrative approach ranging from cellular-molecular biology to biomechanical, physiological and cognitive-whole body studies of human movement, it seeks to combine, apply and disseminate knowledge from different disciplines as it affects health, mobility, motor control and fitness across the lifespan.

In 2008 the IRM moved into new purpose built facilities in the John Dalton Tower in central Manchester where it benefits from close integration between researchers in Healthcare Science, Computing, Mathematics, Engineering and Materials Science within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. It is equipped with an impressive range of state-of-the-art equipment ranging, for example, from real-time PCR; DNA sequencing; con-focal microscopy; flow cytometry; and single muscle fibre mechanics; through to whole body, tilting MRI, DEXA, PcQT, 2D and 3D Ultrasound scanning; X-ray video fluoroscopy; as well as Delsys EMG systems; VICON and CODA movement analysis systems; and real-time human control systems developed in house.

The IRM holds a range of major external grants including awards from the UK Research Councils, The Wellcome Trust, the EU Framework 7 Research Programme and the Erasmus Mundus EU programme: it has extensive collaborations with other internationally recognised groups both in the UK and abroad.

Opportunities exist in the IRM to pursue research leading to PhD, MPhil, and MSc degrees, which are relevant to professional practice and academic research in the healthcare and biomedical sciences: including physiotherapy, genetics and cell biology, nutrition, obesity and diabetes, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, gerontology, bioengineering, space physiology as well as the exercise, fitness and sport professions. Exciting new opportunities at the IRM and at its EU partners' Institutions are also offered through the international PhD Erasmus Mundi Programme.

IRM staff contribute to a range of taught undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and courses, including research project supervision organised through MMU's prestigious Healthcare Science Research Institute (HSRI).

Prof. Ian D. Loram

IRM Academic Director and Professor in Neuromuscular Control of Human Movement