Endometriosis
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Our research

The research at EXPPECT Edinburgh is led by Professor Andrew Horne, Professor Philippa Saunders, Dr Douglas Gibson, Dr Lucy Whitaker and Professor Thanasis Tsanas.

Professor Andrew Horne (PhD, FRCOG, FRCP Edin, FRCSEd, FRSE)

Co-Director of EXPPECT Edinburgh

  • Professor of Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Edinburgh
  • Honorary Consultant Gynaecologist, NHS Lothian

Contact details

Andrew is Professor of Gynaecology at the University of Edinburgh and a leading researcher in women’s health problems, with a focus on endometriosis and pelvic pain. He has published over 180 peer-reviewed scientific papers. He is Scientific Advisor to the Scottish Chief Medical Officer for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, President-elect of the World Endometriosis Society, and Trustee to Endometriosis UK.

View Professor Andrew Horne's webpage for more information.


Professor Philippa Saunders (PhD, FMedSci, FRSE, MAE, FRCOG ad eudem)

Co-Director of EXPPECT Edinburgh

  • Chair of Reproductive Steroids, University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Philippa is a biomedical scientist and Professor of Reproductive Steroids at the University of Edinburgh. During her career she has made major contributions to our understanding of the impact of sex steroids on reproductive and other systems and published more than 300 papers. Her current research is focussed on developing new treatment paradigms to treat neuroinflammatory pain in women with endometriosis. Her research benefits from collaboration with clinical colleagues, patients, and commercial partners. She is Treasurer of the World Endometriosis Society and sits on several grant and other advisory Boards.


Dr Douglas Gibson (PhD)

Lead for discovery science, EXPPECT Edinburgh

  • Sir Henry Dale Fellow, University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Douglas studied Pharmacology before completing a PhD in Reproductive Endocrinology focussing on women's health and fertility. He is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow in the Centre for Inflammation Research in Edinburgh and leads a research team that focusses on understanding the role of hormones and inflammation in endometriosis.

View Dr Douglas Gibson's webpage for more information.


Dr Lucy Whitaker (MBChB, MD, MSc, MRCOG)

Lead for clinical studies, EXPPECT Edinburgh

  • Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Edinburgh
  • Honorary Consultant, NHS Lothian

Contact details

Lucy studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh then completed an MSc and MD alongside her clinical training. She is now a Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, combining clinical care for endometriosis with a research portfolio focusing on clinical trials and precision treatment for endometriosis-associated pain.

View Dr Lucy Whitaker's webpage for more information.


Professor Thanasis Tsanas (BSc, BEng, MSc, PhD, FHEA, SMIEE, FRSM)

Lead for digital health, EXPPECT Edinburgh

  • Professor, University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Thanasis trained as an engineer and completed a PhD in Applied Mathematics. He is a Professor at the Usher Institute in Edinburgh, where he leads the Data Analytics Research and Technology in Healthcare (DARTH) group. His expertise is in signal processing and statistical machine learning, focusing primarily on biomedical applications.

View Professor Thanasis Tsanas’ webpage for more information.


Research Insights: Tackling the pain of endometriosis

Professor Andrew Horne and Professor Philippa Saunders discuss their endometriosis research. Recorded on 17 February 2021.

Video: Research Insights: Tackling the pain of endometriosis
Research Insights: Tackling the pain of endometriosis. Professor Andrew Horne and Professor Philippa Saunders discuss research to tackle a difficult condition that affects one in ten women in the UK. Recorded 17/02/2021.