What we do

Dedicated to improving lives

Help us keep developing Pioneering treatments to restore patients’ quality of life that have suffered physical trauma.

A Medical research charity dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults that have suffered physical trauma.

RAFT’s research is primarily focused on developing novel treatments which help the body restore tissue (such as skin, bone and breast) which has been affected by physical trauma, cancer or a birth defect. RAFT develops its own research programmes which are evaluated by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee. The research is undertaken by our own scientists and is driven by patient need rather than commercial imperative or specific interests. To maximise the potential of our projects we work collaboratively, with some of the world’s leading medical and academic institutions. These include University College London and The Griffin Institute (Saint Mark’s and Northwick Park Hospitals). Such collaborations give us access to state-of-the-art equipment, mentorship and technical skill.

We also run our own Surgical Research Fellowship Programme to help train the next generation. Over a two or three year period, RAFT Surgical Research Fellows undertake a combination of scientific and clinical training which forms the basis of a thesis for an MD (Medical Doctorate) or a PhD. A significant number of leading Consultant Plastic Surgeons practicing today have passed through RAFT’s doors and often provide our projects with their invaluable clinical expertise.

Our overriding focus is determining what research will bring the greatest benefit to patients and delivering it to them in the shortest possible time.

RESEARCH TODAY; TREATMENT TOMORROW

As a medical research charity, it is vital that our work makes a difference. When we decide to launch a new programme of research, we start with a specific patient need that is within our area of expertise. Next we will evaluate existing solutions, other research projects and the likely end benefit to patients they might offer. After evaluating all of the information, we look for an area where RAFT can make a tangible difference. Finally we look at the best way we can take the project forward.

The starting point for our research is direct dialogue with patients and caregivers. Their input ensures that our research moves in the right direction and is focused on the areas where the need is greatest. We never lose sight of the fact that the community and the people within in it is where it all begins.

Our current research projects include:

Breast reconstruction
Bone regeneration
3D Printing
Keloid Scar