About us

The Research Centre for Health (ReaCH) was launched in February 2021 and seeks to improve public health and the lives of people affected by long-term health conditions. Our research is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (particularly ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’ and ‘Reduced Inequalities’).

ReaCH plays a vital role in showcasing our world-leading health research, fostering a thriving research culture, and translating GCU’s Common Good philosophy into tangible societal impact. This impact is the result of our partnerships with governments, non-governmental organisations, communities, practitioners, the NHS and third sector partners, both within Scotland and around the world.

Aims, objectives and SDGs

ReaCH Director

In November 2025, Professor Gordon Ramage took over directorship of ReaCH from Professors Carol Emslie and Frederike van Wijck.

Gordon Ramage

Professor Gordon Ramage

ReaCH Director

Professor of Infection Prevention and Control

Gordon is a Professor of Infection Prevention and Control within the School of Health and Life Sciences at Glasgow Caledonian University. Gordon graduated from Edinburgh University in 1996 with a BSc (Hons) in Medical Microbiology. He then received a PhD in 1999 from Queen's University Belfast for his study of prosthetic joint infection.

He subsequently undertook two postdoctoral research positions in North America over a four-year period from 2000 to 2003 (University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the University of Calgary), focusing on controlling fungal and bacterial biofilm infections.

In 2004, he returned to the UK and was appointed as a Lecturer in Microbiology at Glasgow Caledonian University, prior to taking up the position of Senior Lecturer in Microbiology in 2007 at the University of Glasgow Dental School. Gordon received his Personal Chair in 2012 and was promoted to Professor of Medical Microbiology.

Gordon is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) and is currently the Chair of the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (ESCMID) Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), and a Fellow of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (FECMM). He is also an honorary member of the British Society for Medical Mycology (BSMM).

In October 2023, Gordon joined Glasgow Caledonian as a Professor of Infection Prevention and Control within ReaCH and as co-lead of the Safeguarding Health through Infection Prevention (SHIP) group.

Gordon’s research focuses on biofilm detection and control. He is currently funded through the following UKRI and industry-focused projects:

  1. EPSRC – Controlling diabetic foot ulcers
  2. Innovate UK – Treatment of bacterial vaginosis with probiotics
  3. BBSRC/Haleon – OMICs approaches to biofilm management
  4. BBSRC – Understanding polymicrobial biofilms on surfaces

I am delighted to be taking on the role as the new Director of the Research Centre for Health (ReaCH). It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and talented research community. ReaCH has benefited greatly from the leadership of Carol and Fred, and I hope to build on their achievements as we continue to strengthen our Centre's impact and reputation.