DrAndrew Ritchie

Dr Ritchie’s research focuses on the molecular and structural mechanisms underpinning early respiratory disease and their translation into clinical impact. His scientific foundation began with undergraduate proteomic laboratory experience, establishing an early interest in molecular profiling and systems biology.

As a prestigious NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in Dr Sebastian Johnston’s laboratory at Imperial College London, he investigated the adverse effects of unopposed β₂-agonists in asthma using RNA sequencing and mechanistic studies in collaboration with the Salk Institute, La Jolla. This work advanced understanding of epithelial-immune interactions and the unintended pro-inflammatory consequences of commonly used asthma therapies.

His subsequent PhD examined the mechanisms of COPD exacerbations, identifying key clinical, structural, and microbiological determinants of early disease progression. Most recently, a landmark publication in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM) demonstrated the structural predictors of lung function decline in young smokers, using advanced imaging analytics and machine learning techniques developed in collaboration with Professor Eric Hoffman at the University of Iowa and the VIDA team.

\

Dr Ritchie’s ongoing research continues to explore the early pathogenesis of COPD, mucin biology and bronchiectasis. He applies clinical, molecular, and data-science methodologies to develop precision-medicine approaches aimed at preventing disease progression and improving respiratory health outcomes.