Haresh Selvaskandan

MSc Clinical Trials, 2024

Dr Haresh Selvaskandan is an NIHR Clinical Lecturer of Nephrology, based at the University of Leicester, United Kingdom. He has a strong interest in glomerular diseases and has broad expertise in translational research. His work includes the application of laboratory-based methods (transcriptomics, digital spatial profiling) to identify new pathways for treatment, managing and analysing large datasets, and clinical trial delivery related to glomerular diseases. Dr. Selvaskandan also has a keen interest in medical technology and AI, and holds leadership positions with national and international networks related to the deployment of medical technology and the delivery of glomerular disease related clinical trials.

Dr Selvaskandan completed his medical degree with honours in 2013. He simultaneously undertook a research-focused Bachelor of Sciences, from which he graduated with a first-class degree. He pursued his interest in glomerular diseases through an NIHR funded Academic Clinical Fellowship, which allowed him to train in nephrology whilst undertaking a Masters in Research methods. He was awarded a distinction for this, and presented and published his work related to novel biomarkers and therapies for glomerular diseases. He subsequently secured a competitive Kidney Research UK Fellowship which allowed him to study the application of digital spatial transcriptomics to IgA nephropathy, a glomerular disease that progresses to kidney failure with few disease-specific therapies approved for treatment. This work has been presented internationally, has won awards, and secured him a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD).

During his time as a nephrology trainee and a PhD student, he actively sought opportunities to become involved in clinical trials. Engaging as sub-investigator and associate-principal investigator for several clinical trials for kidney diseases, he acclimated to the practical aspects of trial management and gained insights into the challenges of site selection, recruitment, and retention. He has since secured a European Renal Association (ERA) – ERAC fellowship to pursue a Masters of Science in Clinical Trials with the Nuffield Department of Population Health, with the hopes of advancing the care of those with kidney disease worldwide.