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Cathy Holt  BEng, PhD, PGDip, CEng, FIMechE

Professor Cathy Holt

BEng, PhD, PGDip, CEng, FIMechE

Professor
Director of Biomechanics Research

School of Engineering

Email
Holt@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 29208 74533
Campuses
Queen's Buildings, Room T/0.08, 5 The Parade, Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 3AA
Comment
Media commentator
Users
Available for postgraduate supervision

Overview

Professor Cathy Holt is a Professor of Biomechanics and Orthopaedic Engineering, in the Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University. She received her honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from University College Cardiff (1988), and her PhD from Cardiff University (1993), UK.

She is Director of the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility (MSKBRF), and a member of the Medical Engineering Research Group. She is CoPI, and Directs the Biomechanics Research for the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis,  She is also PI for the UK wide OATech+ Network Plus (EPSRC), and a founding member of the UK Imaging OA Consortium. Her achievements and and commitment to internationally recognised Orthopaedic Biomechanics  research have been recognised recently by The Suffrage Science Award (2017 to 2019). She is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Fellow of the International Orthopaedic Research Societies.

She is a member of the PSE College E D I Network, the University Dignity Contacts Group, and sits on the School Dignity (as a School Dignity Contact), and Wellbeing Groups.  In her role as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and  FIMechE she has previously Chaired the IMechE Biomedical Engineering Board and Orthopaedics TAC and sits on the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) Healthcare Policy Topic  Group. She was a founding member of the Biomedical Engineering Special Interest Group as a member of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, and also the IPEM/IET/IMechE Biomedical Engineering Working Group.

Professor Holt's main research interests are in 3D motion analysis, biomechanics and orthopaedic engineering. She has an international reputation for her research in the area of analysis and classification of joint function and novel applications of motion capture. Her ideas for developing motion capture, analysis and classification for orthopaedics and functional changes due to degenerative joint disease and surgical intervention have led to securing, with colleagues, external grant support of over £25 million. This is through interdisciplinary, collaborative research, infrastructure and equipment, across several Schools and includes >£5M in personal income from EPSRC/ARUK/Wellcome Trust ISSF/MRC CIC/HI/WG/Ser Cymru.

Her cross-school vision led to the co-ordination of a successful bid for the cross-disciplinary Arthritis Research UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre which has attracted £4.5M from Arthritis Research UK (since 2009) and over £10M from 6 Cardiff University Schools. She is the Biomechanics Research Director for the Centre.

Professor Holt is the Director for the £5M Welsh Government and Cardiff University funded Musculoskeletal Biomechancis Research Facility and was recently awarded an EPSRC OATech NetworkPlus, bringing together academics, clinicians and industry across to the UK.

Cathy has collaborated with UK and international universities and industrial companies from several countries, provided research leadership on projects funded by research councils, charity and industry, and contributed over 100 refereed research papers and abstracts to international journals and conferences in countries including the UK, USA and Europe.

She referees for several international journals and was Guest Editor for the International Journal of Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering. She has been a project reviewer for the European Commission, proposal evaluator for international and UK and several international Research Councils, member of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Peer Review College and an assessor for several charities.

Publication

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

Articles

Book sections

Books

Conferences

Research

Research theme: Health, Technology and the Digital World

Contracts

TitlePeopleSponsorValueDuration
10th Meeting: technical group on '3D analysis of human movement' International Society of Biomechanics.Holt CARoyal Society79028/10/2008 - 28/07/2009
Gait analysis of knee inplantsDr CA HoltDePuy UK 4489805/01/2002 - 04/01/2004
Development of a constitutive model for the peridontal ligament using a novel motion analysis techniqueEvans SL, Holt CAEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council 15813301/09/2003 - 31/08/2006
Cardiff Institute of Biomechanics and BioEngineering Research (CIBER)Holt CA, Evans SL, with BIOSI, MEDIC, SOHCS, DENTL, PHRMY & PSYCHArthritis Research Campaign50998701/08/2009 - 01/08/2014
Clinical validation of a new mathematical tool to classify normal pathological knee functionHolt CA, (with CARBS & MEDIC)Medical Research Council 2760401/07/2004 - 30/06/2005
Kinematic analysis of normal and pathological shoulder function: A study of the measurement accuracy and validity for use in objective functional classifiersDr CA HoltPlus Orthopaedics (UK) Ltd5000001/10/2006 - 30/09/2009
Using motion analysis techniques and objective classifiers to characterise mechanisms of human movement and postural control: Applications to orthopaedics and neurologyDr CA HoltRoyal Academy of Engineering3456201/09/2007 - 01/09/2008
The clinical validation of a new mathematical tool to diagnose and classify normal, pathological and TKR knee functionDr CA Holt, (with CARBS & COMSC & MEDIC)Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council 8683601/05/2005 - 31/10/2007
Investigation of gait and functional activities using 3D motion analysis in patients with knee osteoarthritis and in normal healthy volunteersSparkes V, Holt C, Whatling GGlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Pte Ltd76383.509/06/2014 - 31/03/2015
Human motion analysis of new kneeDr LDM Nokes, Dr CA HoltDePuy UK 1500001/01/2001 - 01/01/2004
Automated assessment of timing and movement signatures in Huntingdon's diseaseBusse (HCARE) Holt C, Hicks YWellcome Trust1630101/01/2016 - 31/12/2016
Adaptive assistive rehabilitative technology: Beyond the Clinic (AART:BC)Holt CEPSRC via Warwick19247601/04/2015 - 31/03/2018
Implementation of the development of single protein fibre matrix composties for high performance cartilage repair deviceHolt CTechnology Strategy Board9083401/02/2013 - 31/01/2015
Predicting and evaluating the surgical outcome following high tibial osteotomy using musculatoskeletal modelling, objective classification, imaging and biological mtestingHolt CARTHREX Ltd4950001/03/2010 - 28/02/2014
OsteoArthritis Technologies Network Plus (OATech+): A multidisciplinary approach to the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritisHolt CEPSRC96848601/07/2016 - 30/06/2020
Functional and Biological Assessment of a New Implant Material to Treat Focal Cartilage DefectsHolt C, Mason D (BIOSI)Ser Cymru NRN AEM2850001/04/2014 - 31/03/2017
ARUK Biomechanics & Bioengineering CentreHolt C, Whatling G, Evans SArthritis Research UK42000001/01/2016 - 31/12/2020
Musculoskeletal Research CentreHolt C, Whatling G, Jones P, Mitchard DWelsh Government250000001/04/2015 - 31/03/2017
The relationship between alignment, function and loading in total knee replacement: In-vivo analysis of a unique patient populationHolt C, Whatling G, Roberts H (BIOSI)Furlong Research Charitable Foundation2956201/08/2011 - 31/07/2012
Clinical validation of a new mathematical tool to diagnose and classify normal pathological TKR knee functionHolt CADePuy UK 4500001/10/2005 - 30/09/2008
The clinical validation of a new mathematical tool to diagnose and classify normal, pathological TKR knee functionHolt CADePuy International Ltd5000001/04/2009 - 31/03/2012
Digital image correlation as a technique to validate finite element modelsHolt CARoyal Society160001/03/2008 - 02/05/2008
Clinical validation of a new mathematical tool to diagnose and classify normal pathological TKR knee functionHolt CADePuy UK2000001/10/2005 - 31/12/2008
Arthritis Research UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering CentreDuance V, Caterson B, Mason D, Blain E, Evans B, Williams A, Jones S, Birchall J, Van Deursen R, Sparkes V, Aeschlimann D, Wise R, Holt C, Evans S, Whatling GArthritis Research UK1997401/10/2014 - 31/03/2015

Supervised Students

TitleStudentStatusDegree
Modelling of Metal on Metal Hip ProsthesesAL SAFFAR Ali Abd Al-Ameer HussienGraduatePhD
Knee Osteoarthritis is a Bilateral DiseaseMETCALFE Andrew JohnGraduateMD
BIOMECHANICAL LOADING OF THE KNEE JOINT - MEDICAL ENGINEERING.GHAZWAN Aseel Mohammed Ali HusseinCurrentPhD
Functional Analysis of the Shoulder Complex in Healthy and Pathological Subjects using Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis TechniquesLOVERN BarryGraduatePhD
Development Of Novel Methodologieas To Quantify, Analyse And Classifiy In-Vitro Knee Function Affected By Aging, Osteoarthritis And Total Knee ReplacementWATLING DanielGraduatePhD
A Contribution To The Clinical Validation Of A generic Method For The Classification Of Osteoarthritic And Non-Pathological Knee FunctionWHATLING Gemma MarieGraduatePhD
DYNAMIC MODELLING OF THE SHOULDER COMPLEX (MEDICAL ENGINEERING).LAFTA Hassanain AliCurrentPhD
Development of Novel System to Measure and Calculate Tooth Movements for Studying the Properties of Periodontal LigamentLIU HelenGraduatePhD
DATA FUSION OF RELATIVE MOVEMENT IN FAST REPETITIVE- ACTION SPORTS USING BODY WIRELESS AREA NETWORKS.ARMSTRONG Helen SianGraduatePhD
TBCEVERITT HollyGraduatePhD
The Development Of A Novel Technique In Measuring Human Skin Deformation In Vivo To Determine Its Mechanical PropertiesMAHMUD JamaluddinGraduatePhD
Development Of A Finite Element Model Of The Knee Using Patient Specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data And Biomechanical Testing Of Soft TissuesLI Joanna Yuen SaiGraduatePhD
A Novel Protocol For The Quantification Of Temproal And Postural Gait Parameters Of Rats And HumansMADETE June KaziraGraduatePhD
The Development of a Novel Method for the Classification of Osteoarthritic and Normal Knee FunctionJONES LianneGraduatePhD
In Vivo Measurment And Objective Classification Of Healthy, Injured And Pathological Shoulder InjurySTROUD LindsayGraduatePhD
Functional and Biological Assessment of a New Implant Material to Treat Focal Cartilage DefectsKHATIB NidalCurrentPhD
THE EFFECTS OF LOADING AND ALIGNMENT ON JOINT STRUCTURES DURING FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXERCISES IN KNEE PATIENTS AND HEALTHY SUBJECTSBIGGS Paul RobertCurrentPhD
An Investigation to Establish How The Evolution of Rugby Influences The Risk of Spinal Injury During ScrummagingSWAMINATHAN RameshThesis SubmittedPhD
Novel Approaches To The Development Of PMMA Bone CementsAYRE WayneGraduatePhD

Teaching

Biomechanics 1 Year 2) - Basic Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System

Biomechanics 2 (year 3) - Applicaition in Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System

Design (Year 2) - Enginerring Design Make and Test with industry partners

Egonomics (Year 4)

Year 3 Individual Projects

Clinical Teaching for Cardiff and Vale orthopaedic Centre - Training and Regsitry teaching

Holt, C. and Williams, D. 2018. Chapter 6: Biomechanics of the peripheral joints. In: Hochberg, M. C. et al. eds. Rheumatology, 2-Volume Set - 7e., Vol. 7e. Elsevier

Biography

School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Wales, UK

Professor Cathy Holt is a Professor of Biomechanics and Orthopaedic Engineering, in the Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University. She received her honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from University College Cardiff (1988), and her PhD from Cardiff University (1993), UK.

She is Director of the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility (MSKBRF), and a member of the Medical Engineering Research Group. She is CoPI, and Directs the Biomechanics Research for the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis,  She is also PI for the UK wide OATech+ Network Plus (EPSRC), and a founding member of the UK Imaging OA Consortium. Her achievements and and commitment to internationally recognised Orthopaedic Biomechanics  research have been recognised recently by The Suffrage Science Award (2017 to 2019). She is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Fellow of the International Orthopaedic Research Societies.

2019 -             Chair, Biomechanics & Orth Eng, School of Engineering, Cardiff

2011 - 19        Reader, Biomechanics & Orth Eng, School of Engineering, Cardiff

2007 - 08        Royal Academy of Engineering - Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellow

2007-             Honorary Research Fellow, Orthopaedics, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust

2006 -            Senior Lecturer, Biomechanics & Orth Eng, School of Engineering, Cardiff

2002-05         Lecturer, Biomechanics and Materials, School of Engineering, Cardiff

1996-01         Senior RA, Motion Analysis Lab Manager, School of Engineering, Cardiff

1993-96         RA, EPSRC/MOD, Tribology, School of Engineering, Cardiff

1990-93         RA, EPSRC, Tribology, School of Engineering, Cardiff

1988-90         PGR Student, SERC, Tribology, School of Engineering, Cardiff

1987              Summer Placement, Joint European Torus, UKAEA, Abingdon, Oxford

Qualifications

1998              P.G.Dip. Clinical Gait Analysis, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

1993              Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wales, Cardiff

1988              B.Eng. (Hons.) 2:1 Mechanical Engineering, University College Cardiff

Significant achievements

  • PI, EPSRC NetworkPlus, OATech+ track record for leading large research networks, recognition in field of osteoarthritis technology research, 4 CIs & >100 partners across engineering, science, medicine, NHS and Industry, (>£1M), 2016-19
  • Founder, Co-PI, Manager & Director, Biomechanics Research, ARUK Biomechanics & Bioengineering Centre (ARUKBBC), non-competitive resubmission, translation, clinically important studies & sustained research income with > 50 academic/research staff & 20. MD/PhD students, (£4.5M ARUK/£7.5M CU), 2009 -19
  • Chair, IMechE Biomedical Engineering Association Board, RAEng Biomedical Engineering Panel member; Biomedical Engineering Special Interest Group or IPEM/BES, 2016-
  • PI/Project Lead, Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility (HEFCW/Welsh Government, £2.5M/ Cardiff University £2.5M), 2014
  • EPSRC Assistive, Adaptive & Rehab Technology Sandpit, AARTBC funding (>£2M), 2014
  • Speaker/Mentor, RAEng, Biomedical Engineering Futures, 2006 & 2014
  • Chair, IMechE Biomed. Eng. Assoc. Board and Osthopaedic TAC
  • IMechE/IET/IPEM Working Committee on Biomedical Engineering, 2012-14
  • Co-Chair, IMechE, International Conf. Knee/Hip, London, 2013 - 2015
  • BBC Academy, Women Experts media training, 2013
  • International Shoulder Group Council, International Society of Biomechanics, 2011 -13
  • IMechE Academic Assessment Committee; Academic and Industrial Assessor, 2011 -13
  • Non-clinical member, British Elbow & Shoulder Society, 2011–13 and American ORS, 2014
  • Royal Academy of Engineering/Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship, 2007- 08
  • CEng, IMechE, with a direct recommendation to FIMechE, 2007
  • Guest Editor, Special Editions: Intl. J. CMBBE, 2008; Proc. IMechE. Part H, 2009
  • EPSRC College: Peer Review and Panel member (ongoing)

School, University and external management, administrative, leadership

  • School of Engineering Administration: School Board; Staff Executive Committee; Chair, School E&D Committee; Lead School Athena Swan Application- 2007 – 2014 (Bronze), now AS Exec and Self Assessment Committees.
  • University Administration: E&D Contacts liaison for School, CPSE Equality Forum member, The Way Forward Research Initiative.
  • School of Engineering Research: Biomedical Engineering Research Group Leader, Health Security & the Digital World Research Theme, Line Manager: 3 academics/3 PDRAs.

Cross-University Research:

  • Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER): Research, Management and Learning & Teaching Committee leading to Tissue Engineering & Repair MSc (2000-12).
  • Founder, PI, Manager, Team Leader and now Biomechanics Research Director for the Arthritis Research UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre of Excellence (£10M plus £2.5M, 6 University Schools, 2009 onwards)

External Commitments:

  • Co-Chair, Intl. Conf. Knee and Hip Surgery and Rehab, IMechE, London, Nov 2013, 2015
  • Chair, Orthop. Tech. Adv. Com., Biomedical Engineering Assoc. Board, IMechE, 2012-
  • Chair, Biomedical Engineering Association Board, IMechE, 2016 -
  • Biomedical Engineering SIG, IPEM/BES, 2016 -
  • Chair, Annual Biomedical Engineering Student Competition, 2013- 16
  • Elected, Intl. Shoulder Group Committee (ISB), 2011- 16
  • FIMechE, CEng: Academic Assessment Committee and Assessor, 2011-
  • Nominated/Elected - non-clinical member of British Elbow and Shoulder Society, 2011-
  • Arthritis Research UK, OA & Crystal Diseases CSG, Ad-hoc Panel Advisor, 2011-
  • Meditech Steering & Technical Committee: Medical technology network – academic /industrial partners including: ARUP, S&N, Simpleware, National Physical Laboratory

Referee, reviewer, higher degree examiner and academic recruitment

  • Invited External Advisor and Examiner: Southampton University Biomed Eng Degree, 2016; Biomedical Engineering UG, Dublin City University (2010-15)
  • PhD, MPhil and MSc Examiner/Reviewer: Imperial College (3), Bath (2), Leeds (2), Newcastle (2), Salford (1), Strathclyde (1), East Anglia (1), Birmingham (1), Northumbria (1), Cardiff (5), W. Australia (1), Sydney (1), Uni Tech MARA Malaysia (1), University of Brussels, KU Leuven (1)
  • Academic Recruitment/Referee: Trinity College Dublin; Oxford; Newcastle (2009-14).
  • Reviewer: RC -Sweden/Leuven Uni; BUPA; Roy. Coll. Surgeons; British Council, Furlong
  • Journal Reviewer – many journals including Arth and Rheum, Bone Research Journal, J. Biomechanics; CORR, Gait & Posture; IMechE Proc, RS Interface, Plos One,
  • Conference Abstract reviews: IMechE Inl. Knee/Hip Meetings, 2013/15, ICAME2010, Malaysia, 2010; ESB, Edinburgh, 2010; BORS 2010; CMBBE 2008-12, ORS (2015)
  • Prize judge: IMechE Knee (2013), CMBBE (2008-12); BORS (2009-10); CITER
  • Conference organiser/Technical Committee reviewer/Chair/Session Chair: ORS (2015), IMechE Knee/Hip/Upper limb (2013/15); ICCM2013, CMBBE (2008 - 12); ESB; UKSBG3 (2009 -12); Medical Devices Faraday Partnership-Orthopaedics (2006)
  • Guest Editor: Journal Special Issues/Sections: Intl. J CMBBE, Motion Analysis and Musculoskeletal Modelling, Taylor & Francis, 2008; IMechE:H, Engineering the Upper Limb, 2009; J Strain. Analysis for Engineering Design, 2014 (In progress).

Honours and awards

Her achievements and and commitment to internationally recognised Orthopaedic Biomechanics  research have been recognised recently by The Suffrage Science Award (2017 to 2019).

As a Chartered Engineer (CEng), she is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Fellow of the International Orthopaedic Research Societies.

She was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering/Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship, 2007

Professional memberships

  • IMechE: CEng FIMechE
  • Chair BmEA Board, Chair Orthopaedics TAC, IMechE (2017 - 2019)
    • Chair, Annual Medical Engineering Student Competition,2013, 2017
    • Co-Chair IET/IMechE Annual Student Healthcare Technology Competitions 2014-15
    • Co-Chair, IMechE Knee and Hip conferences, 2013- 2015
    • RAEng Biomeical Engineering Panel member - now Healthcare Technology Policy Group
    • IPEM, Biomedical Engineering Special Interest Group
    • IPEM/IET/IMechE Biomeical Engineering Working Group
  • EPSRC College (2006-): Peer Reviewer/Panel member
  • Reviewer, BBSRC/MRC/Royal Society/Welcome Trust, ARUK, ORUK, Dunhill Trust (2012-).
  • EU (2007) Intl Peer and Panel Review, Brussels, FP6 (2007) & FP7 (2013), H2020 (2017)
  • ISB, ISG, ESB, ESMAC, BORS, ORS, OARSI membership- ongoing:
  • Journal Special Issue, Guest Editor:
  • International Journal of Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering (CMBBE): Motion Analysis and Musculoskeletal Modelling.
  • Proceedings of the IMechE, Journal of Engineering in Medicine: Engineering the Upper Limb.

Academic positions

  • Guest Lecturer
    • Leeds University, Biomechanics Course
    • Bath University, Advanced Biomechanics
    • UiTM Shah Alam Malaysia
    • medical Devices Lecture module at the Katholik University of Leuven, Belgium
  • External examiner of MSc and MPhil at Leeds and Newcastle Universities.
  • External examiner of PhD students at many UK universities including Bath, Imperial College London, Salford, Newcastle, Liverpool John Moores, Leeds, Strathclyde, Swansea, University of Western Australia
  • External examiner for UG Degrees:
    • DCU, Dublin (2013 -2016)
    • QMUL, London (2017 -)

Supervisions

Current supervision

Polly Blaikie

Polly Blaikie

Research student

Marina De Vecchis

Marina De Vecchis

Research student