Michael J. Cork

Michael J. Cork, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Dermatology at the Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield. He is also Head of Sheffield Dermatology in the Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease at the University of Sheffield Medical School, and Honorary Consultant Dermatologist to both Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. His research includes atopic eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, vitiligo and the genetics of skin disease, but his main interest lies in the identification of gene-environment interactions in the development of atopic dermatitis and skin barrier breakdown. His research also seeks to understand how topical agents interact with the skin barrier, to enhance the treatment of atopic dermatitis.  

He co-developed Sheffield Dermatology Research, a facility that uses a unique combination of techniques to assess how topical wash products, emollients and topical/systemic pharmaceutical agents affect the integrity of the skin barrier and inflammation. They also collaborate closely with clinical research facilities for adult dermatology at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. This collaboration has led to performing over 30 clinical trials of new treatments and biologic drugs.