Tuberculosis research Attenborough Arts sanatorium

The Leicester Tuberculosis Research Group is hosting a special event to mark World TB Day on Tuesday (24 March).

World TB Day aims to raise awareness of the infectious disease that attacks the lungs and still has a significant global impact across health, culture, and society.

The Leicester Tuberculosis Research Group, based at the University of Leicester, brings together key stakeholders including patients, nurses, scientists, public health officials and clinicians with a focus on development of new approaches to preventing, detecting and treating the infection thereby contributing to future eradication of the disease. 

On Tuesday, Attenborough Arts Centre, will showcase a new film piece by internationally-acclaimed UK artist Ilona Sagar, entitled ‘Other Actors’ – part of its Culture Talk series.

The installation and research project explores the relationship between architecture, health, and the human body, through the lens of the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland. It follows a collaboration between Ilona and Leicester Tuberculosis Research Group (LTRG) who spoke to her about the research taking place to combat the disease.

Paimio Sanatorium was designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto and completed between 1929 and 1933. It represents a radical shift in the design for health - conceived as an “instrument for healing”, its architectural design focused on the horizontal perspective of the sick rather than the vertical perspective of the healthy. 

At the time of filming, the sanatorium is at a significant moment in its transition from hospital to a new purpose reflecting the cautious optimism that Finland is moving forwards from the historical influence of tuberculosis. As restoration progresses, the film examines its status as a building in flux.

Drawing on the work of Leicester Tuberculosis Research Group, the film provides a contemporary perspective on a disease often thought to be a relic of the past. 

Cases in Leicester remain high today, with latest available figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing there were more than 5,000 cases of the disease in England in 2024. If left untreated, the illness can cause irreversible lung damage. 

Dr Pranab Haldar from the LTRG, said: “The greatest risk from TB is to overlook its continuing impact on human health. Disease rates are rising globally and we are seeing the effects of this in ethnically diverse cities like Leicester. Our local rates are now the highest in the UK with over 40 new cases of TB diagnosed for every 100,000 residents.”

Professor Andrea Cooper, added: “At the University of Leicester, our group has been a strong local advocate, working in partnership with Leicester Hospitals, Leicester City Council and our local community to deliver research that will improve care for our patients and beyond.” 

The 60-minute film will be introduced by members of the Tuberculosis Research Group, followed by a panel discussion with Ilona Sagar and University of Leicester speakers. The evening will conclude with an audience Q&A, creating space for conversation about tuberculosis, research, and the wider cultural and social dimensions of disease.