5 studentships starting October 2011
Application deadline: Friday 7th January 2011
Interviews to be held week commencing 24th Jan 2011

Metabolic and cardiovascular diseases are two of the most serious health problems facing society today. This cross-disciplinary PhD programme aims to train scientists in the techniques needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these complex disorders in order to develop better therapeutic strategies.

The programme brings together over 50 basic and clinical scientists with expertise in areas such as biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, endocrinology, human physiology, animal models, neurophysiology, epidemiology and vascular biology.

During the first year students will

• Develop their research experience by conducting short projects in three participating laboratories
• Attend weekly ‘hot topics’ discussions led by recognized research leaders, and take part in lab-group meetings and weekly seminars,
• Attend training courses to develop transferable skills

This initial training allows students to gain first-hand experience of some of the diverse research areas and techniques associated with metabolic and cardiovascular disease before they choose their PhD research project for years 2-4.

At the end of the first year work is submitted for an MRes degree.

Support includes stipend at Wellcome Trust rates (£19,339 from October 2011) for home/EU and overseas students.