Fully funded four-year PhD programme in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at The University of Edinburgh

Application deadline: Thursday 21 April 2022, 12 noon (GMT)
Start date: September 2022

Martin Lee Doctoral Scholarship Programme in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
Scholarships available for candidates ordinarily resident in Hong Kong

This 4-year PhD with Integrated Studies programme aspires to educate the next generation of leaders and influencers in regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine aims to discover novel strategies to treat disease by replacing or regenerating damaged cells. The programme, based at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR), will deliver a broad range of cross-disciplinary training to equip graduates with the skills to drive the potential of regenerative medicine into advancements in human health.

Students will receive training from world-renowned experts in stem cell research, tissue repair and regenerative medicine. The programme will be embedded within IRR’s Postgraduate Training Framework. Specific training and networking opportunities, including visits to leading research centres in Hong Kong through summer schools, will foster a programme-specific cohort for Martin Lee Doctoral Scholars.

Visit the Martin Lee Doctoral Scholarship Programme website

Programme description

Year one: Foundation training and research rotation projects (180 credits)

Students will undertake laboratory skills training and will attend seminars and journal clubs. They will receive training in good research practice, scientific reasoning, research ethics and the critical assessment of research papers. Students will carry out two 12-week research projects and disseminate their findings through written and oral presentations. Assignments are credit bearing, and students need to obtain 180 credits for successful completion of their foundation year.

Years two to four: PhD research project (540 credits)

After the rotation projects, students will select their PhD topic, and design a detailed research proposal under guidance of their supervisor. Projects will span the breadth of research areas at IRR, ranging from fundamental science to clinical translation projects.

Students will receive training and support in state-of-the-art research facilities. Our students will become well-rounded graduates, skilled in working across various disciplines underpinning stem cell and regenerative medicine and equipped to take on challenging roles within academic, healthcare or industrial environments.

Take a virtual tour of IRR’s Centre for Regenerative Medicine

Why choose Edinburgh?

The University is globally recognised for its research, development and innovation and is consistently ranked one of the top 50 universities in the world.

You will work with some of the most influential academics in your chosen research area and learn about the latest developments in your subject.

Edinburgh is consistently voted one of the best cities in the world to live and study.

Eligibility and funding

We seek highly motivated candidates with at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in a relevant subject. Typically, candidates will have a good understanding of stem cells and/or regenerative medicine and some practical research experience.

Students will have their fees paid in full, and will receive a starting stipend of minimally £15,800 per annum, plus travel, training and research funds. Scholars from Hong Kong will be offered travel expenses to relocate to Edinburgh.

Scholarships are open only to those ordinarily resident in Hong Kong.

How to apply to the programme

Application details are available on our website. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview week commencing 16 May 2022. Interviews may be held online.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact the programme at IRR-PhD@ed.ac.uk.