Bronchiectasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by persistent neutrophilic inflammation in the airways. The disease is common worldwide but particularly in Asia where it is a common complication of tuberculosis. Bronchiectasis has no known treatment or cure and diagnosis is made by CT demonstrating permanent dilation of the bronchi. Patients with bronchiectasis have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to systemic inflammation. We have pioneered novel methods for assessment of neutrophil function including point-of-care testing of sputum and have developed new treatments that can target inflammation in the lungs. Despite this, new non-invasive methods of assessing inflammation and responses to treatment are needed.
Neutrophils are highly glycolytic and therefore consumed large amount of glucose. Areas of inflammation therefore appear bright on FDG-PET scanning (a diagnostic test widely used in the diagnosis of cancer). FDG-PET is also a highly effective way to image cardiovascular disease through inflammatory cells within atherosclerotic plaques.
We hypothesise that FDG-PET can be used to non-invasively quantify airway and vascular neutrophilic inflammation in people with bronchiectasis and to demonstrate response to treatment.
Patients with bronchiectasis will undergo FDG PET scan, along with sputum sampling for measurement of neutrophil numbers and neutrophil elastase/NETs, bacterial burden on other inflammatory markers. The relationship between FDG-PET and conventional measures of lung inflammation will be assessed.
Type: Imaging, immunology, cardiovascular, Clinical, dry lab Disease areas: Bronchiectasis
Studentship Funding
Fully funded scholarships are available to a limited number of students. These scholarships are funded for 1 year.
Funding includes:
- tuition fees (UK rate only)
- stipend –2022-23 - £16,062
- research consumables
We can only fund Home Fees. International students are welcome to apply but, if successful, must be able to fund the difference in fees.
Eligibility
Must possess or be expected to possess by the time of starting the Masters by Research, at least one of the following:
- First class, or 2(i) honours degree in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent
English language requirements
IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (Reading 5.5, Listening 5.5, Speaking 5.5 Writing 6.0)
How to apply
Candidates should provide a CV and a short statement (up to 500-words) supporting their application and email it to [Email Address Removed] by 30th November 2022. The short statement should include details of:
- Their personal motivation to undertake a multidisciplinary Masters by Research in respiratory medicine and infectious diseases.
- Why this training programme is of interest to them.
- Their preferred project and why they selected a particular project
Informal Dundee should be sent to the course director Professor James Chalmers: [Email Address Removed]
Candidates are strongly encouraged to discuss their applications with us in advance, and we are happy to arrange discussions with our previous postgraduate students.
Masters of research training programme in Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Disease
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic illustrates the critical importance of infectious diseases and respiratory medicine to global public health. Along with acute respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and pneumonia, non-communicable diseases such as COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis affects millions of people worldwide, with few effective or proven treatments. Research into respiratory infection is unlocking the potential of the microbiome to discover new treatments and diagnostic tests, with the potential to support precision medicine. Understanding the immunology of respiratory infections can lead to new treatments and vaccines to prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality. A masters in research in this exciting field will lay the perfect foundation for a career in medical research.
This course is particularly well suited to candidates who may wish to pursue a PhD degree in future.
The programme
This masters training programme offers opportunities for up to 3 students per year to join our research community.
Based in the Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee but with collaborators in multiple institutions, students will be embedded in multidisciplinary research teams conducting cutting edge research. Students will work alongside both clinicians and scientists conducting bench to bedside translational research. Excellent research training opportunities are provided, and previous masters and PhD students have won national and international awards as well as publishing high impact papers arising from their studies. Training opportunities include those provided by the Doctoral Academy in Dundee.