Dr T Elliot, Dr C Willmott
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests offer the public the opportunity to obtain information about their ancestry, genetic health risks and carrier status and in recent years have become increasingly popular. Patients receiving DTC test results indicating the possible existence of a potentially pathogenic genetic variant may seek NHS genetic testing to confirm these results. These patients might not otherwise not have been eligible for NHS genetic testing (because of an absence of family history or clinical symptoms). Studies have also raised concerns about high false-positive results in the data provided to consumers. This may lead to patients demanding repeat testing if the results of NHS tests do not match DTC test results. Concerns have also been raised about privacy and the use of DTC genetic data. This project will involve a review of the literature in relation to DTC genetic testing, and an examination of legal and ethical issues relating to such testing and the use of NHS resources to provide secondary testing, including (but not necessarily limited to) issues relating to confidentiality and privacy, resource allocation and possible liability in tort if the NHS were to refuse to provide genetic testing to individuals merely seeking confirmation of DTC results.
Entry requirements
• Candidates applying to the 4-year PhD should hold or expect to hold a UK first-class or upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree or a Master's degree in a relevant subject or overseas equivalent
• Candidates applying to the 1-year MSc + 4-year PhD should hold or expect to hold a first-class or upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree or overseas equivalent
• University of Leicester English language ( URL: https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/entry-reqs/eng-lang-reqs) requirements apply
Candidates who do not meet these entry requirements, but feel they have additional research experience should describe this clearly in the applicant statement.
Applicants should note that this programme is not intended for clinically active, medically qualified candidates.
Eligibility
UK/EU and International* applicants may apply.
*International applicants not applying from a Low or Middle Income Country must be able to demonstrate that they can fund the difference between UK/EU and International tuition fees for the duration of the PhD.
Enquiries
For project enquiries please contact the relevant Theme lead or the project supervisor in the first instance.
Administration and general enquiries to Sarah Robinson at [Email Address Removed].
To Apply
Please follow the application advice and submit your application using the online application form at
https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/wellcome-trust-2020