Prof P Luthert
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
About the Project
This project aims to advance our understanding of how diabetes affects the eye. Diabetes is an increasingly challenging health problem and one of the most feared complications is loss of vision. It has been known for many years that there is a sequence of changes in the retina, the light sensing tissue layer at the back of the eye. These changes are easily seen by ophthalmoscopy. What is much harder to see is the highly vascular tissue, the choroid, which lies between the retina and the outer coat of the eye. As a result this tissue, which sustains the outer retina, is much less studied. There are some data suggesting that the choroid is affected in diabetes and in this project the primary aim is to understand the significance of those changes.
We have previously developed computational models of the choroidal vasculature that make it possible to predict adequacy of blood flow and in turn, delivery of oxygen, glucose and other nutrients to the outer retina. In this project whole mounts of the choroidal circulation of donor eyes with and without diabetes will be studies to generate anatomical data that will drive the computational models. We will also look for evidence of parallel changes in the retina. Finally, there will also be the opportunity to develop computational models of outer retinal metabolism to elucidate in more detail not only how vascular changes affect the retina but also how diabetes – induced metabolic changes affect the system as a whole.
UCL Institute of Ophthalmology has very well-equipped laboratories and, through a longstanding collaborator, Professor Ian Eames in Mechanical Engineering, access to computational fluid dynamic expertise and UCL’s high performance computing facility. The combination of biological, pathological and computational expertise available makes this a very exciting multidisciplinary project. The group also collaborates closely with colleagues in the USA and there will be scope for a visit to a US lab, particularly to support the human tissue work.
The successful candidate will gain experience in computational models of biological processes, mechanisms of human disease and morphological techniques including immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy and image processing.
Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a minimum upper-second class honours degree or equivalent in a biological science or in maths, computer science, physics or engineering. They must have a willingness to learn about either the biology or the computational aspects of the project if they have no previous experience in one or other of these areas. Previous research experience is desirable. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with excellent scientific potential.
Formal applications should be submitted in the form of a CV and covering letter outlining motivation, interest, and suitability for this project to Prof Phil Luthert by emailing [Email Address Removed]. Contact details for three references should also be provided. Informal enquiries may be made directly to Prof Luthert on 02076086818 or by email.
Funding Notes
Applications are invited for a distinguished 3-year Santen PhD studentship as part of our collaboration with Santen Pharmaceuticals The post will commence as soon as possible. The studentship covers a tax-free stipend across the three years (£22,278 in the first year), in addition to which tuition fees at the UK/EU (“Home”) rate will be paid from the grant.