RESEARCH PROFILE
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Contact Division for details.
Head of group/division
Professor Patrick Doherty
Duration
Expected to be: Three to four years FT, or four-six years PT. Registration usually October although students may commence at any time.
Location
Guy's Campus.
Year of entry 2012
Offered by
School of Biomedical Sciences
Closing date
Studentships will have a closing date stipulated on the advertisement. Self-funded students should apply at least three months before the proposed start date.
Intake
Normally 10.
Fees
CONTACTS
Contact information
Health Schools Admissions Centre, Guy's Campus, tel 020 7848 8393.
Email
Website
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION
Over the last two decades, there have been tremendous advances in our understanding of the molecules and principles that govern the functioning of the nervous system. Great progress has been made to understand the molecular basis of disease states and pain, and the molecular mechanisms that limit regeneration. These advances enable innovative neuroscience and the opportunity to translate new knowledge into clinical benefits.
Our mission is to:
• further understand the causes of neuropathic disease, identify new drug targets, develop treatments and monitor outcomes;
• study synaptic receptors and neuronal signalling mechanisms to promote symptomatic relief from the pain and dysfunction associated with a damaged nervous system; and
• develop and test strategies aimed at restoring function to the damaged nervous system by promoting cell survival and forming new synaptic connections or neurons.
Much of our thinking is driven by the emerging hypothesis that the brain does indeed have an intrinsic ability to limit damage associated with brain injury and disease and to repair itself by regenerative and compensatory mechanisms. Our goal is to understand the nature of these processes, and to devise strategies that ultimately go beyond symptomatic relief. Within the division our aim is to advance knowledge in our subject matter through collaborative multidisciplinary studies that use core resources including bioinformatics and expression profiling of proteins.
Our expertise ranges from genetic, biochemical and bioinformatic approaches for novel gene discovery, molecular modelling of protein-protein interactions, cell biology to whole animal approaches to study neuronal survival and regeneration and observational studies at the level of the whole animal. In addition, we have experience in running clinical trials in stroke and dementia. We will focus our activities around three major themes, but emphasise that the interests of most PIs cut across the themes.
Staff interests associated with the research programme and its research groups
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Pain
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020 7848 6193
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Receptors, Channels and Signalling
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020 7848 6193
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ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum 2:1 BSc first degree in science, medicine or dentistry, or an overseas equivalent. Relevant experience may also be acceptable. Please speak to your preferred supervisor before applying.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Studentships will be advertised in
New Scientist Study,
Nature Jobs ,
findaphd.com , the College’s
Health Schools Studentships website or on
www.jobs.ac.uk.
Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by at least two academics. Proposed research projects must be approved by the School Postgraduate Research Committee before an offer can be made.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
A personal statement and full transcripts for all degrees you have undertaken are required. Please also list A-level subjects and the grades achieved. The transcript for each degree should list all modules taken and the grades achieved on each. Applicants who are still enrolled on a course should supply partial transcripts of the modules taken and grades achieved so far and should also supply a list of the modules that are currently being taken. Applicants who have not yet graduated should state the date when results are expected.
FUNDING
- Research Councils (MRC, BBSRC)
- Charities (including the Wellcome Trust, British Pharmacological Society, International spinal Research Trust, Alzheimer's Society: Motor Neurone Association)
- Industry (including Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Astra- Zeneca, Biogen, Eli Lilly & Co Ltd, Lunbeck AG, GlaxoSmithKline)
- Private (self-funding)
Student profiles
Age-Related Diseases (Wolfson Centre for) MPhil/PhD, MD (Res)
The International Spinal Research Trust (ISRT), which promotes worldwide scientific networking, funds my research. London is a particularly advantageous location, providing endless access to a range of advanced courses to develop as a person as well as a professional.
The professionals I work with have vast expertise in neurosurgery and tissue culturing for the re-establishment of normal cell-cell relationships and electrophysiology to repair the injured CNS. National collaboration has significantly enhanced and broadened my medical knowledge and scientific expertise on body tissue regeneration. In 2004, the ISRT financed me to attend an international conference organised by the Society for Neurosciences in San Diego.
Within UK law, and at King's, traditional ethical principles guide the development of the latest medical technologies and advancements. Following encouragement from KCL Enterprises to design commercial devices and products, I plan to help the general public gain access to medical technologies on completion of my doctorate.
Age-Related Diseases (Wolfson Centre for) MPhil/PhD, MD (Res)
I have long been interested in pursuing a graduate research degree during my undergraduate studies in Canada. I decided to come to King’s because of its excellent reputation in the world, especially in the field of my research interest to understand mechanisms underlying pain conditions. In addition, its high proportion of graduate students demonstrates to me King’s commitment to be a top research university across multiple disciplines.
When I first arrived at King’s, I was astounded by its locations around the city, being surrounded by top cultural icons of London. I very much enjoy the convenience of my location at Guy’s Campus, where we can reach the Thames and Borough Market within minutes. While at the same time, the newly redecorated centered grass fields of Guy’s Campus offer a much-needed relaxing place and deep contrast to the busy and exciting life in London.
I am currently enrolled in the PhD program at the Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases and fully funded by Roche Pharmaceuticals and various Canadian and British scholarships that include the Overseas Research Student Award. I believe King’s reputation contributed to my success in obtaining these research funding. It has been an invaluable experience attending King’s- being able to enjoy the lively culture in one of the metropolitan centres of the world while having the chance to learn alongside from the many of the most brilliant scientists in the world.