We are pleased to announce the recipients of our 2022 Brain Research UK PhD studentships.
The two new Brain Research UK PhD students – Harsh Bhatt and Danielle Marsh – embark on their PhDs this Autumn.
Each year we call for applications from individuals planning to pursue a PhD focused on research into one of our priority areas: CNS tumours, brain and spinal cord injury, or headache and facial pain.
Both of this year's successful candidates are focused on the brain tumour glioblastoma.
Whilst each of their projects is important in its own right, equally important is that we are nurturing the development of promising young scientists, who we hope will go on to develop long and illustrious careers in areas of neurological research that we have identified as being in particular need of funding.
As an academic neurosurgery trainee, Harsh has treated many patients with glioblastoma. He is passionate to improve understanding of their disease and help improve treatments. This PhD studentship is enabling him to take time out from his neurosurgical training to pursue this aim.
His research focuses on telomeres, sections of DNA that cap and protect the ends of our chromosomes. Telomere dysfunction plays a role in the development of cancer, and Harsh will build a picture of its role in glioblastoma.
Find out more about Harsh's research
Danielle was inspired to pursue further research into brain tumours when she was involved in the development of models for the study of tumours such as glioblastoma as part of her Masters in Biomedical Science.
She is now carrying out research focused on a protein called CBX2, which is known to be found at higher levels in glioblastoma than in healthy brain tissue, and which has a demonstrated role in some other cancers.
Find out more about Danielle's research
Brain Research UK PhD studentships are open to both clinical and non-clinical candidates, providing funding of up to £130,000 to cover fees, stipend and research expenses.
We will consider applications from prospective students proposing to carry out research that addresses areas of large unmet need and demonstrates a clear pathway to clinical impact in one of our three priority research areas: neuro-oncology, acquired brain and spinal cord injury, and headache and facial pain.
Find out how to apply: 2022 PhD studentship call
