Postgraduate research opportunities Development of cerebral organoids as a human model of stroke
ApplyKey facts
- Opens: Wednesday 16 October 2024
- Number of places: Funding must be in place to cover tuition fees, stipend and bench fees.
- Duration: 3 to 4 years, depending on funding
Overview
This research project will develop novel cutting-edge technology using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived cerebral organoids are a powerful tool for the in vitro study of stroke. iPSC-derived cerebral organoids will be as close as we can get to a human model of stroke that will be more biologically relevant whilst reducing the volume of animals used in stroke research.Eligibility
Upon application
Project Details
Background
Clinical translation of potential therapeutic agents for stroke has been hindered by a lack of appropriate models and technologies in preclinical stroke research. Their lack of internal validity and heterogeneity has been attributed to attrition in clinical trials. This research project will develop novel cutting-edge technology using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived cerebral organoids are a powerful tool for the in vitro study of stroke. iPSC-derived cerebral organoids will be as close as we can get to a human model of stroke that will be more biologically relevant whilst reducing the volume of animals used in stroke research. The in vitro mechanisms underpinning stroke will be studied and novel strategies for therapeutic intervention will be tested. As a future pharmaceutical, iPSC-derived cerebral organoids can be developed to treat stroke and deliver immature neuronal-like cells to improve recovery after stroke.
Aim
This PhD project will be part of a programme of work that aims to develop iPSC-derived cerebral organoids as an in vitro model of stroke and thereafter test therapeutic candidates.
Techniques
The project is multi-disciplinary bringing together expertise in cell biology, pharmacology and tissue engineering,. Techniques will include cell culture, stem cell biology, the use of biomaterials to support stem cells and a range of techniques to assess outcomes including cytology, molecular biology approaches and imaging.
Impact
This project will help address the 3Rs in animal research (refinement, replacement and reduction). By the end of this PhD, it is hoped that the PhD student will have not only developed iPSC-derived cerebral organoids as an in vitro model for stroke, which would be attractive to future NC3Rs funding but also will have revealed novel therapeutic agents for stroke.
Funding details
Please note that there is currently no funding available for this PhD position.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore alternative funding sources, such as scholarships, grants and fellowships. Possible sources of external funding include:
- national and international scholarship programmes
- research councils and foundations
- industry sponsorships and partnerships
We are committed to supporting applicants in their search for funding and can provide assistance with identifying and applying for external funding opportunities. Applicants are also encouraged to discuss their funding plans with their prospective supervisor to explore potential avenues for support.
For more information on potential funding sources and assistance, please visit .
While there is no funding in place for opportunities marked "unfunded", there are lots of different options to help you fund postgraduate research. Visit funding your postgraduate research for links to government grants, research councils funding and more, that could be available.
Apply
Number of places: Funding must be in place to cover tuition fees, stipend and bench fees.
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SIPBS (Biomedical Sciences)
Programme: SIPBS (Biomedical Sciences)