Research degrees in Medicine and Dentistry

W3MF

Introduction

See also: the website for School of Medicine and Dentistry

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry and its member Institutes house a thriving academic research community. Our position as one of the country's top four medical schools has been confirmed by the latest Research Assessment Exercise (2008), which also placed us top in London for the quality of our research.

All of our academic staff are engaged in leading research - adding to the body of knowledge in their field of expertise and benefiting the students they teach and supervise. We welcome applications for research degrees and pride ourselves on the support and opportunities we provide to our postgraduate students. We also have clear policies on student supervision and monitoring.

If you are thinking of applying for one of our research degrees or to study with us for a PhD, you can find details of our research areas and staff research interests listed under each of our constituent institutes, together with our contact details in case you have any queries or require further information from us.

We have an excellent record of attracting high quality postgraduate students. As a research student at Barts, we encourage you to develop your career to its fullest potential, helping you to make the most of your career opportunities, both academically and commercially, at national and international levels.

Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science

The Institute is made up of the following research centres:

• Centre for Cutaneous Research
• Centre for Diabetes
• Centre for Digestive Diseases
• Centre for Primary Care and Public Health
• Centre for Immunology and Infectious Disease
• Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma
• Centre for Paediatrics

• the development of innovative, interdisciplinary and cutting-edge programmes of research and education
  
• the provision of an intellectual environment and infrastructure for internationally leading research and training opportunities
  
• the development of partnerships with neighbouring NHS Trusts and local communities in east London to build research collaborations that address the health needs of our local population.

• genomic medicine
• stem cells and tissue regeneration
• immune systems
• human clinical sciences
• population sciences.

• Apoptotic Pathways in Melanoma
• Cancer Research UK Skin Tumour Laboratory
  Cell Immortalisation
• Epithelial Stem Cells
• Genetically Inherited Skin Disease
• Hair Biology and Basal Cell Carcionoma
• Keratinocyte Migration and Invasion
• Membrane Transport Biology
• Skin Barrier
• Wound Healing and Tissue Engineering

• mechanistic evidence for the carcinogenicity of the immunosuppressive azathioprine in skin, revealing a therapy-related cancer risk
• evidence for human papillomavirus (HPV) modulation of AKT signalling, and a possible role for AKT2 in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• that Axl is a novel marker of squamous cell carcinoma
• ABCA12 as the gene for the severe congenital skin disease Harlequin Ichthyosis, resulting in the development of rapid prenatal screening for affected families
• RSPO4 as the gene for anonychia, therefore a key role for the Wnt pathway in nail development translational research into the identification of novel new polymers to support tissue engineered skin and characterisation of survival characteristics of engineered skin on patients.
• development of a burns network
• promotion of cell migration by hypoxia via metalloproteinase-9 and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase in keratinocyte migration on matrix
• a signalling role for cadherins of the epidermal desomosome and the role of AKT signalling and its downstream pathway in skin barrier formation the first description of a non gap-junction functional role for connexin 31.
   

• genomics and gene-to-environment interactions in diabetes and related disorders
• immune mechanisms in diabetes
• insulin action and secretion in metabolic and cardiovascular disease
• inositide signalling
• stem cells.

• the discovery of novel genes associated with T2D using a genome-wide association scan and the first evidence of gene-to-gene interaction increasing susceptibility to disease
• the use of epigenetics to elucidate mechanisms of disease
• the demonstration of the importance of autoimmune diabetes through co-ordinated research programs such as ACTION LADA
• a landmark study demonstrating the feasibility of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in T2D using a statin
• establishing the role of the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases in the control of the function in insulin-sensitive tissues and in pancreatic beta cells
• the identification of a novel signalling pathway important for insulin action in muscles and adipocytes
• the identification of the critical role of the enzyme phospholipase C gamma1 in metastasis development.

Centre for Digestive Diseases:
 
The Centre undertakes research and teaching into all aspects of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and nutrition.
 
The Centre was established in 2009 and brings together the former Centres for gastroenterology and Academic Surgery. In so doing, we are directly aligned to the Digestive Diseases Clinical Academic Unit (CAU) at Barts and The London NHS Trust.
 
We are one of the very few units undertaking research in both paediatric and adult disease. The Centre is organised as a research community with principal investigators grouped into major interdisciplinary research groupsencompassing: epithelial cell biology; infection, immunity and inflammation; hepatology; neurogastroenterology; ano-rectal physiology; colorectal cancer and colorectal surgical development.
 
The Gastrointestinal Physiology Unit, an integral part of the Centre and a national referral centre, develops new investigations of colorectal function. Reconstructive surgery is conducted in the Colorectal Development Unit, established in 1997 with NSCAG funding. There is a longstanding tradition of research in neurogastroenterology within the Centre, established by Professor David Wingate in the 1970s. This group is housed in a purpose-built facility, the Wingate Institute and is closely linked to the neurogastroenterology interests of the Academic Centre of Surgery.
 
Major achievements within the Centre include:

• establishing the field of nutrition and gene regulation in the intestine, particularly epigenetic regulation
• identification that the chromosomal region harbouring IL1 and IL21 underlies the susceptibility to coeliac disease using a genome-wide association scan
• elucidating the mechanism by which Dengue and Hepatitis viruses inhibit interferon signalling
• discovering the central importance of interferon-gamma in the intestine resistance to infection with Cryptosporidium
• developing a new vaccine platform to immunise against viruses
• cerebral imaging of visceral pain; and elucidation of pain neuronal pathways from the upper GI tract in order to identify new therapeutic targets.
• The Centre also teaches gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition to undergraduates. Postgraduate teaching is undertaken in the MSc Programme in Gastroenterology. 

Centre for Primary Care and Public Health:
 
The Centre brings together multidisciplinary research groupings addressing a range of themes in primary healthcare, public health and medical sociology.
 
We are committed to addressing global health challenges while at the same time improving health outcomes locally in the ethnically diverse and socio-economically deprived community of east London.
 
We have expertise in a range of research methodologies including observational epidemiology, randomised trials, design and implementation of complex interventions, translational research, and qualitative and developmental research, as well as extensive experience in postgraduate teaching (traditional and online) and PhD support.
 
Following the recent major expansion and restructuring of the Centre, a new International Postgraduate Programme comprising modular MSc courses in primary healthcare, public health and global health, together with an expanded PhD programme, is currently in development and is expected to commence in 2012-13. Please check our website for updates.
 
Examples of current research include:
Environmental and respiratory health

• managing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OEDIPUS, MEDEA, BELLA projects)
• the impact of the London Low Emission Zone on children’s respiratory health (LEZ)
• the effect of vitamin D on respiratory conditions (OVID)
• the causes of asthma and COPD across the lifecourse.

Screening, early diagnosis and risk management

• intimate partner abuse in primary care (IRIS)
• HIV screening in primary care (RHIVA2)
• comparing tests for TB screening (PREDICT)
• diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain (MEDAL)
• prediction model for complications in preeclampsia (PREP).

The illness experience and self-management of illness

• reducing depression in nursing homes (OPERA)
• self-management in chronic pain (COPERS).

Systematic review and meta-analysis

• developing guidelines for realist and metanarrative review (RAMESES).

Innovation and new technologies

• developing assisted living technologies for ethnic elders (ATHENE).

Together with the Centre for Psychiatry, based at the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, the Institute houses the Pragmatic Clinical Trials Unit (registered with the UK Clinical Research Collaboration), which has infrastructure funding from the National Institute for Health Research. We also collaborate widely with other universities in the UK and abroad.

 
Centre for Immunology and Infectious Disease:
 
The Centre includes research groups investigating cutting-edge topics in microbiology, virology and immunology.
 
At mucosal surfaces such as the mouth and the gut there is intimate association between the immune system, food antigens, and the resident commensal bacteria. Several groups at the Centre are investigating how this relationship is regulated in health, what goes wrong in inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and periodontitis, and how the immune system distinguishes between pathogens and the normal microbiota. Studies include understanding mucosal T cell biology in health and disease, how dendritic cells modulate T cell activity, the development of unconventional T cells, and the analysis of bacterial surface macromolecules.
 
People who settle in east London come from many parts of the world, where TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and AIDS (HIV) are endemic. We investigate pathogenic mechanisms, new drug targets, and strategies for improved disease prevention in both of these globally important infections.
 
We host the Health Protection Agency National Mycobacterium Reference Unit, which contributes to the Centre's research strength on this topic. We also investigate epidemiology and pathogenic mechanisms of other organisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
 
Resistance to antibiotics and antiviral agents presents a major challenge to modern medicine. We study the molecular and genetic mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobials, how resistance spreads, and novel strategies for combating resistance. Our particular research strengths are in drug-resistant HIV and multiply antibiotic resistant gram negative bacteria.

Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma:

The Centre has sixteen academic staff and research is focused on three interrelated topics: Trauma; Neuroinflammation and pain; Neuro-oncology and genomics.

Trauma
The focus of our research is on spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury and coagulation. The Trauma group has identified several therapeutic strategies to prevent complications of injury, and to limit and repair its damage.

Neuroinflammation and pain
The main disease focus of the Neuroimmunology group is multiple sclerosis. Research is currently focused on immune tolerance strategies, the development of neuroprotective and neurorestorative therapies for progressive multiple sclerosis and the manipulation of the endocannabinoid biology as a therapeutic strategy to improve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Neuro-oncology and genomics
Our research includes:

• a molecular and developmental biology approach in mouse models that shows how cellular and molecular mechanisms control the development of the central nervous system and can contribute to brain tumorigenesis when deregulated
• a study of the function of human chromosomes and the genetic basis of cancer, with the discovery of distinct higher order chromatin configurations and loop domains that are dependent on gene density and transcriptional activity. Research also focuses on critical pathways involved in tumorigenesis, with an emphasis on brain tumours.

There are also active research programmes in motor neurone disease, pain, muscle regeneration, biomarkers and clinical outcomes.

Future objectives for the Centre include the establishment of research and clinical units in spinal injury, preventative neurology and neuroinfectious diseases and further development of basic research in CNS tumour biology.

Centre for Paediatrics:

The Centre facilitates paediatrics research, as well as Child Health teaching on the MB BS programme. We work closely with the paediatric clinical services provided by the second largest paediatric service in London
(Barts and The London Children's Hospital).

We regularly publish scientific findings in journals including, Nature, Nature Genetics, New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet. Our research in Paediatrics is organised into the following themes:

Haematology
Our principal research interest is bone marrow failure, focusing on the pathophysiology of the bone marrow failure syndromes, particularly dyskeratosis congenita (DC). Studies are also being undertaken on other haematological disorders including: the pathophysiology of myelodysplasia / leukaemia and the establishment of a clinical network for sickle cell disease in east London.

Neonatal Medicine
A major initiative within Neonatal Medicine relates to investigation of the associations between low birth weight and airway function and the underlying mechanisms. Other areas of research include:

• the use of Doppler ultrasound in the investigation of the neonatal circulation
• the mechanisms and control of placental transport of nutrients from mother to foetus.

Respiratory and Environmental Medicine
Main research interests are paediatric asthma, and the impact of environmental pollutants on the developing lung. An environmental research group is studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the
increased vulnerability to pneumococcal pneumonia in children exposed to particulate air pollution.

Down's syndrome
Professor Nizetic utilises a functional genomics approach to the study of effects of gene dose in human aneuploidy, with an emphasis on Down's syndrome as a model. In particular, gene dose effects of trisomy of human chromosome 21 on embryonic stem cell differentiation and cell fate, and myeloid stem cell lineages in relation to childhood leukaemia in Down's syndrome are under investigation. The work involves gene expression arrays, proteomics and potentially ZF transgenic modelling.

Pathology Group
This group focuses on, and explores cellular pathogenesis. We are experts in the morphological aspects of disease, gene and protein expression in health and in disordered function eg cancer, inflammation and trauma.
We play a large and important role in the ongoing teaching programmes across the medical and dental schools, and play an integral role in the research of groups in Pathology as well as other centres. Major links exist with groups working in gastroenterology, cancer, neurosciences, cutaneous and child health.

The Academic Haematology Unit has developed from a broad clinical base and particular areas of clinical excellence including haematological malignancies and autoimmune thrombocytopenia (ATP). Our ATP research has led to the development of particular expertise in flow cytometry under Professor Marion Macey and a cross-Centre interest in autoimmune disorders.

Other research interests lie in gene therapy for haemophilia, molecular pathology of von Willebrands disease, the link between cancer and thrombosis and the mechanisms of inhibitor development in haemophilia A.

Institute of Cancer

Introduction

The Barts Cancer Institute is made up of the following research centres:

• Centre for Cancer and Inflammation
• Centre for Cell Signalling
• Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine
• Centre for Haemato-Oncology
• Centre for Molecular Oncology
• Centre for Tumour Biology

The Institute currently consists of six research centres, driven by a strong translational theme, with emphasis on specialised research areas, which focus on specific cancers. At the forefront of a number of scientific and medical discoveries, the Institute is one of the largest of its kind in the UK.

We provide a supportive and multidisciplinary environment for our research students, promoting academic exchange and personal development at all levels.

The Bart's Cancer Institute has over 70 research students undertaking PhD or MD Res degrees. These students carry out an original research project in one of our Institute laboratories at Charterhouse Square at Barts and The London. The period of study is typically three years for full-time students. Projects are offered in a range of cancer-related research areas, as outlined in more detail on the following pages. We have a clear policy within the Institute on student supervision and monitoring.

As a research student at the Institute, in addition to carrying out your specific research project, you will receive training in a range of biomedical laboratory methods and in other transferable skills. Our aim is to equip our students for a career in science and to make them very attractive to potential employers.

Postgraduate resources

At present nearly 30 per cent of the School's research degrees are cancer-related, making us a key constituent of research activity.

There are five, fully equipped state-of-the-art research laboratories that include suites for proteomics and mass spectroscopy, cancer pharmacology, FACS, molecular pathology services with automated immunohistochemistry / in situ hybridisation systems, intravital microscopy and confocal microscopy.

These are complemented by purpose-built School core facilities, including the Genome Centre. There is a Molecular Imaging Facility for small animals that includes microPET, SPECT / CT and IVIS bioluminescense / fluorescence systems to complement the state-of-the-art clinical PET system with integrated 64-slice CT system recently commissioned in the Molecular Imaging Centre at Barts Hospital.

The Institute's Teaching Centre is specifically for the use of our MSc students and includes teaching rooms, a fully-equipped laboratory, a surgical skills virtual reality suite and a computer laboratory.

Scholarships/Studentships

Graduate research students in the Institute are funded either by a grant award made to the project supervisor, or by personal awards to the student from national charities and overseas agencies. A number of scientific research studentships are available from the Institute each year, funded by Cancer Research UK (CR-UK). Most of our clinicians undertaking higher degrees are funded by awards such as MRC and CR-UK Clinical Research Training Fellowships.

Several internally funded PhD studentships are available each year, funded through the Research Advisory Board of the Charitable Foundation and directly by the School. In addition, Queen Mary provides a number of College studentships, for which overseas students are also eligible. There is no separate application form and all applicants for an MPhil or PhD programme to commence in the 2011- 12 session will automatically be considered for research studentships. Studentships cover tuition fees and provide annual maintenance.

Career opportunities

Key relationships have been established with the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute at Lincoln’s Inn Fields to foster translational research. Integration with the new Comprehensive Clinical Research Network (which covers 2.7 million people in north east and north central London) and is directed by the Director of the Barts Cancer Institute, Professor Nick Lemoine, will build on our existing relationships with the North East London Cancer Research Network involving the other acute hospitals in North East London and the North East London Consortium for Research and Development.

Through the introduction and development of new anti-cancer therapeutics, we have links with many major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Some postgraduate student destinations include:

• graduate entry into medicine, PhD studentships (including within the Institute) in continuing education
• research positions within the Institute and other major research centres around the world
• clinical trials (including those within the Institute), clinical scientists in the NHS, research assistants in industry.

Entry requirements

For entry to a PhD programme you should hold either;

• A first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant biological subject from a UK university
• A Masters degree
• A recognised equivalent from an accredited overseas institution
• An equivalent professional qualification.

How to apply

Each year the Institute have around 10-15 new PhD studentships. When available these are advertised on:

• The Barts Cancer Institute website
• www.findaPhD.com

Prospective research degree students who have already obtained funding should contact Dr Simon Joel, Director of Graduate Studies, in the first instance.

The application form for research students can be found at www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply [new window]

You also need to include full details of your previous educational achievements and two academic references.

For international students, please refer to the International Students section. [new window]

Further Information

For postgraduate enquiries, please email:
cancercourses@qmul.ac.uk

Director of Graduate Studies
Dr Simon Joel
Tel: +44 (0)20 7601 8924
email: s.p.joel@qmul.ac.uk

General postgraduate information
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 7952/7840
email: askthegradteam@qmul.ac.uk

International students
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3066
email: international-office@qmul.ac.uk

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry
The Admissions and Recruitment Office
Room CB02
Queens' Building
Mile End Road
London
E1 4NS
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 5533
email: pgsmd@qmul.ac.uk

Research areas

Our research strategy is built on an integrated molecular and cellular approach to the problem of cancer in individuals and in populations. A spectrum of research is underway and includes: therapeutic and diagnostic target identification and validation in both haematological and solid malignancies; clinical trials exploring new therapies; the development of novel molecular approaches for diagnosis, classification and treatment of human cancers; and investigations into the regulation of tumour spread and host anti-tumour responses.

The specialist areas of interest for each of the six research centres within the Institute are outlined below.

Centre for Cancer and Inflammation

This Centre focuses on the links between cancer and inflammation. The overarching hypothesis that drives research in our Centre is that immune cells and mediators found in experimental and human cancers are more likely to promote cancer growth than be part of a host anti-tumour response. We believe that inhibition or re-alignment of this inflammatory process may be of therapeutic benefit.

Our aim is to translate our laboratory research in chronic inflammation, cancer growth and spread into new treatments for cancer, especially ovarian cancer, and we are involved in several Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. We have excellent collaborations with the Departments of Gynaecological Oncology and Medical Oncology at Barts and The London NHS Hospitals.

Research groups

• Cancer and Inflammation Group
  Leader: Professor Frances Balkwill
  This group aims to understand links between cancer and inflammation and translate this into novel clinical trials.
• Tumour Microenvironment
  Dr Thorsten Hagemann
  We aim to understand the fundamental mechanisms by which TNF-signalling promotes cancer; with particular reference to the role of macrophages and their phenotype in carcinogenesis.

Centre for Cell Signalling

The Centre for Cell Signalling is a world-class centre of expertise in both basic and applied PI3K signalling.

Uncontrolled PI3K signalling is one of the most commonly deregulated pathways in cancer. PI3Ks also play principal roles in inflammation, diabetes and other disease contexts, making these enzymes attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The development of drugs that block PI3K action is being actively pursued by the pharmaceutical industry.

Research groups

• Cell Signalling Group
  Leader: Professor Bart Vanhaesebroeck
  The main interests of this group include signal transduction in cell migration, proliferation, survival, intracellular vesicular transport, in the context of cancer, inflammation and immunology, angiogenesis, metabolism and stem cell biology. Collaborative efforts with industry are under way in the preclinical development of isoformselective small molecule inhibitors for PI3K. We aim to help to translate this preclinical work to early phase clinical trials through our links with the Centres for Medical Oncology and Experimental Cancer Medicine.
• Analytical Cell Signalling Group
  Leader: Dr Pedro Cutillas
  We aim to understand the basic principles that govern cell signalling pathways, their molecular mechanisms and the contribution that different members of these pathways have to their signalling network. We are particularly interested in learning the properties by which these pathways control fundamental physiology and how they are deregulated in disease. Experimentally, our group integrates state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, advanced separation technology, cell biology and biochemistry to the study of cell signalling pathways in health and disease. The ultimate goal of this work is to contribute to the understanding of the fundamentals of cell signalling and to translate this knowledge to the design of personalised therapies to treat conditions with deregulated cell signalling pathways.

The Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine

The Centre provides design and management support for all trials including national, pharmaceutical and investigator-led studies and centralises all staff involved in clinical trials to ensure compliance with the European Directive on Good Clinical Practice.

• The aim of the Centre is to increase:
• recruitment into existing clinical trials
• the number of trials - NCRN, pharmasponsored and investigator-initiated
• the diversity of clinical trials open at Barts and The London NHS Trust.

Clinical Cancer Pharmacology Unit
Dr Simon Joel
This Unit conducts pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies of cytotoxic agents against a background of clinical trials. The aim is to develop and test new agents in the laboratory and in clinical trials and to optimise the way in which established chemotherapy drugs are used through a better understanding of their molecular and clinical pharmacology.

Centre for Medical Oncology

This Centre has a long and distinguished history in haemato-oncology, urological and paediatric malignancies, having led several pivotal trials in the treatment of these cancers.

Research groups

• Clinical and Applied Medical Oncology Group
  Professor Andrew Lister, Dr Silvia Montoto, Dr Jude Fitzgibbon
  This group aims to characterise the molecular signature of lymphomas to identify recurrent genomic and expression changes within these lymphomas to guide treatment selection.
• Cancer Genomics Group
  Professor Bryan Young, Dr Manoj Raghavan
  This group aims to understand the key genetic events in malignant transformation especially in acute myeloid leukaemia. Genomic approaches are being used to uncover novel genetic lesions important in the occurrence
  and evolution of haematopoietic malignancies.
• Cancer Immunotherapy Group
  Professor John Gribben, Dr David Taussig, Dr Alan Ramsay
  This group aims to develop immunotherapy approaches for the treatment of cancer, including stem cell transplantation; to identify tumour antigens with particular emphasis on B cell malignancies; to characterise malignant stem cells and to understand the impact of the tumour microenvironment on outcome in haematological malignancies.

 Centre for Molecular Oncology and Imaging

This Centre is focused on the development of innovative therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to cancer. We are an internationally recognised centre of expertise in gene therapy for cancer, with a particular focus on oncolytic viruses.

Linked to the clinic through a clinical fellowship programme and honorary consultants, our research is carried out within five laboratory groups.

Research groups

• Molecular Pathology Group
  Professor Nick Lemoine, Dr Tatjana Crnogorac-Jurcevic, Dr Claude Chelala, Dr Rebecca Roylance, Dr Adam Rosenthal, Dr Peter Szlosarek
  This group aims to identify molecular biomarkers of disease progression and treatment response.
• Gene Therapy Group
  Professor Nick Lemoine, Professor Iain McNeish, Dr Gunnel Hallden, Dr Yaohe Wang, Dr Michelle Lockley
  This group aims to develop gene-targeted intervention strategies to treat cancer using oncolytic viruses and genetic triggers of apoptosis.
• Genito-Urinary Cancer Group
  Dr Yong-Jie Lu, Dr Dan Berney
  The Genito-Urinary Cancer group focuses on molecular and translational research of testis, bladder, renal, penile and prostate cancer.
• Molecular Imaging Group
  Professor Steve Mather, Professor Rodney Rezneck, Dr Norbert Avril
  This group is focused on the development of molecular targets for radionuclide-mediated diagnosis and therapy of cancer. It includes both laboratory teams and clinical consultants,working in the Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology at Barts and The London NHS Trust.

Centre for Tumor Biology

This Centre is concerned primarily with understanding the role that cytoadhesion plays in modulating cancer spread and has focused particularly on the involvement of members of the integrin family of adhesion receptors technology.

Research groups

• Cellular Adhesion in Invasion and Metastasis Professor Ian Hart, Dr John Marshall
  This group aims to understand how cell adhesion affects tumour spread and to develop strategies for blocking cancer metastasis.
• Angiogenesis Group
  Dr Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke
  This group aims to understand the roles of cell adhesion in disease, particularly with respect to angiogenesis and tumour cell-endothelial cell interactions.
• Epithelial-Stromal Group
  Professor Louise Jones
  This group aims to understand the pathobiology of breast cancer with a particular focus on cell adhesion and myoepithelial cells.
• Gene Transcription Group
  Professor Helen Hurst
  We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms that control expression of key breast tumour genes, in order to identify novel targets for cancer therapy.
• Growth Factor Signalling Group
  FGF receptors - Dr Richard Grose
  This group aims to understand and delineate the functions of FGFs and their receptors in tumourgenesis and wound repair.
• Spatial signalling
  Dr Stephanie Kermorgant
  We aim to understand how endosomal signalling of the c-Met receptor affects tumour cell metastasis.

Institute of Dentistry

Introduction

Research in the Institute of Dentistry is organised within multidisciplinary research groups:

• Infection and immunity
• Oral cancer
• Clinical and Population Research

The Institute of Dentistry has consistently been rated highly against its peers in external assessments of its research and teaching performance. Our policy is that our dental research should always be in the main stream of biomedical research, contributing to it and at the same time benefiting from strong interdisciplinary links with our colleagues in the rest of the Medical School and the College. We provide a friendly, first-class, intellectually stimulating and focused environment for postgraduate study.

The Dental School of The London Hospital Medical College was formed in 1911 and moved into the current Institute of Dentistry building in 1965. Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry was formed in 1995 and merged with Queen Mary, University of London in the same year. The School acknowledges its location in the east of London and embraces the potential this offers for teaching and learning.

The Institute of Dentistry has a long and proud record of internationally recognised research in oral and dental sciences. We combine a strong tradition of clinical, epidemiological and public health research in dentistry with a solid basic science research base that brings together a range of multi-disciplinary teams with complementary skills from clinical science, cell and molecular biology, microbiology, material science and biophysics. The Institute's research activities are organised into three thematically linked research groups, Immune and Inflammatory Disease, Caries, Hard Tissue and Materials Research and Oral Cancer. Extensive collaboration throughout Queen Mary, University of London brings us great benefits from the excellent research facilities available within the College.

The Institute of Dentistry welcomes postgraduate students MPhil, PhD, RD (RES) and visiting research fellows to undertake research in the areas of interest listed below. Our research students are registered for University of London degrees (MPhil/PhD/RD) or post-doctorate training, and work under the supervision of senior researchers. They are trained in transferable skills in accordance with the British Research Councils requirements for research students. For further information on research opportunities please contact the Director of the Institute of Dentistry Graduate School Professor Wagner Marcenes.

Postgraduate Resources

The Institute of Dentistry is a special place to undertake postgraduate studies, bringing together a number of world-leading researchers in basic and clinical sciences who supervise research students in the fields of oral medicine, oral pathology, oral microbiology, oral epidemiology, oncology, dental biomaterials, dental biophysics, dental public health, dental education, periodontology, orthodontics, paediatric, prosthetic and conservative dentistry. In addition, our research students benefit from extensive interdisciplinary links with other areas of research within Queen Mary, University of London.

The well-established Centre for Oral Biometrics, comprising the fifth and sixth floors of the Institute of Dentistry, provides a focus for clinical postgraduate activity, offering seminar space, office, computing and clinical facilities. It includes a Dental Metrology Unit equipped with facial laser scan and facial image analysis.

Microbiology and Cell and Molecular Biology resources are based in the award-winning Blizard Building, which is a multi-disciplinary research facility housing over 400 biomedical scientists.

Core research facilities within the School of Medicine and Dentistry also include a new Genomics Centre development for high throughput DNA sequencing, genotyping and real-time PCR; a new Functional Genomics facility containing robotics and microarray readers; and a new Imaging Centre containing confocal and electron microscopy.

Biophysics and Biomaterials are based in modern, well-equipped laboratories on the Mile End campus, adjacent to relevant collaborators in the Department of Chemistry and Department of Materials Science at Queen Mary. In addition, the Institute of Dentistry is located in east London and serves the largest multi-cultural population with high socioeconomic diversity in the UK. This provides a unique opportunity to carry out population based studies and infer conclusions to other environments.

Scholarships/studentships

Graduate research students in the Institute are funded in one of three ways: either by a grant award made to the project supervisor, a personal award to the student from national charities or overseas agencies, or student self-funding. Clinicians undertaking higher degrees are eligible for awards such as the MRC Clinical Research Training Fellowships.

Several internally funded PhD studentships are available each year, funded through the Research Advisory Board of the Charitable Foundation and directly by the School. In addition, Queen Mary provides a number of College studentships, for which overseas students are also eligible. There is no separate application form and all applicants for an MPhil or PhD programme to commence in the 2011- 12 session will automatically be considered for a research studentship.

Studentships cover tuition fees and provide maintenance at the basic Research Council level (£15,590 for the 2010-11 academic year).

Check for up-to-date information on the Institute of Dentistry website:
www.smd.qmul.ac.uk/dental

Career opportunities

Key relationships have been established with groups working in other Institutes of the School of Medicine and Dentistry such as in Diabetes and Metabolic Medicine and the Tobacco Dependence Research Unit. There are active collaborations with the Engineering and Materials Science and Geography Departments at Queen Mary. National and international links have been made with industrial (including GlaxoSmithKline and GC Corp), academic (including Washington USA, North Carolina USA, Aarhus Denmark, Imperial College and Manchester) and non-governmental organisations (Cancer Research UK).

There is increasing collaboration with the primary care trusts serving the 2.7 million individuals in north east and north central London in areas such as the epidemiology of adult oral health.

Some postgraduate student destinations include:

• graduate entry into medicine, PhD studentships (including within the Institute), and postdoctoral studies in continuing education
• research and teaching positions in universities and research centres around the world
• clinical trials, clinical scientists in the NHS, research assistants in industry.

Entry requirements

You should have an upper-second class (or better) BSc honours degrees or equivalent are eligible to apply for admission to research degrees.

For international students, please refer to the International Students section.  [new window]

Research areas

Research is organised within multidisciplinary research groups, which provide critical mass of expertise, common interests and a fulfilling academic environment. Major interests within these groups include the following:

Infection and immunity

• microbial pathogenesis and virulence
• microbial-host interactions and immune defences
• naturally occurring antibacterial peptides and other molecules
• mucosal immune responses
• clinical studies and genetic factors in oral ulceration
• host bacterial reactions in periodontal diseases
• cell biology of bone formation and tissue regeneration
• risk and prognostic factors in periodontitis.

Oral Cancer

• oral epithelial ageing and role of telomerase in oral cancer
•  epithelial stem cells in cancer
• keratinocyte biology
• biology of tumour invasion and role of integrins
• clinical studies of treatments in oral cancer
• behavioural factors and smoking cessation.

Physical sciences in dentistry

• physical chemistry of dental caries
• x-ray microtomography of dental hard tissues
• crystallographic studies of enamel and biomaterials
• changes in bone structure associated with ageing and tooth loss
• salivary proteins in enamel homeostasis and dental caries
• biomechanical properties of bone and dental hard tissues
• polymer chemistry and dental materials
• development of polymers for drug delivery devices.

Clinical and population research

• clinical and population studies on sociopsychological, economic, and behavioural determinants of oral health inequalities
• clinical and population studies on tobacco cessation in the oral health environment
• clinical and population studies on oral health impact on quality of life population studies on the burden of oral diseases
• clinical studies on determinants of treatment outcomes of oral and dental conditions, including oral cancer, Behcet's Syndrome, dry mouth, periodontal diseases, and malloclusion, clinical studies on minimum intervention
• development of primary care networks for practice based research
• systematic reviews (collaborative work with the Cochrane Oral Heath Group)

William Harvey Research Institute

Introduction

The William Harvey Research Institute has three central research themes, and one centre:

• Inflammation science
• Cardiovascular medicine
• Endocrine research
• Centre of Sports and Exercise Medicine.

The William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI) has just celebrated its 25th year with success and growth in the depth and quality of our programmes in cardiovascular, inflammation and endocrine research. Our major strength is in bringing scientists with different skills together, combining disciplines such as genetics, cell biology, pharmacology, epidemiology, advanced imaging and clinical trials with therapeutic innovation. Recently, we have strategically invested over £4.1m in excellent researchers to support our mission and increased our staff levels by 24 per cent.

The William Harvey Research Institute was established by the Nobel Laureate John Vane with the goal of becoming an international powerhouse for pharmacological research operating at the academic / industry interface. The Institute has now grown to accommodate 240 researchers and is independently rated amongst the top 20 pharmacological research centres worldwide.

We benefit from strong clinical links to cardiology, renal medicine, critical care, anaesthesia, rheumatology and clinical endocrinology in our allied Barts and The London NHS Trust.

We are the largest pharmacological research institute in the United Kingdom university sector and our success in this respect can be measured by publications in high-impact journals, accompanied by renewal and additional funding of one MRC and five Wellcome Programmes, which we lead or support as co-investigators.

Our real advantage is our model of therapeutic innovation, which allows a two-way flow of hypothesis generation from the scientist at the bench through the clinician to our patients and back again in the form of clinical data, samples and experience. We believe in capitalising on the diversity of the community that we serve and this provides us with a major opportunity to investigate new therapies that may have implications for emerging countries in South Asia and Africa.

Embedded within the WHRI is the Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, which offers a modular programme in sports and exercise medicine for both doctors and physiotherapists, as well as a research programme including work on the legacy of the 2012 Olympics.

Our research students are registered for University of London degrees (MPhil/PhD) and work with internationally recognised members of academic staff. Studentships are offered from a variety of sources externally from major funders and grant awarding bodies and also internal College studentships.

Postgraduate resources

As part of our overall development we have worked to underpin our scientific environmentwith purpose-built space for core facilities including the Genome Centre, FACS, proteomics / mass spectroscopy, intravital microscopy and confocal microscopy suites.

We are installing small animal Positron Emission Tomography in our Biological Services Unit and have a GCP compliant Clinical Trials Unit. This unit has generated a research network of 120 general practices serving an east London population of 500,000. These facilities, combined with our state-of-the-art laboratories, funded by an extensive Science Research Infrastructure investment programme of £7m, provide an excellent environment for postgraduate studies.

Scholarships/studentships

There are internal PhD studentships available, which are funded by the School and awarded on a competitive basis. Holders of MRC research grants and fellowships are eligible for PhD studentships, and this funding is matched with an equivalent sum from the College. We also run a successful four-year MRes / PhD programme, currently funded by the MRC and the Medical School.

The Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology leads an Oliver Bird Studentship Scheme, in conjunction with King's College London. We are regularly awarded a number of studentships by such bodies as the ARC, BHF and Wellcome Trust.

Career opportunities

We offer a mentoring system whereby we encourage our research students to recognise when their research training would benefit from a period in another research institution so they may accrue new strengths.

At postdoctoral level, you will be offered career advice and support from senior members of the Institute and you will be strongly supported during fellowship applications. As evidence of this we have just secured a promising research fellowship for the MRC PhD student who discovered the association of WNK I with hypertension in BRIGHT and Graphic students to take this into functional studies jointly with Cambridge. Several other young scientists have been nurtured into fellowship awards.

We encourage you to develop your career either internally or by assisting you with international collaborators to further your opportunities both academically and commercially at national and international levels.

Entry requirements

Students with upper-second class (or better) BSc honours degrees or equivalent are eligible to apply for admission to research degrees.

For international students, please refer to the International Students section.

Research Areas

The William Harvey Research Institute has three central research themes: inflammation science, cardiovascular medicine and endocrine research.

• The Inflammation Science group combines research in bone and joint, experimental medicine and rheumatology, and biochemical pharmacology.
• Cardiovascular medicine groups together combine research into translational medicine and therapeutics, clinical pharmacology and microvascular research.

Inflammation Science

The Inflammation Science Strategy Group meetings, chaired by Professor Rod Flower FRS, ensure delivery of a co-ordinated and interactive research agenda. Researchers in this group have held numerous fellowships and grants, from Wellcome, ARC and the Multiple Sclerosis Society, among others. Our specific research themes are:

• Annexin biology
  In particular: we conduct research into the role of annexins in glucocorticoid action; research on the identification and characterisation of the annexin receptor and its ability to modulate cell activation in various models of experimental inflammation; the role of annexin1 in T cell activation, and in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
• Endogenous anti-inflammatory effectors (resolution of inflammation)
  Work on annexin and glucocorticoid biology has extended into analyses of other endogenous anti-inflammatory pathways. There is investigation into the biology of galectins in vascular inflammation. Research into the molecular and cellular mechanisms activated by melanocortin peptides as another exciting area for innovative anti-inflammatory drug discovery. And finally, studying anti-inflammatory actions of nuclear receptor agonists in vascular inflammation.
• Latent cytokines
  Bone and Joint's primary research focus is the development and targeting of latent cytokines and other therapeutic compounds. This includes a study of the application of latent cytokines to treat unstable plaques in atherosclerosis, and an investigation into signalling pathways in T cells with particular regard to the contribution of lipid rafts. Translational research and stem cells in inflammatory disease research looks at developing a translational immunological research focusing upon analysis of the signalling defects in both T and B cells of patients with SLE. Specific areas of collaborative research interest include the regulation of cell adhesion by glucocorticoids, engineering of fusion proteins consisting of a human synovium-specific homing peptide and an anti-inflammatory cytokine for the targeted therapy of rheumatoid arthritis and the use of mesenchymal progenitor cells for joint tissue repair.
• Inflammation in the Vasculature
  Success in characterising the roles of vascular smooth muscle cells in inflammatory responses of the blood vessel wall has led to further research into the role of PPAR, farnesoid X receptor and retinoid X receptors and their potential for therapeutic modulation. There are collaborative projects to target cytokines and platelet nuclear receptors in arthritis and with cardiologists at the Barts and The London Heart Attack Centre on platelet reactivity in acute myocardial infarction.

Microvascular Research

The Centre for Microvascular Pharmacology aims to investigate molecular and cellular events within the microcirculation in the context of inflammatory responses. Specifically, the group addresses the mechanisms that mediate and regulate leukocyte migration through venular walls by applying advanced imaging methodologies to the vasculature.

Cardiovascular Research

Research in this area extends from vascular biology, which shares considerable overlap with Inflammation Science, to cardiovascular genetics, clinical trials and stem cell research. Specific research topics are:

• Endothelial cell biology
  Having established the effects of dietary polyphenols in regulating endothelial function, we are now developing novel approaches in biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. Work is also being carried out on the endothelium and its capacity to release vasodilators, and the putative identity of endothelium-derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF), showing the important role of EDHF in blood pressure regulation. There is continued investigation into the role of kinin B1 and the kinin B1 receptor in stimulating CXCR5 and the role of sheer stress.
• Genetics of cardiovascular disease
  The WHRI co-ordinates the MRC British Genetics of Hypertension (BRIGHT) study and has conducted the largest linkage-based genome screen in human hypertension, identifying four regions for essential hypertension and have refined this to a principal locus on chromosome 5.Our researchers have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes in a serine threonine kinase (WNK1) are associated with essential hypertension, which could present a novel therapeutic target for hypertension. Our scientists have published a novel strategy for identifying linked co-variate phenotypes, contributed to the first 2D scan in hypertension and we published the first genome-wide association scan for hypertension in Nature.
• Cardiovascular clinical trials
  We has been represented on international steering groups for several major clinical trials that have significant implications for clinical practice in cardiovascular disease. In particular, the Anglo- Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) (Pfizer, £2.02m) tested the influence of combinations of newer anti-hypertensives and lipid lowering agents upon cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study changed UK and international guidance on lipid lowering and NICE / British Hypertension Society guidance on hypertension management.
• Cardiac stem cells
  We have developed innovative strategies for cardiac stem cell research and therapy, defining various aspects of behaviour of grafted cells in a cardiac environment including survival, proliferation, paracrine effects, differentiation and integration within the host myocardium. This complements our clinical programme evaluating adult stem cells for treating heart disease.

Endocrinology

Developing on the internationally renowned expertise in clinical endocrinology established at St Bartholomew's Hospital over the last 40 years, basic endocrine research has been greatly stimulated by incorporation into WHRI and the provision of state-of-the-art laboratory space and facilities including confocal imaging. Close links with clinical research persist with a strong tradition of clinical academic training and major support from industry (eg Pfizer £1.5m unrestricted plus £1.2m NESTEGG study) and the Wellcome Trust and Research Councils. Specific research topics are:

• Melanocortin receptors
  ACTH action and resistance has been a major focus of research in the group and they have defined the basis of ACTH receptor / melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) desensitisation and internalisation and have described the impairment of this phenomenon as a potential factor in adrenal tumour formation. Work discovering genes causing inherited forms of ACTH insensitivity has led to the successful identification of a new gene, MRAP, which encodes an accessory protein for the MC2R. Existence of MRAP was predicted from earlier work, and has broader implications for G protein-coupled receptor function in general. WHRI scientists have defined the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the melanocortin 2 receptor in the differentiating adipocyte, identifying a novel role for PPAR and C / EBP and alternative splice site selection. This area has significant synergy with the inflammation research group.
• Lipidology
  We work at the interface between endocrinology and cardiovascular research. Key areas include elucidating the genetics and the underlying biology of FCHL-lipid abnormalities; establishing roles of Sar1 Isoforms in lipid homeostastis; and homing in on the biochemical properties of a highly conserved, ancient, DUF (Domain of Unknown Function) protein which contributes to the synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides and may play a role in metabolic syndrome.
• Metabolism and endocrine disease
  Work has been extended on describing the role of ghrelin (the stomach-derived brain-gut peptide) in appetite regulation and obesity and has investigated the role of ghrelin and the cannabinoids in modulating AMP regulated protein kinase (AMPK) in the cell. We also researching the farnesoid X receptor and tumour suppressor activity in human pituitary tumours. The latter exemplifies the major research benefits derived from the extensive clinical endocrine activity conducted jointly between the WHRI and Barts and The London
  NHS Trust.
• Growth genetics
  Work in paediatric endocrinology is being performed to define novel mechanisms of foetal and childhood growth failure including identification of pseudoexon activation as a new mechanism of disease and the role of IGFI in foetal growth failure. The NESTEGG aims to identify the major genetic influences on foetal and childhood growth failure. This study, coordinated from the WHRI, has completed collection in four European centres of 1,500 phenotyped children with foetal and / or childhood growth failure and their parents and is now in the genotyping phase of the project. This study has benefited from the Genome Centre and the expertise and teamwork developed in the MRC BRIGHT study.

Centre of Sports and Exercise Medicine

Staff research interests

Nicola Maffulli MD MS PhD FRCS(Orth)
Professor of Sports and Exercise Medicine and Centre Lead Sports and Exercise Medicine
Randomised trials and evidence-based musculoskeletal medicine, soft tissue injuries and tissue engineering.

Peter Malliaras BSc PGDip (stats) PhD
Clinical Senior Lecturer
Tendinopathy

Dylan Morrissey PhD MSc MMAC MCSP
Clinical Senior Lecturer
Movement and pathology (shoulder, knee, lumbar spine and achilles tendon), evidencebased pathways for musculoskeletal conditions, legacy of London 2012 Olympic game.

Further Information

Further information on postgraduate programmes and the area of expertise of members of staff can be found on our website:
www.whri.qmul.ac.uk

Enquiries about postgraduate research programmes:
Dr Martin Carrier
Director of Graduate Studies
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 2104/2218
email: m.j.carrier@qmul.ac.uk

Enquiries about postgraduate taught course programmes:
Dr Nina Ravic
Academic Manager for Postgraduate Studies
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3404
email: n.ravic@qmul.ac.uk

International students
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3066
email: international-office@qmul.ac.uk

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry
The Admissions and Recruitment Office
Room CB02, Queens' Building
Mile End Road, London E1 4NS
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 5533
email: pgsmd@qmul.ac.uk

Wolfson Institute

Introduction

The Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine is made of up the following centres:

• Centre for Environmental and Preventive Medicine
• Cancer Research UK Centre for Epidemiology Mathematics and Statistics
• The Centre for Psychiatry

Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research

The Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine captures scientific opportunities arising from laboratory-based epidemiological and screening research into common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and congenital malformations through integrating epidemiology and statistics with pathology and clinical medicine. The inclusion of the Centre for Psychiatry in this internationally renowned Institute reflects the importance of the public health implications of psychiatric disease.

The Wolfson Institute opened in 1991, comprising the existing Centre for Environmental and Preventive Medicine (CEPM - the Epidemiology Department of the Medical School) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology and Medical Care Unit. In 2002, the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Centre for Epidemiology, Mathematics and Statistics joined the Institute. In 2005, the Tobacco Dependence Research Unit joined CEPM and the Centre for Psychiatry joined the Institute as a third Centre. The Institute has about 150 staff whose research continues to make a significant impact on public health practice and advance the science of preventive medicine.

Much research is carried out in-house, but collaborative research also takes place with groups within the Medical School, other departments at Queen Mary, and more widely within and beyond the UK. We benefit from east London's diverse local population. Important public health initiatives have arisen from our research including:

• limiting salt intake through proven links with blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes
• fortification of flour - lack of folic acid shown to be a major cause of the serious birth defects spina bifida and anencephaly
• antenatal screening for Down's syndrome, now used worldwide
• prohibition of smoking in public places - environmental tobacco smoke being a cause of lung cancer and heart disease
• development of cervical screening policy and development of a vaccine for HPV
• prevention and treatment of breast cancer showing the benefits first of tamoxifen and later anastrozole
• prevention of cardiovascular disease by pharmacoprevention and development of the Polypill
• a greater understanding of pathways to mental health care across ethnic groups
• greater protection for schools against the effects of aircraft noise on reading comprehension in children.

We welcome postgraduate students and visiting research fellows to undertake research in our areas of interest. Research students are registered for University of London degrees (MPhil/PhD/MD) and work under the supervision of members of academic staff. Students may receive financial support (research studentships) offered by the research councils or medical charities. A limited number of College studentships are also available.

Postgraduate resources

With the largest group of medical statisticians in the School of Medicine and Dentistry and a number of research groups within each Centre, the Institute is able to offer a wide variety of subjects for postgraduate study. You will have access to our powerful computing facilities, extensive databases (managed by Oracle and Sequel-Server) and SAS and STATA, IT support excellent laboratory facilities and our specialist reference library. You can be involved in local, national and international research networks and increasingly national and international consortia. Regular seminar series are organised at Centre, Institute and School level.

Scholarships/studentships

Our scholarship information changes every year. Recent awards have been from Cancer Research UK, MRC, Research Advisory Board (Barts and The London Charity). For home and eligible EU students with a good first degree (first or upper second) these will all cover tuition fees and maintenance. There are also some College studentships, for which international students are also eligible. There are now a number of studentships available from the East London NHS Foundation Trust for their staff for programmes run by the Centre for Psychiatry.

Career opportunities

Many students pursuing further study do so to seek professional development and/or improve clinical practice. Students who take the MSc/Diploma in Psychological Therapies or Transcultural and Mental Healthcare have come from mental health agencies or the NHS and find that the qualification assists them in promotion to case-, ward- or team managers. Others find our programmes useful in going on to apply for a PhD.

Entry requirements

Students with upper-second class (or better) BSc honours degrees or equivalent are eligible to apply for admission to research degrees.

For international students, please refer to the International Students section. [new window]

Research areas

Centre for Enviromental and Preventive Medicine

The Centre for Environmental and Preventive Medicine (CEPM) is one of the leading Centres in its field. Its work is focused on preventive medicine (with special attention to cancer and cardiovascular diseases) and on developing novel methods for screening and solving the statistical problems using many tests in combination. We run large-scale randomised prevention trials and epidemiological studies into the causation of disease. For example, there are major trials in screening for Helicobacter pylori infection in the prevention of stomach cancer, and screening and treatment for hypothyroidism in pregnancy (assessing childhood intellectual development). Trials to evaluate the Polypill in reducing cardiovascular disease are planned and about to start.

The Tobacco Dependence Research Unit within CEPM operates a large smokers' clinic, providing anamplen clinical base to support its extensive research programme. Here there are opportunities for postgraduate projects concerning both behavioural and pharmacological approaches to understanding and treating nicotine dependence and also to health behaviours and weight management.

Cancer Research UK Centre for Epidemiology Mathematics and Statistics

The CRUK Centre for Epidemiology Mathematics and Statistics focuses mainly on clinical trials and epidemiology in the treatment and prevention of cancer. We have particular strengths in the chemoprevention and treatment of breast cancer with our IBIS-II trial, cervical screening and development of HPV vaccines, colorectal cancer (one-off sigmoidoscopy and prostate cancer (managed by watchful waiting). We lead a £4.7m Policy Research Unit dedicated to research on cancer screening, symptom awareness and early diagnosis. We are involved in the development of new mathematical and statistical methods in the study of risk factors for cancer and projecting their future incidence and mortality. Our Clinical Trials Prevention Unit is the only trials unit in the UK with particular expertise in cancer prevention and screening. Much of the research here is collaborative, both nationally and internationally. There are opportunities for postgraduate projects in many of these areas.

The Centre for Psychiatry

The Centre for Psychiatry has three distinct research groupings:

• the Epidemiological and Cultural Psychiatry group focuses on the association of physical and social environmental factors and ethnicity with common mental disorders and affective disorders (eg RANCH trial of aircraft noise and childhood learning). It also has an international reputation for cultural psychiatry and health services research (geographical mobility as a risk factor for mental distress). This group runs the popular MScs in Mental Health: Psychological Therapies/Transcultural Mental Healthcare.
• the Forensic Mental Health group has been studying violence in individuals who pose a risk to the public and is using multilevel modelling to assess the accuracy of screening methods to identify those who carry exceptional risks.
• the Social and Community Psychiatry group is involved in developing concepts and methods for assessing treatment processes and outcomes, evaluation of mental healthcare and developing and testing innovative complex interventions. It has been successful in gaining European funding, with many projects addressing more than one area of study.

All three of our Centres are involved in statistical research, covering a wide range of methodologies and applications. These will include epidemiology, demography, clinical trials, longitudinal studies, health screening, infection control, birth weight and gestation, systematic reviews, cluster randomisation, meta-analysis, logistic regression, survival analysis, multi-level modelling, and models of disease progression.

Further Information

Further information on postgraduate programmes and the area of expertise of members of staff can be found on our website:
www.wolfson.qmul.ac.uk

General postgraduate information
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 7952/7840
email: askthegradteam@qmul.ac.uk

International students
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 3066
email: international-office@qmul.ac.uk

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry
The Admissions and Recruitment Office
Room CB02
Queens' Building
Mile End Road
London E1 4NS
Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 5533
email: pgsmd@qmul.ac.uk