Programme overview

3 and 4 year PhD programmes that provide robust research training aimed at both science and medical graduates

PhD programmes offered by the Centre for Inflammation Research (CIR) provide unique opportunities for interdisciplinary research, training in molecular, cell and tissue biology of inflammatory and immune processes, across a range of subjects.

With internationally recognised Principal Investigators (PIs), student training in the CIR is of the highest standard and is closely monitored.  Students gain experience of a wide range of experimental approaches in inflammation research in a world-leading research institute.  This training provides students with the appropriate scientific background for the next step of their scientific career.

Postgraduate Studies Committee

In addition to individual student supervisors, the CIR has a dedicated Postgraduate Studies Committee, which meets regularly to ensure continuous development of the PhD programmes and to monitor the academic and scientific progress of postgraduate students.

To gain student feedback and evaluation at committee meetings, 2nd year PhD students are invited to undertake the role of ‘Student Representative’ on the Postgraduate Studies Committee.

The present committee members are:

• Professor Debby Bogaert
• Professor Julia Dorin (CIR Postgraduate Co-Director)
• Dr Rodger Duffin
• Dr Steve Jenkins                                                                        
• Professor Peter Hayes
• Dr Sandrine Prost
• Professor Adriano Rossi (CIR Postgraduate Co-Director)
• Professor Jürgen Schwarze
• Professor Hamish Simpson
• Professor Marc Vendrell
• Dr Sonja Vermeren (Deputy Director & Chair)
• Professor Steve Wigmore

Thesis Committee - nominated by the Principal Supervisor

CIR PhD students are assigned a thesis committee which oversees progress and carries out annual assessments during the course of studies.  In addition, the thesis committee can be called upon by the student for other processes such as practicing for interviews, conference presentations or the viva voce examination.  The membership comprises:

• Chair-person (normally selected from the CIR Postgraduate Studies Committee)
• Principal and secondary supervisors, any additional supervisors required
• External expert(s) in the field of endeavour (external to research group)

Research in Progress Meetings

The CIR holds a seminar programme which gives students the opportunity to present their current research findings and outline future research directions to attendees from across the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.  It also provides a valuable opportunity for students to receive questions and constructive suggestions from a broad scientific audience.

Postgraduate students are required to present their work approximately once every 18 months.