Stem Cell Research

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject. You should have some research experience and be able to demonstrate that you have a good understanding of the field you propose to study.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

Our role in the development of stem cell research began in the early 1990s, with researchers at the former Centre for Genome Research producing the subject’s early publications.

We grew into the first stem cell research institute in the UK, and this formed the basis of what is now a world-leading centre for multidisciplinary research in mammalian stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

As a PhD student, you’ll study in a unique environment, thanks to our location within the MRC-funded Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM). This unique cross-disciplinary initiative is aimed at studying the properties and behaviour of stem cells to develop new therapies.

Research groups within SCRM cover a diverse range of areas, exploring the possibilities offered by embryonic, fetal and adult tissue stem cells. Each group focuses on a highly specific aspect of research.

The themes we address include:

• the properties of stem cells and their niches
• control of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation in vitro and in vivo
• the role of stem cells in the ageing process
• the mechanisms underlying tissue degeneration and repair.

The Centre’s overarching goal is to harness this knowledge to develop new therapies. We attract highly committed and motivated students and reward them with an interdisciplinary research environment that fosters achievement at the highest levels.