TRACC Programme MB-PhD or BDS-PhD

PhD opportunities for MB-ChB or BDS students

Launched in 2019-2020, the Cancer Research UK-funded TRACC MB-PhD / BDS-PhD scheme offers a new and exciting opportunity for bright, motivated and enthusiastic medical or dental students to gain top quality research training as well as securing clinical qualification. The scheme is designed not only to offer PhD training integrated in a clinical medical or dental degree, but also, critically, to maximise retention of participants within medical research. It is envisioned that Programme alumni will become the academic clinical leaders in cancer research in the future. Selected applicants will be trained in cutting edge practical scientific and analytic skills with a focus on scientific excellence, while gaining in-depth understanding of the rigour, discipline and precision required for translational research. The outcomes of the students’ research are expected to be published in high profile medical/scientific journals. Many projects will focus directly on aspects of cancer pathogenesis or treatment, while others may focus on acquiring high level skills that are applicable to important questions in cancer research in the longer term.

Course Summary

The TRACC MB-PhD / BDS-PhD programme enables 3rd year MBChB or BDS students to enter a 3-year PhD training at the end of their intercalated year before re-integration into the MBChB or BDS course (see schematic below). Close mentorship by TRACC leaders will be a feature of the programme, right from the PhD selection process, through the PhD project, to MBChB or BDS course completion and beyond in the postgraduate phase, to maximise the chance of sustained academic career success. PhD research is undertaken within groups and centres/institutes associated with the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences in Glasgow or the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh (for more details see the Research Training Environment section). Special emphasis is placed on cross-city interactions, which will include collaborative projects in some cases, joint symposia and multiple other activities bringing together MB-PhD / BDS-PhD students, clinical research fellows and other researchers/clinicians from both cities. As well as benefiting from the vibrant cancer research community across Edinburgh and Glasgow, MB-PhD and BDS-PhD students will additionally be encouraged to network with MB-PhD students in other UK centres.

Eligibility

The TRACC MB-PhD / BDS-PhD programme is available to students who are currently undertaking an intercalated medical or dental degree (MBChB or BDS) at the University of Glasgow or the University of Edinburgh. External candidates can be considered only in exceptional circumstances and should consult with the Programme administrator before applying. Particular attention will be paid during the selection process to prior experience of scientific research (e.g. from intercalated degrees and summer research studentships).

TRACC MB-PhD /BDS-PhD Information session:

https://media.ed.ac.uk/media/1_5fppvoh1

The TRACC programme is being run in conjunction with the TRAM MB-PhD scheme, which is funded by the Kennedy Trust and has been established to Train and Retain Academic Musculoskeletal clinicians. It offers an exciting opportunity for motivated and enthusiastic medical students to gain top quality research training during their medical degree. The scheme is shared between the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh and offers students the opportunity to undertake a PhD in an area relevant to musculoskeletal disease, typically after completion of their intercalated BSc. The vision of TRAM is to train a future generation of clinical academic leaders in the field of musculoskeletal disease. More details can be found here.

Important Dates for Admission

2023 Entry

MB-PhD / BDS-PhD Expression of interest: expressions of interest should be send by e-mail to Professor Richard Wilson This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dr Jackie Beesley This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PhD / BDS-PhD Application closing date: 11 April 2023

Interview date: 27 April 2023

Start of (optional) summer mini projects: June 2023

Start of the PhD project: August 2023

For information on admissions into the Edinburgh arm of the TRACC Programme MB-PhD scheme please visit: https://www.ed.ac.uk/cancer-centre/graduate-research-and-training/tracc-programme-for-clinicians/tracc-programme-mb-phd

Applying

To apply for an MB PhD or BDS PhD position in Glasgow please submit your completed TRACC Programme application form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before the application deadline.

Informal Enquries

Informal enquiries can be addressed to the following key contacts: