Mindful of the importance of clinician scientists and the key role they play in translating discovery into clinical use, the Trust is delighted to announce the launch of its MB PhD scheme.
The programme supports aspiring clinician scientists to undertake a PhD in areas of research relevant to musculoskeletal and other inflammatory diseases between years 3 and 4 of their medical degree. The initiative will fund a total of 15 students per annum over 5 years, at a total cost of £8.2m.
A call for proposals was issued to institutions currently offering MB PhD programmes through the CRUK initiative established in 2019. Applications were assessed by an expert Review Panel comprising Professors Sir Stephen Holgate, Sara Marshall and John Isaacs.
Following an initial assessment and virtual interviews, awards were made by the Board of Trustees to the Universities of Birmingham, Manchester, Oxford, and a partnership between the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The Trust’s Chairman Professor Sir Stephen Holgate, MRC Professor of Immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton, said: ‘The MB PhD initiative combines two of the Kennedy Trust’s key aims: investment into translational research and the support of early career scientists. We are delighted to build upon the fantastic programmes established by these universities under the CRUK scheme and we are confident that the Trust’s MB PhD scheme will deliver the next generation of clinical academic leaders in musculoskeletal and inflammatory disease research.’
The first cohort of students are expected to start the programme in 2021.
The successful applicants provided the following comments:
“Oxford is thrilled to join the Kennedy Trust MB PhD scheme. This scheme will provide a unique opportunity to educate a new generation of clinician scientists, harnessing Oxford’s established research strengths. We are confident these doctors will lead research for the benefit of patients with musculoskeletal diseases many years to come. “
Professor Paul Bowness, Professor of Experimental Rheumatology at the University of Oxford
“The University of Birmingham is absolutely delighted to be able to host this Kennedy Trust funded programme allowing medical students to study for an intercalated PhD. Inflammation research is one of Birmingham’s real strengths and we are very much looking forward to the opportunities this scheme will provide, allowing us to develop the next generation of clinical academics committed to research to improve outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal and other inflammatory diseases.”
Professor Karim Raza, Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Birmingham
“We are delighted that the University has been awarded this prestigious and innovative programme, which will allow the training of the next generation of clinical academics in inflammation research.”
Professor Anne Barton, Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Manchester
“I am delighted that the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are joining forces once more to deliver this ambitious rheumatology programme. Through the breadth and depth of research expertise at both our institutions we will be able to offer post graduate students a world-class training opportunity, and also showcase the real-world benefits of a partnership-driven, collaborative science.”
Professor Iain McInnes, Vice Principal of the University of Glasgow and Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences
“This award reflects the world-leading clinical and teaching expertise that we are so fortunate to have across the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. It has been estimated that one-third of all consultations in general practice are for musculoskeletal disease. I am confident that this innovative programme will support a new generation of clinician-scientists to improve outcomes for people living with musculoskeletal diseases over the coming years.”
Professor Stuart H Ralston, Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Edinburgh
