Translational Medicine Studentships 2024
For Translational Medicine studentships, students apply for a specific project.
Projects have been designed by supervisors from Warwick with an NHS partner.
Projects available for 2024 entry:
AI-Guided Multi-OMIC analysis of endometrial samples for clinical decision making
Professor Jan Brosens and Dr. Fayyaz Minhas
Is it possible to identify patterns associated with miscarriages using artificial intelligence (AI) approaches? This is an exciting opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team specializing in AI, computational pathology, bioinformatics and reproductive medicine to solve a real-world clinical problem. Given that approximately 15% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, identifying factors that are associated with miscarriage-related changes in the lining of the womb (endometrium) can lead us to a more detailed understanding of how pregnancy loss happens and open up windows for clinical interventions. In this project, we shall use artificial intelligence methods to analyze images of tissue taken from the womb lining together with historical data of the patient's miscarriages to identify such factors in a purely data-driven manner. We will also analyze the degree to which different genes are active in the tissue (called transcriptomics) to further improve the quality and accuracy of the proposed approach.
The ideal candidate for this multidisciplinary PhD project will be comfortable in developing machine learning models such as neural networks, sequence analysis and transcriptomics as well as understanding reproduction biology. For any further information, please email: fayyaz.minhas@warwick.ac.uk.
Can THz sensing be used to diagnose, detect and monitor skin conditions such as skin cancer, eczema and psoriasis?
Professor Joe Hardwicke and Dr. Emma MacPherson
There is currently no medical device able to reliably measure and monitor skin to assess skin conditions and skin cancer. Evaluation of skin and skin conditions is still subjective and depends on the experience and ability of the medical professional looking at it. The commonly used equipment is the naked eye and a white light. New technology is needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs to the NHS. Terahertz (1012Hz, THz) light, which is part of the infrared spectrum, is a million times lower energy than x rays and is safe for frequent use. Small changes in hydration can be detected by THz scanning due to water having strong absorption at the frequency used. THz light is therefore ideal for use in monitoring skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis which affect the hydration and thickness of the skin, and the student will also investigate if it can be used to detect skin cancer. We have already developed a THz probe that can be used to scan the skin and in this project the student will collect and analyse THz data from patients with skin conditions with a view to developing new capabilities for early diagnosis and treatment planning and monitoring.
This is a highly interdisciplinary project with the need for strong mathematical and computing skills as well as interpersonal skill for interactions with patients for data collection.
Key Facts
Four-year MSc + PhD fully funded programme
Contact: Tom Hodgekins
Email: mrcdtp at warwick dot ac dot uk