PhD in Development, Regeneration and Neurophysiology

University of Sheffield

We examine how a single cell can give rise to an entire organism, knowledge that helps us understand health and ageing, which is fundamental to the development of new medicines. We apply our knowledge to direct the differentiation of cells for regenerative medicine and disease-modelling applications, with a particular focus on the nervous system. We also investigate the mechanisms underpinning how sensory inputs are detected and processed by the nervous system in health and disease, with the aim to identify targets for gene-based therapeutic interventions. The University of Sheffield has a long tradition in the study of developmental biology, neuroscience, stem cells, and regenerative medicine, with an international reputation in these fields. An important societal aim is to understand why some people live long and healthy lives, while others may suffer from chronic illness or degenerative conditions. Linked to this is the need to improve therapies for individuals with long-term debilitating conditions. Our research provides an exciting route towards achieving these goals.