MSc (Res) opportunities
The Master of Science by research degree is a 12-month, research only degree, in which the candidate will undertake a supervised research project in the School of Medicine at the University of St 糖心logo. The candidate will be based in the Medical and Biological Sciences Building, which is situated at the North Haugh Science Campus in St 糖心logo.
MSc (Res) are generally self-funded but selected students may be eligible for bursary support.
For funded opportunities please see .
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The cellular medicine division combines basic and clinical research with the goal of understanding the cellular and molecular basis of disease. Our interdisciplinary research uses cutting edge technology to address fundamental biomedical processes involved in health and disease. Current strengths within the cellular medicine division include both cell biological and physiological themes to reveal mechanisms of disease. Crucial to this is the use of multiple approaches including human genetics, digital pathology, cellular biology and biophysics. The cellular medicine division has strong links both within the University via the interdisciplinary research hub, BSRC and with NHS Fife, NHS Lothian and the wider health service nationally. This provides a unique partnership between basic and clinical research, aimed at understanding the cellular basis of health and disease.
Candidates may approach potential supervisors in the division directly or via advertised projects listed below.
Project Title
GLP-1 receptor agonists in pre-conception care: behavioural, reproductive and economic implications for fertility treatment in women with obesity
Supervisor(s)
Dr Joanne Cecil (School of Medicine) Dr Javier Tello (School of Medicine), Dr Tugce Cuhadaroglu (Business School)
Project Description
Obesity disproportionately affects women of reproductive age and is associated with menstrual disturbances, subfertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. BMI thresholds (typically < 30kg/m2)restrict access to fertility services, often making weight loss a prerequisite for treatment. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are increasingly used to support preconception weight-loss and may improve reproductive function, but preclinical data raise concerns about potential teratogenicity and human data on periconceptional use is limited. Current guidance therefore recommends discontinuing GLP-1RAs before conception although adherence to this guidance is variable. Consequently, the behavioural, clinical and economic consequences of GLP-1 RA use in women seeking fertility treatment remain poorly characterised.
This project investigates the behavioural, reproductive, and economic implications of GLP-1 RA use in women with obesity seeking fertility treatment. It explicitly frames preconception decision-making as an intertemporal choice problem under uncertainty, where individuals trade off short-term access to fertility treatment against uncertain longer-term risks related to medication use and pregnancy outcomes, within the constraints imposed by clinical guidelines and access policies. The project has 3 research objectives:
· Synthesise the evidence on GLP-1RA effects on metabolic and ovarian biomarkers and periconceptional use and pregnancy risks (RO1).- Identify behavioural determinants of GLP-1 RA uptake and adherence during the periconceptional period among women with obesity, with a focus on behavioural frictions such as present bias,
risk perceptions, informational constraints, and social norms (RO2). - Develop a decision-analytic economic model evaluating the cost-effectiveness of GLP-1 RA-assisted weight optimisation prior to fertility treatment compared with BMI-threshold policies, and
their impact on access, time-to-treatment, and reproductive outcomes (RO3).
The student will conduct a structured evidence synthesis to quantify associations between GLP-1 RA use and reproductive biomarkers and examine data on their use during periconception and risks
for obstetric and pregnancy outcomes (RO1). Semi-structured interviews with women of reproductive age who are living with obesity will be conducted to explore decision-making processes, behaviours and perceptions (RO2). These components will feed into the development of a decision-analytic model of pathways into fertility treatment. The model will incorporate heterogeneity in patient characteristics (e.g. BMI, age, reproductive health), endogenous adherence to clinical guidance, and timing decisions regarding GLP-1RA use and treatment entry. It will evaluate alternative policy regimes, including BMI-based access restrictions, discontinuation guidelines, and access to GLP-1RAs, assessing their implications for efficiency, equity, and patient welfare, as well as clinical outcomes (RO3).
By integrating behavioural evidence, clinical data, and economic modelling, the project will provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how emerging weight-loss treatments interactwith fertility policies and patient decision-making. The findings will inform clinical guidance and health policy by identifying trade-offs between safety, access, and outcomes, and by demonstrating how behavioural responses shape the effectiveness of preconception interventions.
The student will develop skills in systematic evidence synthesis, qualitative methods, behavioural theory, and health economic modelling. Interdisciplinary supervision will provide exposure toclinical research, behavioural science, and health policy evaluation.
Subject Areas and Keywords
Obesity, GLP-1 receptor agonists, neurobiology, energy homeostasis, fertility treatment, pregnancy, human behaviour, behavioural economics, health economics, health policy, access to care,economic modelling.
Skills & Requirements
We seek a highly motivated candidate with a good bachelor’s degree in psychology, biology, economics or a related discipline, with an interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection ofbehaviour, health, and policy. An interest in decision-making, behavioural economics, and health economic modelling is particularly desirable. Prior experience with quantitative and qualitative methods is welcomed, but comprehensive training will be provided by the supervisors.
Further Details and Application process
This project has been awarded St 糖心logo Business School Research Bursary of £1000 for research expenses. If you are planning to apply for this project, first contact the supervisors, contact DrJoanne Cecil (jc100@st-andrews.ac.uk), Dr Javier Tello (jt65@st-andrews.ac.uk) and Dr Tugce Cuhadaroglu (tc48@st-andrews.ac.uk, to discuss eligibility and obtain approval. Once an agreement is reached, you can proceed to submit your formal application.
Project Title
Characterising a novel immunomodulatory protein
Project Supervisor(s)
Project Description
The human immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that defends the body against foreign agents. It destroys these foreign agents, as well as our dead and faulty cells. However, during pregnancy, foetal placental trophoblast cells invade the maternal uterine decidua without being rejected by the maternal immune system - the pregnancy paradox. Accumulating evidence suggests that fetal immune tolerance is established locally at the placenta to counteract maternal immune cells. The immune system also restrains the growth of many early cancer lesions by the process of immune surveillance, where lesions are detected and removed. However, cancers that develop further into clinical disease escape immune surveillance and it is increasingly appreciated that overcoming immune surveillance is a critical acquired attribute of tumourigenesis. A group of cancer-placenta antigens (CPA) are expressed in both of these scenarios, which may have important roles in the process of immune tolerance, and targeting these novel factors would dramatically improve patient outcomes in a number of disease settings where immune tolerance plays a role, including e.g. cancer, neurodegeneration, organ transplant and autoimmune diseases.
We are interested in a novel type I membrane protein which is highly expressed on the cell surface of stromal fibroblasts in solid tumours, and is also expressed interact with the maternal tissue. Its expression correlates with a poor response to anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint therapy, suggesting it may inhibit immune activation.
We are investigating this protein in the placenta and in cancer by using a combination of approaches including protein detection in patient samples using multiplex IF, immune assays using co-culture and flow cytometry, and cell signalling investigations.
Subject area(s) and keywords
Cell Biology, Immunology, Pathology
Project Title
CLDN3: a novel genetic risk factor for dyslexia
Project Supervisor(s)Prof Silvia Paracchini (Medicine) & Prof Sonja Vernes (Biology)
Project DescriptionDyslexia is a specific difficulty in learning to read that affects 5-10% of school-aged children and is strongly influenced by genetic factors. A recent exome-sequencing study identified several candidate genes for dyslexia. Notably, a specific variant (7-73769649-G-A) in the CLDN3 gene was identified in six independent cases, showing a four-fold higher frequency compared to population reference datasets. This project investigates the effect of this specific variant on the function of CLDN3, a gene involved in the blood-brain-barrier, to elucidate the molecular pathways underlying dyslexia. The research combines genomic technologies with functional validation approaches, providing an opportunity to dissect genotype-phenotype relationships in human cognition.
The student should have a strong theoretical grounding in genetics and molecular biology with a degree in a related field. They will receive comprehensive training in cell biology and molecular genetic techniques, including cloning, transfection, mutagenesis, and immunofluorescence. They will work with cellular models using differentiated neuronal cells and conduct bioinformatic analysis using UK Biobank data. Hands-on experience in any of these methods is an advantage but not a requirement as training will be delivered through one-on-one mentorship with experienced researchers and supervision from two senior academics, ensuring optimal skill development and support.
- Identify behavioural determinants of GLP-1 RA uptake and adherence during the periconceptional period among women with obesity, with a focus on behavioural frictions such as present bias,
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The infection and global health division focusses on clinical research internationally. We have ongoing projects in the UK through strong links to NHS Fife and the wider health service nationally, across Africa where we are researching new antibiotic treatments.
Candidates may approach potential supervisors in the division directly or via advertised projects listed below.
Project title:
Arclight Project
Project Supervisor(s):
Project Description:
The Ophthalmology and Arclight Project team welcome any potential candidates to engage with our research.
We work in the UK and overseas developing low cost diagnostic and simulation education tools.
Relevant Reference:
Subject Area(s) and Keywords:
Ophthalmology, Global Health, Early diagnosis, Frugal Technology, Medical Education
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The population and behavioural science division bring together research teams working to understand and improve the health of individual children, adolescents and adults as well as populations.
Candidates may approach potential supervisors in the division directly or via advertised projects listed below.
Project Title
GLP-1 receptor agonists in pre-conception care: behavioural, reproductive and economic implications for fertility treatment in women with obesity
Supervisor(s)
Dr Joanne Cecil (School of Medicine) Dr Javier Tello (School of Medicine), Dr Tugce Cuhadaroglu (Business School)
Project Description
Obesity disproportionately affects women of reproductive age and is associated with menstrual disturbances, subfertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. BMI thresholds (typically < 30kg/m2)restrict access to fertility services, often making weight loss a prerequisite for treatment. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are increasingly used to support preconception weight-loss and may improve reproductive function, but preclinical data raise concerns about potential teratogenicity and human data on periconceptional use is limited. Current guidance therefore recommends discontinuing GLP-1RAs before conception although adherence to this guidance is variable. Consequently, the behavioural, clinical and economic consequences of GLP-1 RA use in women seeking fertility treatment remain poorly characterised.
This project investigates the behavioural, reproductive, and economic implications of GLP-1 RA use in women with obesity seeking fertility treatment. It explicitly frames preconception decision-making as an intertemporal choice problem under uncertainty, where individuals trade off short-term access to fertility treatment against uncertain longer-term risks related to medication use and pregnancy outcomes, within the constraints imposed by clinical guidelines and access policies. The project has 3 research objectives:
· Synthesise the evidence on GLP-1RA effects on metabolic and ovarian biomarkers and periconceptional use and pregnancy risks (RO1).- Identify behavioural determinants of GLP-1 RA uptake and adherence during the periconceptional period among women with obesity, with a focus on behavioural frictions such as present bias,
risk perceptions, informational constraints, and social norms (RO2). - Develop a decision-analytic economic model evaluating the cost-effectiveness of GLP-1 RA-assisted weight optimisation prior to fertility treatment compared with BMI-threshold policies, and
their impact on access, time-to-treatment, and reproductive outcomes (RO3).
The student will conduct a structured evidence synthesis to quantify associations between GLP-1 RA use and reproductive biomarkers and examine data on their use during periconception and risks
for obstetric and pregnancy outcomes (RO1). Semi-structured interviews with women of reproductive age who are living with obesity will be conducted to explore decision-making processes, behaviours and perceptions (RO2). These components will feed into the development of a decision-analytic model of pathways into fertility treatment. The model will incorporate heterogeneity in patient characteristics (e.g. BMI, age, reproductive health), endogenous adherence to clinical guidance, and timing decisions regarding GLP-1RA use and treatment entry. It will evaluate alternative policy regimes, including BMI-based access restrictions, discontinuation guidelines, and access to GLP-1RAs, assessing their implications for efficiency, equity, and patient welfare, as well as clinical outcomes (RO3).
By integrating behavioural evidence, clinical data, and economic modelling, the project will provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how emerging weight-loss treatments interactwith fertility policies and patient decision-making. The findings will inform clinical guidance and health policy by identifying trade-offs between safety, access, and outcomes, and by demonstrating how behavioural responses shape the effectiveness of preconception interventions.
The student will develop skills in systematic evidence synthesis, qualitative methods, behavioural theory, and health economic modelling. Interdisciplinary supervision will provide exposure toclinical research, behavioural science, and health policy evaluation.
Subject Areas and Keywords
Obesity, GLP-1 receptor agonists, neurobiology, energy homeostasis, fertility treatment, pregnancy, human behaviour, behavioural economics, health economics, health policy, access to care,economic modelling.
Skills & Requirements
We seek a highly motivated candidate with a good bachelor’s degree in psychology, biology, economics or a related discipline, with an interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection ofbehaviour, health, and policy. An interest in decision-making, behavioural economics, and health economic modelling is particularly desirable. Prior experience with quantitative and qualitative methods is welcomed, but comprehensive training will be provided by the supervisors.
Further Details and Application process
This project has been awarded St 糖心logo Business School Research Bursary of £1000 for research expenses. If you are planning to apply for this project, first contact the supervisors, contact DrJoanne Cecil (jc100@st-andrews.ac.uk), Dr Javier Tello (jt65@st-andrews.ac.uk) and Dr Tugce Cuhadaroglu (tc48@st-andrews.ac.uk, to discuss eligibility and obtain approval. Once an agreement is reached, you can proceed to submit your formal application.
Project Title
Drug use and tattooing: a hermeneutical inquiry into the themes and relationships between substance use disorder and tattooing.
Project Supervisor
Professor Alexander Mario Baldacchino
Project Description
There is a vast body of literature on the history and global development of tattooing, some of which contains references to substance use disorder and also a large body of literature on the motivations and rationales of tattooing. There is also an emerging body of literature now emerging around the addictive effects and qualities of tattooing. It is timely that this MSc study explores and establishes the themes and relationships between substance use disorder and tattooing through fusion of the subjective experiences of the participants/actors and the objective historical and ideological perspectives of the researcher resulting in an analysis of shared typical and atypical themes.
Objectives
The MSc aims to investigate and provide interpretation on the themes and relationship between substance use disorder and tattooing.
Research questions
Establish the themes and relationships between substance use disorder and tattooing through fusion of the subjective experiences of the participants/actors and the objective historical and ideological perspectives of the researcher resulting in an analysis of shared typical and atypical themes.
Methodology
Initially a systematic review will be conducted which will inform the recognized themes. This will be followed by a qualitative study conducted within a hermeneutic paradigm. Participants will be selected through all possible social and other media including snowballing techniques. They will participate in formal but unstructured and non-directive interviews and photos will also be taken of their tattoos (subject to consent).
Outcomes
The end point of this study will be the themes emerging because of the revie and qualitative work conducted.
Relevant References
- Borokhov, A; Bastiaans,R; Lerner,V (2006). Tattoo Designs Among Drug Abusers. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci Vol 43 No. 1 (2006) 28–33.
- Laux, P; Tewes,T; Tentschert,J; Annegret Blume,J; Al Dahouk,S; Bäumler,W; Bernstein,E; Bocca, B; Alimonti, A;,Colebrook ,H; Cuyper, C; Dähne,L;, Urs Hauri,U; Howard, P.C; Janssen, P; Katz, L; Klitzman, B;Kluger, N, Krutak, L; Platzek,T; Luch, A (2016.) A medical-toxicological view of tattooing. Lancet.), 395-402
Tuition Fees
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Subject Area(s) and Keywords
Substance use disorder, tattooing, hermeneutic methodology.
Project Title
Do we know enough about the interaction between illicit drug use and micronutrient status?
Supervisor(s)
Professor Alexander Mario Baldacchino
Project Description
- Context. According to the World Health Organization, “substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances. Psychoactive substance use can lead to dependence syndrome” [1]. While it is estimated that globally, around 164 million people had an alcohol or drug use disorder in 2016, substance abuse is often misconceived in research and practice.
In another hand, micronutrient deficiencies are a global concern, as for example, iodine deficiency is affecting two billion of people through the world [2] and 17% of the global population are at risk of zinc deficiency [3]. Malnutrition affects key development outcomes including poor physical and mental health or exacerbation of diseases.
Theoretically, individuals experiencing the substance abuse are at risk of malnutrition. In a recent meta-analysis conducted by Urhna et al. [4] showed that these individuals have unhealthy dietary patterns, inter alias, meals skipping, eating food with high-fat and also with high-sugar content.
However, no linkage is available between the substance abuse and the micronutrient status. In order to document the gap of knowledge about the substance abuse effect on micronutrient status, we are looking for a candidate how will lead a systematic review on this topic.
- Objectives. The specific aims of this study are:
- Methodology. A systematic review.
1# to document the association of the chronic illicit drugs on the major micronutrient relevant at the public health point of view (Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamin B and Vitamin E; trace elements such as iodine, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium)
2# to document the effect of micronutrient supplementation on the substance abuse and addiction management.
Outcomes. I) to highlight, eventually, the need of the micronutrient supplementation; ii) to identify the involvement of the micronutrient in the addiction process; iii) to depict the association of illicit drug with the micronutrient physiological balance.
Relevant References
- WHO. Substance abuse. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2016 [cited 2019 30/10]; Available from: https://.
- Zimmermann MB, Andersson M. Update on iodine status worldwide. Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity2012 Oct;19(5):382-7.
- Maxfield L, Crane JS. Zinc Deficiency. StatPearls. Treasure Island FL: StatPearls Publishing LLC.; 2019.
- Urhan M, Ergün C, Karada臒 MG. Analysis of food consumption status, body weight change and body composition 谋n 谋ndividuals with substance use disorders: a systematic. Progress in Nutrition2018;20(2-S):5-28.
Tuition Fees
/students/money/fees/feestable/#d.en.66444
Subject Area(s) and Keywords
Micronutrient deficiencies; nutritional status; Addiction; Alcohol; Benzodiazepines; Cocaine; Nicotine; opioids.
Project Title
Patient involvement in the design of recruitment to lung cancer screening trials
Supervisor(s)
Project Description
Co-design of research which effectively involves members of the population who may benefit from an intervention is increasingly important. We wish to compare the extent of involvement with recruitment to the success of recruitment in a range of settings. Data collection will include interviews and document review from sites offering lung cancer screening and analysis will be via mixed methods.
Relevant References
- Sullivan FM, Farmer E, Mair FS, Treweek S, Kendrick D, Jackson C, et al. Detection in blood of autoantibodies to tumour antigens as a case-finding method in lung cancer using the EarlyCDT®-Lung Test (ECLS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC cancer. 2017;17(1):187.
- McRonald FE, Yadegarfar G, Baldwin DR, Devaraj A, Brain KE, Eisen T, et al. The UK Lung Screen (UKLS): demographic profile of first 88,897 approaches provides recommendations for population screening. Cancer Prevention Research. 2014;7(3):362-71.
- Van Iersel CA, De Koning HJ, Draisma G, Mali WP, Scholten ET, Nackaerts K, et al. Risk鈥恇ased selection from the general population in a screening trial: selection criteria, recruitment and power for the Dutch鈥怋elgian randomised lung cancer multi鈥恠lice CT screening trial (NELSON). International Journal of Cancer. 2007;120(4):868-74.
- NIHR. National Standards for Public Involvement. sites.google.com/nihr.ac.uk/pi-standards/standards
- Sanders EB, Stappers PJ. Co-creation and the new landscapes of design. Co-design. 2008 Mar 1;4(1):5-18.
Subject Area(s) and Keywords
Research methodology, Cancer, Screening, Co-design, Lung cancer, Early diagnosis, Screening, Health economics, RCT, Primary care, Biomarker, Autoantibodies
- Identify behavioural determinants of GLP-1 RA uptake and adherence during the periconceptional period among women with obesity, with a focus on behavioural frictions such as present bias,