About the Project
About this project: Decoding calcium signalling during fertilization: a data-driven mathematical modelling framework for a non-invasive IVF diagnostic tool
(Cardiff University, School of Computational and Mathematical Sciences)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the primary treatment for infertility, with over 2.5 million cycles performed annually worldwide. Success rates remain limited because the best embryo for transfer can only be selected after five days of culture. This project will develop a data-driven mathematical modelling framework to decode calcium signalling during fertilization using experimental data on calcium dynamics and egg movements. By establishing the relationship between calcium signalling and non-invasive measurements of egg movements, the project will enable prediction of embryo viability on Day 1, paving the way for a non invasive IVF diagnostic that could significantly improve IVF success rates.
Supervisors:
- Dr Katerina Kaouri (Cardiff University),
- Professor Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova (University of Exeter),
- Dr Cameron Hall (University of Bristol),
- Professor Karl Swann (Cardiff University)
A full description of the project can be found on the GW4 BioMed website.
Applications open on Wednesday 9th September and close at 5.00pm on Wednesday 21st October 2026. Please note that we may close the application process before the stated deadline if an unprecedented number of applications are received – check our website for details.
Studentships will be 4 years full time. Part-time study may also be available.
These four-year studentships provide funding for fees and stipend at the rate set by the UKRI, as well as other research training and support costs, and are available to UK and International students.
Eligibility
Academic criteria: Applicants for a studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of medical sciences, computing, mathematics or the physical sciences.
English requirements: IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or an acceptable alternative. Please see our university website for further information.
How to Apply
A list of all the projects and how to apply is available on the GW4 BioMed website at gw4biomed.ac.uk. You may select up to 2 projects and submit one application per candidate only.
Please complete an application to the GW4 BioMed3 for an 'offer of funding'. If successful, you will also need to make an application for an 'offer to study' to your chosen institution later.
Please complete the online application form linked from our website by 5.00pm on Wednesday, 21st October 2026. Please note that we may close the application process before the stated deadline if an unprecedented number of applications are received – check the GW4 BioMed website for details and updates.
If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be notified from Tuesday, 22nd December 2026. Interviews will be held virtually on 26th and 27th January 2027.
Studentships will start on 1st October 2027.
Further Information
For informal enquiries, please contact GW4BioMed@cardiff.ac.uk
For project related queries, please contact the supervisors listed.
Funding Notes
These studentships are funded through GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme and consist of UK tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated each year).
Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is also available.
GW4 BioMed3 studentships are available to UK and International applicants
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