PhD Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS 2026). Research Project: Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes for Alzheimer’s Disease: Mechanisms, Pathway Analysis, and Intranasal Delivery

About the Project

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes progressive dementia, and current treatments only slow symptoms. Overactive microglia drive AD pathology, making them key therapeutic targets. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Ex) offer a promising, low-immunogenic, cell-free therapy with immunomodulatory effects. To address delivery challenges, Monash has patented an intranasal MSC-Ex dry powder. This study will profile MSC-Ex contents, identify molecular pathways via bioinformatics, and validate mechanisms in vitro and in vivo AD models. Intranasal MSC-Ex will be tested for neuroprotection, microglial regulation, and cognitive recovery.

This project is part of Monash University Malaysia’s Graduate Research Thematic Cluster, from Biomarkers to Therapeutics: An Integrated Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

The ideal PhD candidate for this project should meet the following criteria:

1. prefer Malaysian citizen.
2. Degree in fields e.g. Biomedical Science / Neuroscience, Biotechnology / Molecular Biology, Pharmacology / Regenerative Medicine
3. Research Skills & Experience (Preferred):
   1. Familiarity with cell culture and molecular biology techniques
   2. Experience with bioinformatics or willingness to learn pathway/network analysis tools.
   3. Interest or experience in neurodegenerative disease models
   4. Animal handling skill are an advantage.
4. Highly motivated, independent, and able to work in a multidisciplinary team.
5. Willing to contribute to publication, conference presentations, and grant applications.

How to Apply

It is suggested that you first contact the main supervisor and provide them with your academic background and achievements to determine whether you are a 'fit' for this research topic.

If you feel you are a good fit, submit your application here and ensure that you enter the same GEMS research topic as advertised on this webpage. To review the application requirements, please refer to our application submission guide. When submitting your application, please select the Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS). More information about GEMS is available here.

Funding Notes

The Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS), funded by Monash University Malaysia, features regional mobility and is awarded to highly qualified students seeking to work on projects of regional and global relevance.

Recipients of GEMS will be funded for an immersive year in either Monash University Australia, Monash University Indonesia, or the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay of up to 9 months and have access to Monash University’s global network of research expertise and infrastructure during their candidature period.

Eligibility

To be eligible for GEMS, you must possess a minimum academic qualification of First Class Honours (H1) or its equivalence (H1E) recognised by Monash University Malaysia and satisfy the English language requirements.