About the Project

The aim of this project involves applying techniques across mathematical modelling, analysis, fluid mechanics and/or computation to examine the efficiency of novel methodologies for enhanced and sustainable blood filtration technologies for patients undergoing dialysis treatment. Dialysis enables patients with chronic kidney disease to live without a functioning kidney by replacing it with an artificial kidney that removes toxins and excess fluid from the patients’ blood through filtration. However, prohibitive costs and the frequent need for hospital visits prevent dialysis from being offered to most individuals who need it, resulting in widespread premature death even in high-income countries. It is the aim of this project to remove some of these barriers by examining the efficiency and feasibility of a number of innovative solutions to make dialysis available at home and at lower cost, potentially making dialysis available for more individuals who need it. These include the feasibility of developing enhanced filtration technologies and the feasibility of recycling dialysate, which would reduce the amount of sterile water needed per dialysis session. These innovations have the potential to make dialysis available to a higher proportion of individuals who need it, including in areas where access to sterile water is limited.

The project involves a combination of mathematical modelling, theory and/or numerical computation, depending on the candidate’s interests. There is also the opportunity to design and conduct related small-scale fluid-dynamical laboratory experiments if this aligns with the interests of the candidate. As relevant fluid mechanical background will be attained during this project, it is not a requirement for admission. However, prior familiarity with techniques across applied mathematics will be an advantage for the successful completion of this project.

Application details & further information

Informal enquiries: katarzyna.kowal@glasgow.ac.uk / matthew.durey@glasgow.ac.uk

How to Apply:

Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply: https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/mathematics/