Many plant disease-causing fungi lose their ability to cause disease if they are cultured for prolonged periods in artificial media away from their plant host. The reasons for this, however, are completely unknown, but probably linked to genomic rearrangements, transposon activity or perhaps epigenetic changes. This project will investigate the phenomenon using the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) oryzae, which destroys enough rice each year to feed 60 million people, threatening global food security.

We will identify the genetic and epigenetic changes associated with prolonged sub-culture of the blast fungus using comparative genome analysis and thereby define the mechanisms associated with loss of virulence, as well as identifying novel genetic determinants of pathogenicity.

The project will provide broad training in molecular genetics, genomics, cell biology, and plant-microbe interactions. Intellectually, the project provides a challenge in understanding how genomic instability reshapes fungal virulence in a plant pathogenic fungus.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 25 or 26 August 2026.

Entry requirements: At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1.

Start Date: 1 October 2026

Many plant disease-causing fungi lose their ability to cause disease if they are cultured for prolonged periods in artificial media away from their plant host. The reasons for this, however, are completely unknown, but probably linked to genomic rearrangements, transposon activity or perhaps epigenetic changes. This project will investigate the phenomenon using the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) oryzae, which destroys enough rice each year to feed 60 million people, threatening global food security.

We will identify the genetic and epigenetic changes associated with prolonged sub-culture of the blast fungus using comparative genome analysis and thereby define the mechanisms associated with loss of virulence, as well as identifying novel genetic determinants of pathogenicity.

The project will provide broad training in molecular genetics, genomics, cell biology, and plant-microbe interactions. Intellectually, the project provides a challenge in understanding how genomic instability reshapes fungal virulence in a plant pathogenic fungus.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 25 or 26 August 2026.

Entry requirements: At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1.

Start Date: 1 October 2026