About the Project Summary Huntington's disease is an inherited brain disorder that causes progressive movement, cognitive and sleep problems, yet there is still no effective treatment. This PhD project asks why vulnerable neurons die, focusing on the link between DNA damage, PARP signalling, mitochondrial failure and metabolic collapse. The student will combine cutting-edge Drosophila genetics, human stem cell-derived neurons, DNA damage assays, sequencing approaches, live-cell imaging and…
metabolomics to uncover disease mechanisms and test therapeutic strategies. Based at Cardiff University, the student will join the collaborative Cardiff University, GW4 and UK Dementia Research Institute research communities, receiving outstanding multidisciplinary training. A full description of the project can be found on the GW4 BioMed website . 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. English requirements IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or acceptable alternative. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details. How to Apply A list of all the projects and how to apply is available on the GW4 BioMed website . 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 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. 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
