Scholarships & Research Projects
PhD Applicants have the opportunity to apply under specific PhD Research Projects offered by Faculty of the Medical School. Please review the post for specific details regarding the PhD Projects, the Funding, the entry and/or application requirements. It should be noted that the review and selection of the candidates is a competitive process, therefore only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents will be reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews.
See the available PhD Research Projects below:
Projects Offered as Scholarships
(Waving of Tuition Fees):
PhD Project in Medical Sciences
Climate change-related environmental risk factors and perinatal health
Main Supervisor: Dr Souzana Achilleos
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-4: Investigating the possible association of NRG1 and tau, in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)’
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-4: Investigating the possible association of NRG1 and tau, in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme leading to novel findings in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting application through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for one PhD Scholarship in the fields of Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases. The successful candidate will enrol in the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Professor Dimitrios Kanakis with expertise in the fields of Pathology and Neuropathology at the University of Nicosia Medical School.
Project Description:
Code and Title of research project: ‘PHD-2023-4: Investigating the possible association of NRG1 and tau, in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).’
Background and Rationale:
Neurodegenerative disorders constitute a major problem for the health care system globally. The number of newly diagnosed patients suffering from one of the known neurodegenerative diseases increases dramatically. Finding a treatment or even a preventative measure against such disorders is one of the major challenges of modern science. However, these scientific efforts, though intensive, have not yet achieved the expected result, that is the development of efficacious therapeutic schemes. The reason for this is the absence of sufficient knowledge of the pathogenesis of each of the various degenerative diseases. It is therefore of utmost importance to understand comprehensively the pathology of this category of diseases in order to focus our research explicitly.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the commonest age-related neurodegenerative disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive neurological disorder that drives to the irreversible loss of neurons, primarily in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. The amyloid-β plaques and the neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the main histopathological hallmarks of the disease.
The amyloid hypothesis suggests that the abnormal cleavage of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and the subsequent deposition of toxic amyloid peptides are a predominant step in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, tau hyperphosphorylation and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation is a direct epiphenomenon of this abnormal deposition suggesting the close association of APP and MAPT (Microtubule Associated Protein Tau) genes.
Neuregulins (NRG) are a family of growth and differentiation factors involved in neuronal differentiation and migration, oligodendrocyte development, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function, myelination, neurite extension and arborization, synapse formation and neurotransmitter release.
There are four different neuregulin types: NRG1, NRG2, NRG3, and NRG4. NRG1 is the most widely studied growth factor of the neuregulin family. There are three NRG1 isoforms, namely NRG1 type I, NRG1 type II and NRG1 type III. NRG1 protein has been shown to be important in the development of the CNS, the circulatory system and accessory reproductive organs like the mammary glands. NRG1 plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis and neural differentiations (i.e. neural crest cell differentiation into Schwann cells). Its function is mediated by transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors of the ErbB family, inducing receptor heterodimerization, which in turn initiates a signal transduction cascade.
A close association of Neuregulin-1 (NRG1), BACE1 and APP genes exists that suggest a potential link between NRG1 and Alzheimer’s disease, as the last two factors (i.e. BACE and APP) have been implicated in the development of this condition. NRG1 is a major physiological substrate of β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), which is cleaved within its ectodomain allowing the exposure of the EGF-like domain for ErbB signaling. In other words, NRG1 activation is mediated by the enzymatic cleavage of BACE1, a rate limiting enzyme for APP proteolysis and amyloid production.
Double immunofluorescence and electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that ErbB4 antibodies co-localized with hyper-phosphorylated tau inclusions and NFTs, proving the relationship between the neuregulin receptor ErbB4 and protein hyper-phosphorylated protein tau. The importance of ErbB/neuregulin signaling in AD pathogenesis, APP processing and tau hyper-phosphorylation has also been shown.
In vitro experiments demonstrated further that NRG1 eliminated the effect of amyloid beta-induced decrease in dendritic spine density in rat primary hippocampal neurons, and improved neural cell differentiation in mouse fetal neuronal stem cells. These results render Neuregulin-1 a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease.
It is therefore evident that the exact role of NRG1 is quite enigmatic, so there is an urgent need to “solve” the puzzle and understand the exact role of NRG1 in AD pathogenesis. Additionally, there is a missing link between NRG1 gene and tau hyper-phosphorylation. The main aim of the study is to elucidate the possible role of NRG-1 type III gene in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, through direct or indirect MAPT interaction leading to tau hyper-phosphorylation and NFT formation.
Aims and Objectives:
The current Research Proposal has the following aims and objectives:
- To examine the possible association of NRG1 with tau protein, tau hyper-phosphorylation and the development of toxic NFTs in AD mice.
- To examine the potential co-localization of the NRG1 protein with the hyper-phosphorylated protein tau.
- In a later stage, the association of NRG1 with BACE1 will be examined too, through RNAi technology. BACE1 inhibition will be performed on NRG1 transfected cells, in order to assess the possible change in NRG1 normal processing.
The Scholarship:
The PhD project comes with a Fee Waiver Scholarship that includes:
- Coverage of tuition fees for the PhD programme for a duration of three years (totalling €15,120). The successful candidate is expected to cover the tuition fees for each additional academic year (€1,700 per year).
The scholarship is subject to annual renewal based on the recipient’s satisfactory academic progress, with maximum renewal period of three years.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence i.e. October 2024) a recognised degree (BSc or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree (MSc) in the field(s) of Molecular Biology, or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MBBS or MD degree).
- Expertise in a variety of laboratory (e.g. immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence in paraffin fixed mouse brain samples) and specific molecular biology methods (e.g. Western blotting, in vitro experiments with different cell lines) is a prerequisite for carrying out the experiments of the PhD project.
Application for the PhD Scholarship:
Candidates should submit an online application through the ‘Request Information’ form and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Scholarship in the field of Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-4: Investigating the possible association of NRG1 and tau, in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)’.
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS with a score of 7 overall and with a minimum score of 7 in writing or TOEFL iBT with a score of 94 overall and a minimum score of 27 in Writing. Other internationally recognized English language qualifications might be considered upon review. Students from the UK, Ireland USA, Canada (from English speaking provinces), Australia and New Zealand are exempt from the English language requirement.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Once you complete your application please send an email to [email protected] expressing officially your interest in the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-4: Investigating the possible association of NRG1 and tau, in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)’ and also attaching all the required documents.
Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.
Acceptance of Applications for the PhD in Medical Sciences in field of Medical Education for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-5: Investigating students’ preparation for clinical training skills in medical undergraduate education’
Acceptance of Applications for the PhD in Medical Sciences in field of Medical Education for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-5: Investigating students’ preparation for clinical training skills in medical undergraduate education’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting applications through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for a PhD Research Project in the fields of Medical Education. The successful candidate will enrol on the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Panayiota Andreou with expertise in the fields of Medical Education at the University of Nicosia Medical School.
Project Description:
Code and Title of research project: ‘PHD-2023-5: Investigating students’ preparation for clinical and communication training skills in medical undergraduate education.’
Background and Rationale:
There is evidence that active engagement in education improves learning outcomes. More specifically, research suggests that student engagement (i.e. effort towards learning) often corresponds with positive student performance outcomes (Lee, 2014). Educational institutes try to enhance and support student engagement and preparation through various means such as study guides (Harden, Laidlaw, & Hesketh, 1999). Students who complete assigned readings prior to class tend to perform better academically (Phillips & Phillips, 2007; Terpstra, 1979) and the latter also facilitates understanding (Phillips & Phillips, 2007) and increases class participation (Chizmar, 2005; Karp & Yoels, 1976; Valde, 1997) which is known to enhance learning (Schmidt, Cohen-Scotanus, & Arends, 2009; Webb, Troper, & Fall, 1995). This is also acknowledged by students, who rate preparation ahead of their class as one of the most important factors for class participation (Aalbers et al., 2013; Karp & Yoels, 1976).
However, it is often observed that students do not always do the assigned preparatory work. Over the course of a semester students tend to rely increasingly on “skimming” the reading material ahead of class, and as a result, preparation declines (McKeachie, 2002; Phillips & Phillips, 2007). This pattern has also concerning consequences for the potential benefits of introducing popular instructional models such as the flipped or inverted classroom for large group teaching (Akçayır & Akçayır, 2018).
There is limited work investigating the reasons why students are not engaged with the advised preparatory work and even less work on interventions developed to address this issue. Some work focused on large group teaching and specifically on how digital tools including quizzes and progress monitors, can help students prepare (Francescucci, Kellershohn, & Pyle, 2020). Results indicated a positive impact on both academic assessments and self-reported feelings of engagement but only at the 100% completion levels. In other words, an all-or-nothing effect on the part of the students is required.
Similarly, work focusing on small group teaching, such as experiential communication and clinical skills training, and investigating the motivating factors of preparation (or lack of) has been equally limited. Evidence drawn from students’ perspective indicated a range of intrinsic factors (e.g. personal learning style, attitudes and beliefs) and external factors (e.g. upcoming assessment, preparatory advice) were related to student motivation and preparation behavior (Aalbers et al., 2013). The authors focused on students’ beliefs on what could influence their motivation and engagement with preparation work, with suggestions for possible interventions. However, this work focused on a cross-sectional time point without capturing the possible dynamic change of motivation over the undergraduate medical training. In addition, the study did not explore other stakeholders’ opinions in this area such as field experts and tutors delivering the trainings which could enrich and strengthen the data. Furthermore, the study did not investigate possible differences between clinical skills and clinical communication skills training accounting differences such as the use of simulated patients. It is possible that the range of factors which can influence students’ preparedness are more complex and dynamic than initially thought of, which in turn may necessitate multifaced interventions at various levels e.g. individual, group, institutional.
Aims and Objectives:
The overall aim of this research project is to facilitate and strengthen student engagement ahead of their skills training. The objectives of the proposed research are:
- To identify factors related to students’ attitudes and motivation towards pre-session preparation for skills training.
- To identify potential barriers and facilitators to pre-session preparation for skills training.
- To design and implement an intervention to facilitate pre-session preparation for skills training.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
Tuition Fees:
The tuition fees are €15,120 in total for the first 3 years. For each additional academic year, tuition is €1,700 per year.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence i.e. October 2024) a recognised degree (BSc or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree in the field(s) of Social Sciences e.g. Psychology or Health Sciences e.g. Nursing, or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MBBS or MD degree).
- Research experience with quantitative and/or qualitative methodology would be a plus.
Application for the Research Project:
Candidates should submit an online application through the ‘Request Information’ form and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Research Project in the field of Medical Education ‘PHD-2023-5: Investigating students’ preparation for clinical training skills in medical undergraduate education’
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS with a score of 7 overall and with a minimum score of 7 in writing or TOEFL iBT with a score of 94 overall and a minimum score of 27 in Writing. Other internationally recognized English language qualifications might be considered upon review. Students from the UK, Ireland USA, Canada (from English speaking provinces), Australia and New Zealand are exempt from the English language requirement.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Once you complete your online application please send an email to [email protected] expressing officially your interest in the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-5: Investigating students’ preparation for clinical training skills in medical undergraduate education’ and also attaching all the required documents.
Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of Sleep Science and Neuroscience for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-3: Development of a Machine Learning-based nightmare detection method for recurrent nightmare treatment in PTSD’
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of Sleep Science and Neuroscience for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-3: Development of a Machine Learning-based nightmare detection method for recurrent nightmare treatment in PTSD’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting application through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for one PhD Scholarship in the fields of Sleep Science and Neuroscience. The successful candidate will enrol on the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Achilleas Pavlou with expertise in the fields of sleep science, neuroscience and machine learning at the University of Nicosia Medical School.
Project Description:
Code and Title of research project: ‘PHD-2023-3: Development of a Machine Learning-based nightmare detection method for recurrent nightmare treatment in PTSD.’
Background and Rationale:
PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur in people who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event (e.g., war, sexual violence or major injury). The majority of PTSD patients (between 50 – 70%) suffer from persistent and recurrent vivid nightmares that can cause insomnia and can severely affect quality of life and daytime functioning (Lancel et al., 2021). Recurrent nightmares and poor sleep are a major driver of poor mental health (Lamarche & De Koninck, 2007). The frequent nightmares in PTSD are thought to occur when emotional memory integration processes during REM fail, resulting in persistent and repeated nightmares (Nishida et al., 2009). Altering negative affect dream content/narrative to a positive or neutral one could alleviate PTSD symptomatology (and possibly other mood disorders), by allowing the emotional trauma memory to be consolidated appropriately. This is where ‘dream engineering’ methodologies such as targeted memory reactivation (TMR; Oudiette & Paller, 2013) and lucid dreaming (Baird, Mota-Rolim & Dresler, 2019), can be applied in order to modify negative affect dream content into a neutral or positive one.
Aims and Objectives:
This PhD project aims to provide the building blocks towards creating a novel therapy for treating treating/improving Post-Traumatic Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology (e.g., recurrent nightmares) through that use of dream engineering (Carr et al., 2020) delivered by small sleep wearable technologies that are powered by machine learning algorithms. An example of dream engineering methodologies that could be used are external stimulation techniques applied during REM sleep is TMR (Oudiette & Paller, 2013) and lucid dreaming therapy aided by external stimulation techniques (Baird, Mota-Rolim & Dresler, 2019). The primary aim of this PhD project is to build a predictive algorithm based on physiological data so that these dream engineering techniques are delivered only when a nightmare is detected in order to minimize the possibility of any unwanted impact on sleep physiology.
Thus, the PhD project aims to build a nightmare/negative affect dream detector ML algorithm, that will predict dream affect in order to deliver all these possible interventions in a targeted manner. To achieve this, the PhD project aims to (1) carry out purely observational studies that will collect dream affect self-reports (as well as other dream related variables of interest) and at-home sleep EEG recordings from healthy individuals and PTSD patients. These at-home sleep EEG recordings will be acquired through small low-cost sleep wearable EEG devices that are on the market. The sleep EEG data collected will then be used (2) to train a ML learning algorithm to predict negative or non-negative dream affect.
The Scholarship:
The PhD project comes with a Fee Waiver Scholarship that includes:
- Coverage of tuition fees for the PhD programme for a duration of three years (totalling €13,500). The successful candidate is expected to cover the tuition fees for each additional academic year (€1,500 per year).
The scholarship is subject to annual renewal based on the recipient’s satisfactory academic progress, with maximum renewal period of three years.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence i.e. October 2024) a recognised degree (BSc or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree (MSc) in the field(s) of Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MBBS or MD degree).
- Computer programming experience (e.g., R, MATLAB® and Python), particularly for EEG analysis and machine learning, will be considered advantageous, but not required. If the PhD candidate does not have prior programming experience they will be supported through training and may be asked to take machine learning online courses during their first year.
- The candidate must have previous experience in at least one of the following areas: Sleep Science, Neuroscience, Signal Processing and/or Machine Learning.
Application for the PhD Scholarship:
Candidates should submit an online application through the ‘Request Information’ form and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Scholarship in the field Sleep Science & Neuroscience for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-3: Development of a Machine Learning-based nightmare detection method for recurrent nightmare treatment in PTSD.’
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS with a score of 7 overall and with a minimum score of 7 in writing or TOEFL iBT with a score of 94 overall and a minimum score of 27 in Writing. Other internationally recognized English language qualifications might be considered upon review. Students from the UK, Ireland USA, Canada (from English speaking provinces), Australia and New Zealand are exempt from the English language requirement.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Once you complete your online application please send an email to [email protected] expressing officially your interest in the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-3: Development of a Machine Learning-based nightmare detection method for recurrent nightmare treatment in PTSD’ and also attaching all the required documents.
Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the fields of Epidemiology and Environmental Health for the PhD Research Project ‘Climate change-related environmental risk factors and perinatal health’
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the fields of Epidemiology and Environmental Health for the PhD Research Project ‘Climate change-related environmental risk factors and perinatal health’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting application through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for one PhD Scholarship in the fields of Epidemiology and Environmental Health. The successful candidate will enrol on the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Souzana Achilleos ([email protected]) with expertise in the fields of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the Department of Primary care and Population, University of Nicosia Medical School.
Project Description:
Title of research project: Climate Change-related Environmental Risk Factors and Perinatal Health
Background and Rationale:
Climate change poses significant health challenges, impacting individuals directly through events like heat strokes and indirectly through issues such as food insecurity. Certain populations, including children and pregnant women, are particularly vulnerable to these health risks (Portier et al., 2010). The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory underscores the role of early-life environmental exposures, especially during pregnancy, in shaping susceptibility to chronic diseases later in life (Nobile, Di Sipio Morgia & Vento, 2022).
Studies suggest links between climate change-related factors like temperature and air pollution and adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight (Veenema, Hoepner & Geer, 2023). However, evidence varies across studies and locations, with some areas being more thoroughly studied due to data availability. Cyprus, experiencing warming trends surpassing global averages, presents an important case study, and a recent study has shown associations between higher temperatures during pregnancy and lower birth weight (Liu et al., 2023).
To address gaps in understanding, a systematic review and meta-analysis gathering global evidence on perinatal outcomes and climate change-related environmental risks are crucial. Despite the importance, recent comprehensive reviews are lacking. Evidence from Cyprus and diverse environmental settings can enhance understanding of climate change’s impact on perinatal health, aiding public health decision-making. Identifying these environmental risk factors and their mechanisms is vital for protecting maternal and infant health in the face of climate change.
Aims and Objectives:
The overall aim of the study is to apply robust methods to explore the association between climate change-related environmental risk factors (e.g., air pollutants, temperature, humidity), including their interactions, and perinatal outcomes.
Specifically, the study aims to:
- Conduct a systematic synthesis of evidence linking climate change-related environmental risk factors (e.g., air pollutants, temperature, humidity) and perinatal health outcomes at a global scale.
- Study the association between climate change-related environmental risk factors (e.g., air pollutants, temperature, humidity), and their interactions, with perinatal outcomes, utilizing available data from Cyprus and, if possible, from the other Multi-Country Multi-City (MCC) Collaborative Research Network countries (https://mccstudy.lshtm.ac.uk/)
In addition, pursuing a Ph.D. in epidemiology and environmental health offers diverse benefits, equipping candidates with specialized expertise and versatile skills applicable across various professional settings. Undertaking such a PhD project involves rigorous research including study design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, with candidates having the opportunity to develop skills in statistics, epidemiology, and environmental science and more, enhancing their ability to work across disciplines. It requires perseverance, critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience. These qualities are highly transferable invaluable in both academic and non-academic careers.
The Scholarship:
The PhD project comes with a Fee Waiver Scholarship that includes:
- Coverage of tuition fees for the PhD programme for a duration of three years (totalling €15,120). The successful candidate is expected to cover the tuition fees for each additional academic year (€1,700 per year).
The scholarship is subject to annual renewal based on the recipient’s satisfactory academic progress, with maximum renewal period of three years.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence i.e. October 2024) either a recognised degree (BSc or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree (MSc) of Data Science or Public Health (e.g. Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health), or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MBBS or MD degree).
- Experience with data analyses using R statistical software will be considered advantageous, but not required. If the PhD candidate does not have prior statistical experience with R, he/she will be supported through training and may be asked to take online courses during their first year.
Application for the PhD Scholarship:
Candidates should submit an online application through the ‘Request Information’ form and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Scholarship in the field of Epidemiology and Environmental Health for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2023-2: Climate Change-related Environmental Risk Factors and Perinatal Health’
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS with a score of 7 overall and with a minimum score of 7 in writing or TOEFL iBT with a score of 94 overall and a minimum score of 27 in Writing. Other internationally recognized English language qualifications might be considered upon review. Students from the UK, Ireland USA, Canada (from English speaking provinces), Australia and New Zealand are exempt from the English language requirement.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of One Health for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2024-P2: Application of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics in Understanding Microbial Interactions with Food Components to Limit Foodborne Outbreaks’
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of One Health for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2024-P2: Application of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics in Understanding Microbial Interactions with Food Components to Limit Foodborne Outbreaks’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers a PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting applications through a competitive process for high-calibre candidates to apply for one PhD Scholarship in the field of One Health. The successful candidate will enrol in the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Manos Vlasiou ([email protected]), with expertise in the fields of Veterinary Biochemistry, Food Safety, and Toxicology at the University of Nicosia Medical School.
Project Description:
Title of research project: Application of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics in Understanding Microbial Interactions with Food Components to Limit Foodborne Outbreaks
Background and Rationale:
Foodborne outbreaks continue to be a significant global public health challenge, resulting in substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in the food chain further increases the threat, limiting treatment options and complicating outbreak management. Traditional food safety measures, while essential, are often reactive, relying on post-contamination detection rather than proactive prevention at a molecular level. A critical gap exists in understanding how food components interact with microbial systems. This knowledge could inform novel strategies to limit pathogen survival, virulence and transition.
Recent advances in computational biology, particularly molecular docking and molecular dynamics, offer powerful tools to explore these interactions with high precision and cost-effectiveness. These in silico methods can predict binding affinities, elucidate conformational changes, and simulate dynamic environments that mimic the properties of food matrices. Applying such approaches to foodborne pathogens provides an unprecedented opportunity to identify natural inhibitors, assess the impact of dietary bioactives, and design food safety interventions tailored to microbial behaviour.
This project aims to harness molecular docking and molecular dynamics to investigate microbial interactions with food components, thereby generating translational insights to support safer food production, reduce reliance on antimicrobials and ultimately mitigate foodborne outbreaks within a One Health framework.
Aims and Objectives:
The project aims to apply advanced computational approaches to elucidate the interactions between foodborne pathogens and bioactive food components, with the ultimate goal of informing strategies to prevent and mitigate foodborne outbreaks.
Specific objectives:
- Characterise microbial targets relevant to food safety: identify and model key proteins associated with pathogenicity, adhesion, and toxin production in priority foodborne pathogens, such as coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
- Screen food-derived bioactive compounds: Utilise molecular docking to evaluate the binding affinities and potential inhibitory effects of naturally occurring compounds (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, peptides) against selected microbial targets.
- Perform molecular dynamics simulations: To validate docking results by simulating protein-ligand complexes under physiologically relevant conditions to evaluate stability, conformational flexibility and interaction dynamics.
- Establish structure-activity relationships (SAR): Analyse computational results to determine structural features of food compounds that contribute to antimicrobial or anti-virulence activity.
- Develop translational insights for food safety by integrating findings into practical recommendations for food processing, preservation, and dietary strategies that reduce pathogen survival and mitigate outbreak risk.
Through these objectives, the project seeks to bridge computational predictions with real-world food safety applications, advancing and preventing approaches to foodborne disease control.
The Scholarship:
The PhD project comes with a Fee Waiver Scholarship that includes:
- Coverage of tuition fees for the PhD programme for a duration of three years (totalling €15,120). The successful candidate is expected to cover the tuition fees for each additional academic year (€1,700 per year).
The scholarship is subject to annual renewal based on the recipient’s satisfactory academic progress, with maximum renewal period of three years.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence) a recognised degree (BSc or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree (MSc) in the field(s) of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, or a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD degree).
- Strong computer literacy, familiarity with computer-aided drug discovery techniques, and knowledge of bioinformatics and antimicrobial methods will be considered an advantage.
Application for the PhD Scholarship:
Candidates should submit an online application through the ‘Apply Today’ form and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Scholarship in the field of One Health for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2024-P2: Application of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics in Understanding Microbial Interactions with Food Components to Limit Foodborne Outbreaks’
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS with a score of 7 overall and with a minimum score of 7 in writing or TOEFL iBT with a score of 94 overall and a minimum score of 27 in Writing. Other internationally recognized English language qualifications might be considered upon review. Students from the UK, Ireland USA, Canada (from English speaking provinces), Australia and New Zealand are exempt from the English language requirement.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Once you complete your online application please send an email to [email protected] expressing officially your interest in the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2024-P2: Application of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics in Understanding Microbial Interactions with Food Components to Limit Foodborne Outbreaks’ and also attaching all the required documents.
Applications should be submitted by Friday, 10th October, 2025 at 5pm. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of Medical Education for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2024-P5: Written versus oral peer-to-peer feedback during clinical communication skills in undergraduate medical education’
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of Medical Education for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2024-P5: Written versus oral peer-to-peer feedback during clinical communication skills in undergraduate medical education’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting application through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for one PhD Scholarship in the field of Medical Education. The successful candidate will enrol on the PhD programme in Medical Sciences at the University of Nicosia Medical School and will work under the Supervision of Prof Alexia Papageorgiou ([email protected]), with expertise in the fields of Medical Education and Health Psychology.
Project Description:
Title of research project: Written versus oral peer-to-peer feedback during clinical communication skills in undergraduate medical education
Background and Rationale:
Effective communication underpins patient care. The Calgary-Cambridge model organizes the skills students must master into: gathering information, explaining, planning, and cultivating therapeutic relationships. Undergraduate clinical communication skills teaching (CCST) is typically delivered face-to-face in small groups using simulated patients, with immediate oral feedback from tutors, peers, and actors. Peer feedback, increasingly valued in medical education, promotes self-regulation, engagement, reflection, and skill retention because students understand one another’s learning challenges. While most research examines oral peer critique, written feedback is attracting attention. Its permanence lets learners revisit comments, engage in deeper cognitive processing, and integrate suggestions into practice at their own pace. Nevertheless, empirical work comparing written and oral peer feedback within CCST remains scarce, leaving educators unsure how best to harness written commentary to strengthen communication teaching. Existing findings indicate that peers can reliably identify strengths and areas for improvement, yet uncertainties persist concerning the quality, depth, and consistency of written comments compared with spoken debriefs. Clarifying these differences matters, especially as programs adopt blended learning formats where written exchanges predominate. Further systematic research could inform guidelines on training students to give written feedback, integrate it with oral sessions, and leverage platforms to capture and share commentary in clinical education.
Aims and Objectives:
Overall Aim
To compare the effectiveness of written vs oral feedback in clinical communication training.
Research Objectives
- To compare students’ perceptions of written vs oral feedback in clinical communication training.
- To assess the receptiveness of students to written feedback and how it influences their learning and self-assessment capabilities.
- To build a comprehensive understanding of peer-to-peer written feedback mechanisms, offering insights that could potentially improve training methods and educational outcomes in clinical communication.
Research Questions
- What are the medical students’ perceptions of the usefulness and effectiveness of giving and receiving feedback during their clinical communication skills sessions as measured by the PFOS?
- What are the medical students’ perceptions of the usefulness and effectiveness of giving and receiving oral vs written feedback during their clinical communication skills sessions as measured by the PFOS?
- Are there any differences in the medical students’ perceptions as measured by the PFOS when they receive oral and written feedback?
- What are the effects of feedback mode (oral vs. written) on student outcomes such as formative and summative assessments?
The Scholarship:
The PhD project comes with a Research Scholarship that includes:
- A monthly stipend of €1,500 (up to 36 months).
- Coverage of tuition fees for the PhD programme for a duration of three years (totalling €15,120). The successful candidate is expected to cover the tuition fees for each additional academic year (€1,700 per year).
This scholarship is designated for full-time commitment and is subject to annual renewal based on the recipient’s satisfactory academic progress, with maximum renewal period of three years.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence) either a recognised degree (BSc or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree (MSc) in the field(s) of Health and/or Social Sciences or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MD degree).
- Desirable Skills and Experience: We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. While not essential, the following skills and experiences would be advantageous for this project:
- A foundational understanding of clinical communication
- Experience with mixed-methods research (qualitative and quantitative)
- Familiarity with educational technology, ethics, and facilitation
- Skills in project and data management, collaborative work, and scholarly writing
- Knowledge of study design, statistics, thematic analysis, and feedback theory
- Experience with research governance processes such as securing IRB/ethics approval
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications but may not have experience in all of the areas above are still encouraged to apply. Training and support will be available to develop these skills during the course of the PhD.
Application for the PhD Scholarship:
Candidates should submit an online application through the ‘Apply Now’ form and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Scholarship in the field of Medical Education for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2024-P5: Written versus oral peer-to-peer feedback during clinical communication skills in undergraduate medical education’.
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS with a score of 7 overall and with a minimum score of 7 in writing or TOEFL iBT with a score of 94 overall and a minimum score of 27 in Writing. Other internationally recognized English language qualifications might be considered upon review. Students from the UK, Ireland USA, Canada (from English speaking provinces), Australia and New Zealand are exempt from the English language requirement.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Applications should be submitted by Friday, 10th October, 2025 at 5pm. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.