Clinical & Translational Research Scholars Programme
A unique cross-institutional PhD programme funded through Cycle 5 of the Government's Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI), integrated with industry and clinical research centres, which will prepare graduates for careers in industry, academic medical centres and as biomedical entrepreneurs.
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| Features of the CTRSP |
| CTRSP Research Projects |
| Structure of the CTRSP |
| CTRSP Prospectus |
About the Programme
In July 2010, the successful Molecular Medicine Ireland bid, led by NUI Galway with partners Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and University College Dublin, secured funding for a collaborative structured PhD ‘MMI Clinical & Translational Research Scholars Programme' under Cycle 5 of PRTLI.
In March 2011, Molecular Medicine Ireland invited applications for this prestigious 4-year PhD programme. Short-listed candidates were interviewed by a selection panel. Further details on the selection processs here
The MMI Clinical & Translational Research Scholars Programme (CTRSP) is a unique cross-institutional programme which will develop graduates with knowledge and skills to pursue disease-focused research and bridge gaps between basic scientists, clinical scientists and industry.
MMI scholars are based in either NUI Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork or University College Dublin. Year 1 comprises taught modules and placements in industry, in academic research labs and in clinical research facilities. Scholars will then select PhD projects in areas including drug discovery, discovery/validation of biomarkers and patient-oriented research in clinical research facilities.
This programme is developed with and includes significant involvement of industry and of the Irish Medicines Board. Industry partners include Amgen, Creganna-Tactx Medical, Merrion Pharmaceuticals, Medtronic, Opsona, and Pfizer.
Features of the CTRSP
- A unique PhD programme where Scholars will have access to industry and clinical research centres
- A structured 4-year programme that combines advanced training through laboratory rotations, taught modules and industry placements, with a 3-year PhD research project
- Choice of research projects with internationally renowned investigators
- An innovative structured curriculum with taught modules in both discipline-specific and transferable skills
- Placements in academic research groups, in industry and in clinical research facilities
- Online learning platform
- Mentoring and training needs analysis
- Annual Scientific Meetings
- An annual stipend of €16,000 plus research and travel allowance and PhD fees (for EU students).
CTRSP Research Projects
Research projects are available at NUI Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and University College Dublin.
Potential research project supervisors and research interests.
This list is intended to give candidates examples of the areas of research that will be available to MMI scholars during laboratory rotations in Year 1 and when the PhD project is selected towards the end of Year 1.
Structure of the CTRSP
Year 1 of the 4-year programme will comprise core and optional graduate education modules providing a grounding in essential research skills and transferable skills, delivered in Dublin, Cork and Galway. These modules provide a grounding in essential research skills and transferable skills together with access to specialist topics.
Information on Modules & Placements
Year 1 also features practical placements in industry, in academic research labs and in clinical research facilities.
Towards the end of the first year, MMI Clinical & Translational Research Scholars will select their PhD projects in areas including drug discovery, discovery/validation of biomarkers and patient-oriented research in clinical research facilities.
In Years 2 and 3, work on PhD research projects is supplemented with access to online graduate education modules with a strong innovation and commercialisation focus. Annual Scientific Meetings provide a forum for scholars to interact further and present their research.
CTRSP Prospectus
Information relating to the MMI Clinical & Translational Research Scholars Programme is available to print in the MMI CTRSP student prospectus (pdf).
The MMI Clinical & Translational Research Scholars Programme is funded under the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) Cycle 5, and co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
