Outline
Human immunity to external insult is controlled by innate and adaptive systems, which can activate inappropriately causing chronic autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Differential assay of these conditions is challenging owing to the overlapping nature of the symptoms of each syndrome and the lack of a single discriminating marker. Additionally the combined health and economic impacts in the US alone were estimated by the American Auto-immune Related Disease Association to be ~$100 billion in 2011.
The aim of this project is to develop Raman and FTIR-spectroscopic assays of blood as assays for application to auto-immune conditions. This is a continuation of previous wok conducted at TU Dublin. The project is a collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Beaumont Hospital.
What is funded
Student Stipend € 18,500 p.a.
Materials/ Travel etc € 2,600 p.a.
Fees € 4,500 p.a.
Duration
4 Years
Eligibility
Student requirements for this project
Minimum 2.1 (or equivalent) in primary BSc. Degree in a discipline related to the project.
If you are interested in submitting an application for this project, please complete an Expression of Interest (https://www.dit.ie/media/documents/study/postgraduateresearch/EOI%20Form.doc) and email it to phd@tudublin.ie.