Neurological Science PhD / MPhil / MD

Overview

The University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection and Global Health was established to bring together leading medical, veterinary and basic science researchers from across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

The areas of study available include both applied and basic aspects of neurological infections, epilepsy, pain, magnetic resonance imaging, and health services research.

Neuroscience includes some of the most outstanding research groups in the University, with three major strengths – Neurological Infections, Epilepsy and Health Services Research, and Pain; in addition to these areas there is ongoing research in a range of other neurology subspecialities, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Research disciplines range from detailed neuropath genesis and molecular genetic studies, through clinical trials and public health interventions.

Neuroscience projects are based in the Clinical Science Centre for Research and Education adjacent to University Hospital Aintree and the Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery NHS Trust, which is the only Neuroscience NHS Trust in the country. There are strong links with many University Departments; in particular the research laboratories of the Brain Infections Group are located within the Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology and the Epilepsy Group (Professor A Marson, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology) within the Institute of Translational Medicine, and the Pain Group (Professor T Nurmikko) within the Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease. In addition there are established collaborations with MARIARC (Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Research Centre). In recent years we have attracted more than £6M in research income from the MRC, Wellcome Trust, NIHR, Gates Foundation, and other funders.

The staff include two Professors of Neurology, a Professor of Neuropsychology, a Professor of Pain Science, three Clinical Lecturers and two Non-Clinical Lecturers, as well as postdoctoral researchers, clinical and non-clinical fellows. In 2007 we established an Integrated Academic Training Programme in Neuroscience, which is mostly funded by the National Institutes for Health Research (NIHR) and the National Coordinating Centre for Research Career Development (NCCRCD). This allows academic training alongside clinical training through the various career stages, and is a major strength of the Unit. We have a strong track record in supporting successful post-graduate researchers right through their clinical academic career.