Optimising immune responses against emerging viruses

About the project

About the Project Summary Worldwide, viruses that transmit to humans from biting insects account for ~17% of infectious diseases and ~700,000 deaths/yr, with ~4 billion people at risk. Climate change, population density, and deforestation, all increase the chances of outbreaks occurring. Oropouche and Mayaro are endemic in Brazil and frequently spill over into humans, with recent outbreaks leading to cases across Europe and North America. Yet we have no vaccines against them and know very little about which immune responses are optimal to control these pathogens. This PhD aims to address this knowledge gap as the basis for vaccine development against (re)emerging virus threats. 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 1 st October 2027.

Research areas