Universities In Australia 
Universities In Canada 
Universities In Germany 
Universities In Ireland 
Universities In Jordan 
Universities In New Zealand 
Universities In Saudi Arabia 
Universities In United Kingdom 
Universities In United States Of America 
Overview
Within Biomedicine PhD, MD and MPhil, we focus on exploring:
- the mechanisms of disease
- understanding how disease impacts lives
- utilising new diagnostic techniques
- utilising new therapeutic techniques
- developing new treatments
As part of the MPhil, MD and PhD Biomedicine, you'll register with a University research institute.
You'll have a structured programme of supervision and training. This is via our Faculty of Medical Sciences Graduate School.
Areas of research
We undertake the following areas of research and offer MPhil, PhD and MD supervision in:
Applied immunobiology (including organ and haematogenous stem cell transplantation)
Newcastle hosts one of the most comprehensive organ transplant programmes in the world. This clinical expertise has developed with the applied immunobiology and transplantation research group. We are currently investigating aspects of:
- the immunology of autoimmune diseases
- cancer therapy
- transplant rejection.
We also have themes to understand the interplay of the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. This is via responses by a variety of pathways. We also look at how these are manipulated for therapeutic purposes. A further research theme focuses on primary immunodeficiency diseases.
There is an emphasis on the integration of clinical investigation with basic science. Our research themes include:
- cell signalling in normal and diseased skin. This includes mechanotransduction and response to ultraviolet radiation
- dermatopharmacology including mechanisms of psoriatic plaque resolution in response to therapy
- stem cell biology and gene therapy
- regulation of apoptosis/autophagy
- non-melanoma skin cancer/melanoma biology and therapy
We also research the effects of UVR on the skin including mitochondrial DNA damage as a UV biomarker.
This area places emphasis on translational research. It links clinical- and laboratory-based science. Our key research themes include:
- mechanisms of insulin action and glucose homeostasis
- insulin secretion and pancreatic beta-cell function
- diabetic complications
- stem cell therapies
- genetics and epidemiology of diabetes
Our focus is on applied research and aims to underpin future clinical applications. We conduct technology-oriented and demand-driven research. This relates to health priority areas such as:
- bacterial infection
- chronic liver failure
- cardiovascular and degenerative diseases
Our research involves internal and external collaborations. We work with leading UK and European academic and industrial groups. We aim to deploy next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic systems. These are utilised in the hospital and healthcare environment.
There are various research programmes exploring:
- the genetics, immunology and physiology of kidney disease
- kidney transplantation
We maintain close links between basic scientists and clinicians. They have translational programmes of work. These span from the laboratory to first-in-man and phase III clinical trials. Specific areas of interest include:
- haemolytic uraemic syndrome
- renal inflammation and fibrosis
- the immunology of transplant rejection
- tubular disease
- cystic kidney disease
We have particular interests in:
- primary biliary cirrhosis (epidemiology, immunobiology and genetics)
- alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- fibrosis
- the genetics of other autoimmune and viral liver diseases
Magnetic Resonance (MR), spectroscopy and imaging in clinical research
Novel non-invasive methodologies using magnetic resonance applied to clinical research. Our research falls into two categories:
- MR physics projects involve the development and testing of new MR techniques. They make quantitative measurements of physiological properties using a safe, repeatable MR scan.
- Clinical research projects involve the application of these novel biomarkers. They aid the investigation of human health and disease.
Our studies cover a broad range of topics including:
- diabetes
- dementia
- neuroscience
- hepatology
- cardiovascular
- neuromuscular disease
- metabolism
- respiratory research
They have a common theme of MR technical development. They explore the application to clinical research.
Musculoskeletal disease (including auto-immune arthritis)
We focus on connective tissue diseases in three, overlapping research programmes. These programmes aim to understand:
- what causes the destruction of joints (cell signalling, injury and repair)
- how cells in the joints respond when losing tissue (cellular interactions)
- whether we can alter the immune system and âswitch offâ auto-immune disease. This includes targeted therapies and diagnostics
This research theme links with other local, national and international centres of excellence. It has close integration of basic and clinical researchers. It hosts the only immunotherapy centre in the UK.
Pharmacogenomics (including complex disease genetics)
Genetic approaches to the individualisation of drug therapy are a focus, including:
- anticoagulants and anti-cancer drugs
- the genetics of diverse non-Mendelian diseases, from diabetes to periodontal disease
We utilise a wide range of knowledge and experience. This is in both genetics and clinical sciences. We have access to high-throughput genotyping platforms.
Reproductive and vascular biology
Our scientists and clinicians use:
- in situ cellular technologies
- large-scale gene expression profiling.
We study the normal and pathophysiological remodelling of vascular and uteroplacental tissues. We developed a novel approach to cellular interactions. They use a unique human tissue resource. Our research themes include:
- the regulation of trophoblast and uNk cells
- transcriptional and post-translational features of uterine function
- cardiac and vascular remodelling in pregnancy
We also have preclinical molecular biology projects in breast cancer research.
Respiratory disease
We conduct a broad range of research activities into acute and chronic lung diseases. We conduct scientific studies into disease mechanisms. There is also a particular interest in translational medicine approaches to lung disease. This means studying human lung tissue and cells. We use this to explore the potential for new treatments. Our current areas of research include:
- acute lung injury - lung infections
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- fibrotic disease of the lung, both before and after lung transplantation
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics
Our research projects address the harmful effects of chemicals. This includes prescribed drugs. We look to find ways to prevent and minimise these effects. We are attempting to measure the effects of small amounts of chemicals. This is to provide ways of giving early warning of the start of harmful effects. We also study the adverse side effects of medicines. We explore how liver disease and heart disease can develop in people who take medicines. They may be taking these for completely different medical conditions. Our current interests include:
- environmental chemicals
- organophosphate pesticides
- warfarin
- psychiatric drugs
- anti-cancer drugs