DPhil in Cardiovascular Science (Secondary Prevention of Vascular Dysfunction and Disease)
Explore innovative cross-disciplinary methods to prevent and reverse vascular disease progression. Engage with cutting-edge multi-omics, AI imaging, and regenerative biology to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular health.
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Project Description
Project Overview
This multidisciplinary doctoral programme targets secondary prevention of vascular dysfunction and disease, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and aortic aneurysm. Using transformative technologies—multi-omics and AI-enhanced imaging—it aims to discover new disease targets, mechanisms, and treatments to halt, stabilize, and reverse vascular disease progression.
What You Will Do
Students will undergo initial core research training and two laboratory rotations before engaging in a main research project across four interconnected themes: deep phenotyping and imaging, multi-omics and genetic discovery, systems immunology and therapeutic targeting, and vascular stability via cell biology and biomechanics. Collaboration is fostered across Oxford and Cambridge with symposia, entrepreneurship training, and industry interaction.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates will gain comprehensive cardiovascular science expertise with skills for academia, industry, biotechnology, healthcare, and policy. The programme aims to produce researchers capable of delivering innovative and translational impact on vascular disease prevention and treatment.
Why This Matters
Vascular diseases cause significant mortality and morbidity worldwide but have lacked major therapeutic progress in secondary prevention. This programme leverages cutting-edge technologies to develop urgently needed treatments, reducing cardiovascular risk and improving patient outcomes globally.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Professor Nicola Smart is a leading cardiovascular scientist at the University of Oxford specializing in vascular biology and disease mechanisms. Her research applies multidisciplinary methodologies including imaging, molecular biology, and genetics to understand and intervene in vascular dysfunction. She is recognized for advancing translational research in cardiovascular medicine.