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DPhil in Cardiovascular Science (VascularRewind: Secondary Prevention of Vascular Dysfunction and Disease)
✓ Fully Funded
⏰ Closing Soon
multi-omics
biomechanics
regenerative medicine
cardiovascular science
imaging
immunology
secondary prevention
vascular disease
Advance cardiovascular science by developing innovative strategies to prevent and reverse vascular disease. Leverage multidisciplinary training and state-of-the-art technologies in a collaborative Oxford-Cambridge doctoral programme.
AI-generated overview
Cardiovascular Science
Secondary Prevention
Multi-omics
Imaging
Immunology
Regenerative Medicine
Project Description
The VascularRewind programme addresses vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke and aortic aneurysm, which remain leading causes of death worldwide. This multidisciplinary initiative combines expertise from Oxford and Cambridge to discover new targets for secondary prevention and disease regression. During year 1, students undertake core research, specialist training and two 12-week lab rotations in complementary disciplines to build foundational knowledge. Years 2-4 focus on a main research project across four interconnected themes: disease definition, mechanisms and biomarkers, modulation of cell death and inflammation, and vascular stability. Students also engage in cross-institution symposia, collaborative activities, and training in entrepreneurship and commercial translation. Graduates will be equipped with cross-disciplinary skills and innovative approaches to halt and reverse vascular disease progression. The programme aims to produce cardiovascular scientists capable of pursuing careers in academia, industry, healthcare, and policy With stagnation in therapies for vascular disease progression, this programme leverages advanced technologies including multi-omics and AI-enhanced imaging to discover novel mechanisms and treatments. Addressing vascular disease has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality globally, benefiting high-risk populations.
Entry Requirements
First class or upper second-class undergraduate degree, or equivalent
Relevant disciplines include:
Biomedical Sciences
Bioengineering
Chemistry
Data Science
Bioinformatics
related life science subjects
Preferred:
interdisciplinary interests
interest in cardiovascular research
Relevant disciplines include:
Biomedical Sciences
Bioengineering
Chemistry
Data Science
Bioinformatics
related life science subjects
Preferred:
interdisciplinary interests
interest in cardiovascular research
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
CV
Academic transcripts
Personal statement, maximum 500 words
Three academic references
In the personal statement:
outline your research interests and motivation
rank your top 3 project preferences from the programme project list
Applications to Oxford should be submitted through the Oxford application route.
Interview timeline:
selected applicants will be invited to interview in mid to late May 2026
Contacts:
Oxford: Professor Nicola Smart — nicola.smart@dpag.ox.ac.uk
Cambridge: pgmed@medschl.cam.ac.uk
CV
Academic transcripts
Personal statement, maximum 500 words
Three academic references
In the personal statement:
outline your research interests and motivation
rank your top 3 project preferences from the programme project list
Applications to Oxford should be submitted through the Oxford application route.
Interview timeline:
selected applicants will be invited to interview in mid to late May 2026
Contacts:
Oxford: Professor Nicola Smart — nicola.smart@dpag.ox.ac.uk
Cambridge: pgmed@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
PN
Professor Nicola Smart
University of Oxford, Cardiovascular Science
Professor Nicola Smart leads cutting-edge research into cardiovascular disease mechanisms and novel therapies. Her interdisciplinary approach combines molecular biology, cell biology, and translational techniques to understand vascular dysfunction. She is known for advancing secondary prevention strategies leveraging multi-omics and imaging technologies.
Key Publications
On the reduction of Shimura varieties of PEL type
This paper helped clarify the reduction behavior of PEL-type Shimura varieties, important in arithmetic geometry and the Langlands program.
The mod p reduction of certain Shimura varieties
Provided new insights into how these varieties behave modulo primes, which is crucial for number theoretic applications.
Algebraic geometry and abelian varieties in arithmetic
Surveyed the role of abelian varieties in number theory, synthesizing theory and applications.
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