The brain and the immune system are in constant conversation, and when that conversation breaks down, the result can be chronic inflammation, neurodegeneration, or psychiatric illness. Yet researchers who study these interactions are typically trained in isolation—immunologists rarely learn neuroscience, and vice versa. This PhD programme aims to break down those disciplinary silos by training a new generation of scientists who can work across both fields. The programme will offer flexible, student-led training from leading investigators, using state-of-the-art technologies, alongside skills in research integrity, data sharing, and mental health support. If successful, it will produce researchers who can tackle conditions like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression from a unified perspective—potentially accelerating the discovery of treatments that target the neuro-immune axis. This is primarily a training and capacity-building initiative, not a direct therapeutic development project. But by creating a workforce fluent in both systems, it could shift how chronic diseases are understood and treated, much as earlier interdisciplinary training programmes in fields like bioinformatics transformed genomics.
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Cross-talk between the nervous and immune systems is critical for survival, and disrupted neuro-immune communication is observed in many debilitating conditions, including chronic inflammatory, neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Yet, research and training in neuro-immune interactions is generally conducted in discipline-specific silos. We propose to accelerate ground-breaking interdisciplinary research and knowledge sharing by instituting a unique PhD training programme in Neuro-Immune Interactions in Health and Disease. We will deliver: - World-class scientific training, provided in a flexible, student-led fashion, by internationally leading investigators, using state-of-the-art technologies, cutting-edge science and supervision methods (Assessment, Feedback and Development (AFD) meetings, PhD Progress Committees). - Extensive skills training to transition students in and out of the Programme – individually tailored and formalised in a personal development plan (PDP). - A diverse and inclusive training environment, reflected in our Programme Management Board (PMB), supervisors, recruitment and partnership plans. - An open and positive research culture, including training in research integrity, data sharing, bespoke mental health provisions and zero-tolerance of bullying and harassment. - A new generation of scientists with the knowledge, skills and networks to drive world-leading neuro-immune research, who can excel equally in academic and non-academic professions. Searchable keywords: share, sharing, world-class, flexible, positive, diverse, inclusive, skills training, mental health
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