One Health Models of Disease: Science, Ethics and Society

Technological advances in genome editing and animal bioscience have potential for huge societal impact, and are opening up opportunities for the design of new ‘One Health’ models of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, developmental, and infectious diseases of humans and animals. Such models can transform our approach to understanding pathogenesis, facilitating the development of therapies or preventive measures. However, there is little or no opportunity for graduate student training in relevant state-of-the-art techniques at world-class, purpose-built facilities by leading scientific innovators at the intersection of human and veterinary medicine. Moreover, scientists require training in bioethics and social science to allow them to appreciate the ethical and societal implications of these powerful new approaches. To address this need, we propose a PhD programme in “One Health Models of Disease: Science, Ethics and Society”. This innovative, and versatile programme will combine core training in relevant experimental techniques, bioethics and social sciences relating to One Health, rotation research projects, and internships with academic, industrial, policy and stakeholder organisations, alongside the main PhD project. Students will be supervised by world-leading life scientists addressing important diseases of humans and animals, and social scientists and bioethicists conducting cutting-edge research into the social and ethical dimensions of 21st century science.