The power of a PhD

Developing drugs to fight cancer, generating clean energy and improving food security are just some of our research projects.

Your donations provide our scientists with the time and equipment they need to continue their important work. You helped to purchase a specialised microscope for Dr Rob Williams to use while searching for ways to treat Alzheimer’s disease. He is part of the team that discovered a link between high blood sugar levels and Alzheimer’s, which is vital to learning how the disease progresses. Your gifts also accelerate the pace of research by creating postgraduate opportunities.

Protecting penguins

It is estimated that the emperor penguin population will decrease by more than 50% by the end of the century, as a result of climate change.

Researchers in our Milner Centre for Evolution have found that rising temperatures and changing wind patterns will impact on the penguins’ natural habitat. PhD student Josh Tyler, supported by the Evolution Education Trust, is building on this research by examining the evolutionary history of all penguins so that we can make informed decisions about conservation efforts and their potential adaptations to new environments. He will also be part of an expedition to the Antarctic to collect data, supported by the Alumni Fund.

Research for good

How Bath PhD students are leading in their fields

Detecting skin cancer

What causes healthy cells to turn into cancerous ones? Jodie Bojko is researching one of the most common skin cancers to enable early disease detection.

“The research will provide valuable information in the field of cancer research and regenerative medicine,” she explains. “Improving early detection and therapeutic techniques will ultimately help to save lives and is at the core of my motivations.”

Jodie’s PhD is supported by alumnus Raoul Hughes and his wife Catherine.

Finding strength in autism

Autism is linked to different ways of thinking, which can be incredibly valuable to employers and to society as a whole. Psychology PhD student Emily Taylor is working to uncover autistic strengths and the processes that underpin these abilities, thanks to a studentship from alumnus Roger Whorrod OBE and his wife Sue.

Emily’s work has since attracted further support, including a public engagement grant from GrantCraft and a Santander Postgraduate Mobility Award to support training overseas.

Improving prosthetic limbs

Three million people worldwide are amputees living with the challenge of only one or no working hand. Leen Jabban is developing a prosthesis that allows for easier control and a greater sense of embodiment, without the need for surgical implants.

“I want to help create turning points that empower patients and enhance people’s lives,” she says. “The funding makes it all possible.”

Leen’s PhD is supported by Eur Ing Dr Brian Nicholson QC, the Esther Parkin Trust and Tony Best.

Help fund PhD research

Make a donation today