Platelets as agents of neuroprotection or neurodestruction; does age matter?

We are looking for an enthusiastic student to work on a project in which we will investigate if platelets act to protect or to harm neurons. Our recent research, along with accumulating reports by other research groups, shows that platelets are not only crucial for blood clotting, but also have a role in immunomodulation and in tissue regeneration. We have documented how the role of platelets switches from being beneficial to being detrimental for myelin-forming cells in the CNS, in a dose and time-dependent manner (https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.91757.3 & https://doi.org.10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.03.018).

Your work will involve the generation and maintenance of mouse and human neurons, starting with Neural Stem Cells and the collection of fresh platelets from human donors. Neurons and platelets will be cross-cultured to study the effect of ageing (young and older platelet donors, fresh and long-cultured neurons) on the effects of platelets. With this interdisciplinary project, we will determine if the presence of platelets within the brain tissue, a common finding in a range of age-related pathologies such as vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and progressive Multiple Sclerosis, is beneficial or detrimental and if there is scope for the clinical manipulation of platelets as part of the management of neurodegenerative disorders.

The place and the methodology: The School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster integrates research in a range of disciplines, and in this project, you will work with experts on the biology of neural stem cells (Dr Ilias Kazanis) and platelets (Dr Alastair Barr). You will develop wide-ranging skills in neuroscience (including stem cell and neuronal culture, microscopy and image analysis) and platelet biology and handling (FACS). You will need to grasp the key concepts of stem cell biology, haematology and neurodegeneration and develop new lines of investigation as the project progresses.

These PhD opportunities will include comprehensive personal and professional development training and a mentoring programme from the University of Westminster Graduate School. The researchers will join a School firmly committed to decolonising and diversifying policies, practices, and cultures within, and beyond, Higher Education. 

Entry requirements and how to apply

Candidates should have a minimum classification of 2.1 in their bachelor’s degree or equivalent and preferably a Masters degree. Applicants whose secondary level education has not been conducted in the medium of English should also demonstrate evidence of appropriate English language proficiency normally defined as IELTS: 6.5 (overall score with not less than 6.0 in any of the individual elements).

You can read more about what should be in a PhD research proposal here:

https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements/how-to-write-your-research-proposal

You can read more about our entry requirements here:

http://westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements

Applications should be submitted by Friday 16^th May 2025. Interviews will take place in June.

It is essential you include the code of the project you are applying for in your personal statement i.e. “SLS SF1”.

Also include the title of the specific project you wish to apply for in your application.