125th Anniversary PhD Scholarship in Chemical Engineering - PhD Project: Peptide Therapeutics for Fibrosis: A Cross-Disease Strategy for Glaucoma and Keloid Treatment

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide (2.4% of people). The disease arises from the fibrosis of the trabecular meshwork, a filter-like tissue that sits in the anterior chamber of the eye. As the pores within this tissue reduce in size and compliance, the pressure within the eye increases, ultimately resulting in damage to the optic nerve and blindness. The progression of the disease is insidious, with few apparent symtpoms up to the point of blindness. At present, the fibrosis within the trabecular meshwork is irreversible and treatments revolve around the use of drugs (e.g. latanaprost) that increase liquid outflow, thereby reducing pressure. All existing therapies, however, have significant side-effects, with significant influences on blood pressure and other aspects of cardiovascular health. Glaucoma disproportionately affects black patients, with the occurrence of the disease in black African populations being reported at 4.0%. At present there is no explanation for this increased risk.

Another condition that disproportionately affects black patients is healing via the formation of raised keloid scars, which occur in black people at approximately twenty times the rate that they do in other races. Keloids are large, raised growths of tissue on the skin's-surface, which are disfiguring and can also significantly limit movement and other physical function. Even the most minor skin damage (e.g. injection) can result in the formation of a keloid scar, which occur as a consequence of the over-production of collagen in the skin. Like glaucoma, keloid formation arises following abberations in the fibrotic pathway. Importantly, patients that form keloid scars are identified early in life, due to the external manifestations of the disease. Despite the similarities in the underlying causes of the disease, as yet no-one has investigated whether there might be a correlation between keloid formation and glaucoma. If a link can be established, due to the external appearance and early development of keloids, it is possible that keloid formation could be used as a marker to screen patients for glaucoma, with the possibility of treating prior to irreversible fibrosis in the trabecular meshwork.

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Who can apply?

These scholarships are designed to create opportunities and address the underrepresentation of talented Black or Black mixed heritage students in academia. Applicants who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply:

1. Students classified as 'Home' for tuition fee payments
2. Members of one of the following ethnic groups:

• Black African
• Black Caribbean
• Black Other
• Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
• Mixed – White and Black African
• Other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other)

3. Not already enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Birmingham

What does the scholarship provide?

1. Financial Support: Recipients of these scholarships will receive substantial financial support, including a stipend at UKRI rates, which is set at £20,780 per year for the 2025/26 academic year, and will be paid to you in regular instalments. Successful awardees will also have their tuition fees covered at a minimum of £5,006 per year. This support is designed to alleviate the financial burden often associated with pursuing a doctoral degree, such as covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs.
2. Mentorship and Guidance: Scholarship recipients will benefit from mentorship opportunities and guidance from accomplished faculty members who are dedicated to helping them succeed in their academic and research endeavours.
3. Research Opportunities: We are committed to providing an exceptional research environment. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant scholarly community.
4. Community Building: A key component of the scholarship programme is the creation of a supportive community of Black British researchers pursuing PhDs. This network will foster collaboration and peer support among scholars.
5. Research Training Support Grant: In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients will receive a research training support grant at £2,250 across the duration of the PhD. This grant is intended to support conference attendance, fieldwork, and other essential activities that enhance their research and academic growth.
6. Commitment to Inclusivity: We are dedicated to building an inclusive academic environment that values diversity and ensures equitable access to education.