Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation scholarships

Overview

The University is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant to provide Wellcome Biomedical Vacation Scholarships for the summer vacation periods of 2020-2025. The Scholarship provides the opportunity for an undergraduate to gain a paid, first-hand experience of research working in cutting-edge research facilities at the University of Sheffield.

The University of Sheffield will aim to host at least five of these scholarships each year.

We recognise that financial, socio-economic and other circumstances can make it difficult for some to continue studying beyond an undergraduate degree. A key priority of the Biomedical Vacation Scholarship is to provide research opportunities for groups that are currently underrepresented in postgraduate research. As such, we aim to award at least 50% of these scholarships to individuals currently underrepresented.

Applicants who do not meet any of these criteria are still eligible to apply.

Projects must take place at the University of Sheffield over a six week period during the summer vacation. All potential applicants must apply to one of the projects advertised as part of this scheme.

The scholarship

The Wellcome Biomedical Vacation Scholarship provides the successful applicant with knowledge and experience in a professional research setting, useful for supporting applications for postgraduate study and postgraduate employment.

It also provides:

• a basic salary at the University of Sheffield minimum hourly rate (currently £12.60 per hour) plus holiday pay and National Insurance contributions for the duration of a six week project
• working hours of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday
• up to £1500 to cover or subsidise accommodation and travel if required
• £500 towards the cost of materials and consumables provided to the host research group

Successful applicants will be registered as employees at the University and will be required to complete right to work checks before the project starts.

Projects

Effect of cardiovascular disease-associated intestinal microbial metabolite, trimethylamine-n-oxide, on human-derived pericytes, Oliver Heaney

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart attack and stroke, are a leading cause of death worldwide. The number of people diagnosed with CVDs have risen substantially since the 1990s and during this time there have been worldwide dietary shifts towards ultra-processed and high fat foods.

A large community of bacteria living within our gut, called the gut microbiome, play a key role in human health. Most of these bacteria are required for a healthy lifestyle but some bacteria are linked with CVDs. These intestinal bacteria can produce a chemical called trimethylamine (TMA) by breaking down meat, fish, dairy and eggs. TMA passes from the intestine into the bloodstream and is converted into trimethylamine-n-oxide (TMAO) by the liver. In humans, a high-fat, Western-style diet increases blood levels of TMAO. Recent studies show high blood levels of TMAO can predict a person’s risk of a major cardiac event.

Dysfunction of the cells that make up blood vessels can encourage the build-up of fatty plaques, a key driver of CVDs. Endothelial cells that line the blood vessel wall have previously shown to be negatively affected by TMAO. However, the effect of TMAO on blood vessel residing pericytes, cells critical to proper blood vessel function, is not yet understood.

This project will investigate how different amounts of TMAO affect pericytes. These data will contribute to the development of complex animal-free models that will elucidate how the gut microbiome could contribute to CVDs, providing novel future medications.

The successful student will be trained in multiple techniques, including cell culture, cell viability assays, and Western blotting. They will gain experience in report writing, have opportunities to learn data visualisation and statistical analysis using RStudio and be encouraged to present at lab meetings. We present an opportunity to work alongside a diverse, multidisciplinary and enthusiastic team of experts in a cutting-edge laboratory focusing on the importance of the human microbiome.

Determining the role of telomerase in inflammation resolution and tissue regeneration using the zebrafish model, Dr Catarina M Henriques

The immune system cells, and in particular cells of the inflammatory response play crucial roles in the repair of injured tissues. On one hand, Neutrophils contribute to the initial defence against foreign microbes and their ultimate removal (resolution) is essential for optimal tissue repair. On the other hand, macrophages secrete growth factors and cytokines that may attract keratinocytes and fibroblasts to trigger either tissue repair or scar formation.

Neutrophils and macrophages can have pro- or anti-repair effects after injury, depending on the tissue and injury context. Therefore, it is evident that modulating inflammation could be a useful therapeutic approach to augment tissue healing.

Importantly, with ageing, our tissues lose their ability to heal properly and so understanding how ageing impacts neutrophils and macrophages may reveal important therapeutic strategies to stimulate these cells to promote tissue repair in old age, thereby promoting longer, healthier lives. 

In this project you will have the opportunity to use zebrafish as an in vivo model for regeneration and determine how key mechanisms of ageing impact on inflammation resolution and tissue regeneration. You will be well supported by a collaboration between two labs, with daily supervision by two research assistants. We hope this work will lead to preliminary data for a small publication and grant application, giving the student an opportunity to be a named author.

Additive Manufactured (3D Printed) P(3HB) scaffolds for bone regeneration applications. Dr Candice Majewski

Bone regeneration is a complex natural process which occurs continuously in the human body throughout our lives. In some cases there is a need for artificial interventions, for example in the treatment of traumatic injuries. One method of approaching this is through the creation of biocompatible scaffolds which can be used, often in combination with bioactive materials, in order to encourage the growth of bone cells in the required areas and geometries.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a group of polymers which have received significant interest in this area through their biocompatibility and their ability to degrade in the human body without producing toxic by-products. These materials have previously been identified for use in bone regeneration using techniques such as solvent casting and extrusion-based techniques. In this project, we will explore the potential for PHAs, in particular poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)], to be used in powdered-polymer Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) processes.

These processes work through the selective melting of consecutive cross-sectional areas of polymer powders, to create a final part or component. They offer advantages over more traditional processes, in particular through their ability to produce highly complex geometries. This in turn provides the potential for efficient manufacture of both internal scaffold structures and their external geometry.

In this project we will investigate the use of P(3HB) in these Additive Manufacturing processes, in combination with other relevant bioactive materials, to understand the potential of this approach for bone regeneration. This will include understanding the quality of the parts produced (for example mechanical strength, porosity, and surface roughness), as well as providing an initial understanding of their behaviour with respect to bone cell growth and behaviour.

The results of this project will provide initial proof of concept for the development of more in-depth studies of these materials and processes for bone regeneration applications.

Development and Characterisation of a Tri-Layer Periodontal Model Utilising polyHIPE Scaffolds, Dr Klaudia Slowik

Background:

This project aims to develop a novel in-vitro model of periodontal tissue, this is the tissue that surrounds the teeth. Currently, animal models are primarily used due to the lack of in-vitro alternatives. Our recent work has made substantial progress toward generating comprehensive in-vitro models, using artificial polyHIPE scaffolds along with periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) to mimic alveolar bone. Our studies showed that PDLSCs displayed superior adhesion and maturation on polyHIPE than any other scaffold tested, exhibiting higher expression of osteoblastic differentiation, mineralisation, and angiogenesis markers.

Building on these promising findings, we are now taking the next ambitious step: developing a Tri-Layer Periodontal Model (TPM). This model will consist of an outer gingival epithelial layer to mimic the gums, an intermediate collagen-based connective tissue layer that contains fibroblasts, and a PDLSC-populated polyHIPE scaffold, mimicking alveolar bone. Whilst this model builds upon previous PhD work, it requires further development to fully realise its potential as a comprehensive in-vitro alternative to animal models in periodontal research.

The research methods:

1. Cell Culture and Seeding: Maintain PDLSCs, gingival keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Generate the TPM using the PDLSC-containing polyHIPE scaffold, fibroblast-populated collagen hydrogel and keratinocytes.

2. Tissue Characterisation: Perform histological analysis and immunohistochemistry to assess tissue development and maturation. Conduct gene expression studies using qPCR for key osteogenic and epithelial markers. 

Student Expectations:

The student will be responsible for TPM establishment and maintenance, tissue characterisation assays and data analysis.

Project Significance: 

The TPM will provide a physiologically relevant platform for studying periodontal disease, evaluating novel biomaterials and therapies, and reducing reliance on animal models. This project offers students valuable experience in advanced tissue engineering techniques and multi-disciplinary research, potentially contributing to a research publication. By creating a more accurate representation of periodontal tissue, this work could revolutionize research in periodontal biology and pathology.

Highly Sensitive Molecularly Imprinted Biosensor for miRNA-21 Detection, Dr Damla Ulker

This exciting study will explore a proof-of-concept optical biosensor for the early detection of cancer using synthetic molecular recognition of miRNAs. 

miRNAs are small molecules that regulate the expression of genes and playing essential roles in processes such as cell growth and immune responses. When the expression on miRNAs goes wrong, it can contribute diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.

Why miRNA-21?

miRNA-21 has been identified as a key biomarker that is often found at elevated levels in various types of cancer. By detecting this early, it might be possible to diagnose cancer more quickly and monitor how the disease progresses. However, finding miRNAs in the body fluids such as blood or saliva is still changing because miRNAs are present in a very small quantities and current methods all have different limitations.

What will you be working on?

This project focuses on creating a biosensor that can rapidly and accurately detect miRNA-21. You will develop Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs). These are synthetic materials that can be engineered to “recognise” specific molecules in a precise way by shape and chemical functionality. These will be attached to a sensor technology called Surface Plasmon Resonance which allow us to measure the interaction between miRNA-21 and biosensor in real-time without needing any labels or complex processes.

Why is this important?

This biosensor could provide a quick, non-invasive, and cost-effective method for early cancer detection. If successful, it could lead to more accessible and efficient ways to diagnose disease caused by abnormal miRNA expression.

Why apply?

If you're interested in molecular biology, biosensing, or cancer detection, this could be a fantastic opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in an exciting area of interdisciplinary biomedical research. You’ll gain experience in bioanalytical chemistry, handling nucleic acids, working with sensors and even some polymer chemistry.

Eligibility and suitability

To apply you must:

• be in the middle years of your first degree;
• be registered on a relevant undergraduate course in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Relevant subjects include science (biomedical, natural, computing or physical sciences), medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, engineering, mathematics and psychology;
• either have home status or be an EU/international applicant with evidence of your right to work in the UK;
• be expected to obtain a First or Upper Second class honours degree;
• have not yet undertaken a substantial period of research.

We are particularly interested in applications from students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• You are from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background.
• You are a care leaver.
• You are from a low-income background evidenced by receipt of maintenance grant and/or a higher rate of maintenance loan during undergraduate studies. Consideration will be given to the number of years that a maintenance grant was received and the amount awarded, or the rate of maintenance loan received (if you started your undergraduate course following the phasing out of maintenance grants).
• You come from one of the most deprived areas of the UK as indicated by ACORN and LPN data. This is based on home postcode before attending university.
• You are from an area of the UK with lower participation in higher education with a postcode (before attending university) listed as quintile 1 & 2.
• You are/were in receipt of a Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) as part of your undergraduate studies or are receiving/received support from your undergraduate university's disability office.
• You have been recognised as a refugee or asylum seeker or been granted humanitarian protection status by the UK government, or are the partner or child of someone who has been granted refugee, asylum seeker or humanitarian protection status.
• You are the first generation in your family to attend university and study an undergraduate or equivalent qualification (neither of your parents has a BA, BSc or equivalent undergraduate degree).

Applicants will be assessed on the basis of scientific and academic merit.  Where applicants are determined to be of 'equal merit' following this process, the University will use positive action under the Equality Act 2010 to tackle the underrepresentation of, and overcome the disadvantaged experienced by, the groups mentioned above.

We also welcome applications from students who are currently studying at a non-Russell Group university and would like to explore the possibility of postgraduate research (Link to Russell Group https://russellgroup.ac.uk/about/our-universities/)

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria are still eligible to apply to the scheme.

You are not eligible to apply for this scheme if you:

• Are in your first or last years of your degree (please note that you are considered a first year student during the summer after your first year at university and you are considered to be in your last year of university in the summer after your final year)
• Have previously undertaken a vacation scholarship from Wellcome or another funding body, or have had significant research experience
• Have completed or are currently undertaking an intercalated year
• Have completed or are currently undertaking a one-year placement in research, or lab-based placement, as part of a degree (eg a sandwich year)
• Are a graduate-entry medical student who has completed a previous undergraduate degree in a science-related subject
• Are enrolled on a course outside the UK or the Republic of Ireland.
• Do not have the Right to Work in the UK.

Successful applicants will be registered as a member of staff at the University of Sheffield for the duration of the project and will be required to complete Right to Work checks before the project commences.

How to apply

You will need to complete an application form and inform your tutor that you may require a reference, if you are selected to interview.  The application form is available to download, below. 

Completed application forms must be uploaded to this google form. The google form contains equality and diversity and widening participation information.  

Please note: Please download the tutor contact template (below) and then upload the document stating your tutor's name, position and email address to enable you to complete the google form.  A reference will be requested if you are shortlisted for interview.  The tutor reference template is available below for information only and does not need to be submitted with your application.

All applications will be assessed based on academic merit and potential to do research in biomedical sciences, as evidenced on academic record and answers provided in application form (e.g. motivation, contribution to host lab, skills to be gained).

Deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon, 8th April 2025.  Applications received after this will not be considered.  Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email.  Please ensure that your email is entered correctly.

Timeline

While the following timeline is not current, it provides a general overview of the application and recruitment process.

Privacy information

The University of Sheffield takes the security and integrity of all the personal data it holds seriously. Read the University's privacy notice. 

For all applicants, your data will be kept for the duration of the scholarship programme (a minimum period of five years) for planning and reporting purposes. It will not be published or used in a way that identifies you.

If you are successful in securing a place on the scholarship programme, your personal data will also form the basis of your record of employment.

The University makes certain statutory disclosures of information and your data may be used for those purposes. Your data will be used to report specifically to Wellcome Trust on the scholarship programme.

Downloads

Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation scholarships downloads

Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Scholarship application form 2025 (word 124kb)

Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Scholarship tutor contact form 2025 (word 124kb)

Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Scholarship tutor reference 2025 (word 123kb) *Information only. This is not required to submit your application.