Research

Supervisor: Dr Nainal Shah (nainal.shah@uhl-tr.nhs.uk)

I have two areas of clinical research/leadership that FY academic trainee can be part of:

1. Validation of locally developed delirium assessment tool against NICE recommended tool.
2. Supporting quality improvement projects on trainees' chosen topic.

Supervisor: Mr Edward Caruana (edward.caruana@uhl-tr.nhs.uk)

Thoracic Surgery spans a diverse spectrum of benign and malignant disease, and benefits from close collaboration and a degree of overlap with numerous other specialties, including Respiratory Medicine, Oncology and Critical Care.

My research interests are in pneumothorax, emphysema, diaphragm dysfunction, perioperative care (with an emphasis on pain), advanced lung cancer, surgical education and risk communication.

Supervisor: Professor Dave Adlam (da134@le.ac.uk) 

Research focuses on developing existing work on rare coronary artery phenotypes leading to heart attacks, specifically Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and Coronary Aneurysms and Ectasia. We have hosted 3 dynamic academic FY1s in recent years, all of whom have succeeded in contributing to peer reviewed publication of their work.  My research interests include coronary artery diseases, coronary imaging and using large datasets to understand cardiovascular comorbidity. 

Supervisor: Professor Gerry McCann (gpm12@le.ac.uk)

My research programme is focused on using cardiac MRI and other imaging to better understand cardiovascular disease in vivo, developing and assessing novel treatments and implementing large multi-centre trials that change clinical practice. We have world-class imaging facilities funded by the BHF and NIHR. Currently active studies include lifestyle and drug interventions in diabetic cardiomyopathy, imaging and plasma biomarkers in aortic stenosis, validating novel methods of cardiac dysfunction. Studies due to commence include randomised trials in NSTEMI, Aortic stenosis and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. We have active collaborations with local machine learning experts, the “omics” group and diabetes researchers as well as numerous national and international collaborators.

Our group has published over 130 papers in the last 5 years including JAMA, NEJM and all the top cardiovascular journals. We have an outstanding track record in developing junior researchers – all of whom have had significant outputs and career progression. 

Supervisor: Dr Matthew Graham-Brown (mgb23@le.ac.uk)

I work with both the renal research and cardiac imaging groups at the University of Leicester in the dept of Cardiovascular sciences. My research principle explores cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease, patients on dialysis and those with a renal transplant. I run clinical trials exploring novel interventions to improve cardiovascular outcomes for these patient groups, including lifestyle and activity interventions, novel dialysis strategies and medications optimisation and work close with the imaging group on projects that test and refine imaging techniques to provide early diagnosis and improve disease risk stratification, with a particular focus on cardiac MRI. I have work looking at the use of digital health interventions to improve patient's ability to self-manage aspects of their health with a focus on implementation and I also support work looking to improve advanced care planning for patients with kidney disease.

Supervisor: Professor Bee Tan (bee.k.tan@le.ac.uk)

Observational cohort studies, clinical trials and big data science in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Reproductive Medicine and Reproductive Sciences, Endocrinology, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health. My research includes both clinical and laboratory research.

Supervisor: Professor Claire Meek (cm881@leicester.ac.uk)

Claire Meek runs observational and interventional studies of women with diabetes in pregnancy, aiming to improve outcomes for mothers and babies, especially in under-represented groups. 

Subject areas: gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, nutrition in pregnancy. 

Supervisor: Mr Tim Rattay (tr104@le.ac.uk)

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for over 50,000 new cases per year. Thankfully, the vast majority of breast cancers are treatable. Approximately 800,000 women previously diagnosed with breast cancer were estimated to be alive in the UK in 2020 - a figure predicted to rise to over 1.2 million by 2030.

Surgery and radiotherapy are the most commonly used breast cancer treatments. However about 1 in 5 patients will experience moderate to severe side-effects (toxicity) from treatment. My main research interests are in the prediction and reduction of treatment toxicity in the breast. My research is focused on validating clinical and molecular predictors of toxicity as well as discovering new predictors through genome-wide association studies, Big Data and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. I also have an interest in applying qualitative research methodology to explore patients’ views on breast cancer treatments . The goal is to improve treatment outcomes by reducing side-effects through personalised medicine approaches.

Supervisor: Dr Mervyn Thomas (mt350@le.ac.uk)

The Ulverscroft Eye Unit (Ophthalmology Research Group) is a multi-disciplinary group led by Dr Mervyn Thomas (Clinical Lead). The research programme has five themes:

1. Advanced Imaging and Retinal Electrophysiology: We investigate normal and abnormal structure-function relationships in vivo across ophthalmic, neuro-ophthalmic, and genetic disorders through high-resolution imaging and retinal electrophysiology (Clinical focus).
2. Deep Learning: We develop deep learning strategies for image and video based analysis for clinical diagnostics and biobank-scale image-derived phenotype acquisition (Clinical and Computational).
3. Genotype-Phenotype Correlation: We undertake studies investigating the correlation between genotypes and phenotypes in ocular developmental disorders (Clinical focus).
4. Disease Modelling: We work in ocular and neurological disease modelling employing novel zebrafish models (Lab focus).
5. Education: We develop web-based modules and employ eye-tracking technology to analyse the interpretative behaviours of clinicians with varying levels of experience, aiming to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of clinical image analysis (Education focus)

We have a strong track record of training and developing junior doctors to develop their research and clinical portfolio. Our trainee doctors have secured prestigious fellowships such as NIHR ACF, NIHR DRF, MRC CRF, and NIHR CL. Notably, two of our junior doctors have secured posts in leading biopharmaceutical companies, Roche and Sandoz.

We welcome project discussions with trainee doctors that have an interest in a specific area within Ophthalmology, Neurology, Clinical Genetics or Clinical Education.

Supervisor: Dr Richard Packer (richard.packer@leicester.ac.uk)

My research interests are in genetic epidemiology and data science. My work focuses on taking electronic healthcare records and studying specific measurements to generate phenotypes representing the spectrum of human disease (phenome). I then interrogate the genetic underpinnings of these phenotypes using phenome-wide association studies, genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomisation techniques.

The potential project idea is to apply a phenome-wide association method I developed (DeepPheWAS) to the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region. This region is well-known for its association with autoimmune and rheumatological diseases. Due to its complex genetic structure and high degree of variability, it is often excluded from routine genetic analysis. This has led to an obvious gap in the literature, with no authoritative characterisation of the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation. This exciting project intends to fill that gap. 

Aim: To characterise the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation on human disease.

I foresee the project having two initial objectives.

1. Perform a phenome-wide association study using the imputed HLA region in the UK Biobank. I have access to the imputed HLA region and have written the software for the phenome-wide association testing.
2. Explore the association results to understand the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation. I expect that there will be many associations beyond the expected autoimmune/rheumatologic disease. Some of these associations may be well known to co-occur with autoimmune disease, or some may be entirely novel. This element of the project is greatly enhanced by clinical training and understanding of human disease. At a minimum, there would be a good paper here.

Extensions: This project allows multiple extensions from the baseline described above, depending on the trainee's interests and skill development.

1. Extend the analysis to whole genome/exome sequencing data OR explore alternative imputation approaches. Sequenced data allows the direct measurement of HLA alleles, allowing for greater granularity in specific alleles' effects on disease and would be entirely novel for the field.
2. Extend the analysis of initial association results by exploring Mendelian randomisation methods to assess causality. Many HLA associations are statistically strong, which can be leveraged to understand better the causality between autoimmune/rheumatological conditions and other co-morbid diseases.

Expected output: With no extensions, this work should justify a good-quality journal article.

Training/skills development:  We would be able to provide training to people unfamiliar with Linux-based computing and the R language within the group. However, depending on the trainee's skill set and desire, the project can be tailored to focus more on clinical interpretation; the initial objectives would not require significant skill development but would leverage the clinical training. The trainee should leave the project equipped to handle large datasets, with a high likelihood of material sufficient for a manuscript for publication.

The group has experience of supporting clinical trainees in developing their academic skill sets and working with them to maximise output in limited research time.

Supervisor: Dr Dimitrios Papamargaritis (dp421@le.ac.uk)

My research focuses on how to best combine lifestyle, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery to help people living with obesity. I am currently studying the mechanisms of weight loss with the new obesity pharmacotherapies and I am also trying to identify potential treatments for postprandial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia, a disabling metabolic complication after bariatric surgery. My research projects would be suitable for a clinical academic with interest in experimental medicine in the area of obesity, cardiometabolic health and type 2 diabetes.

Supervisor: Professor Claire Meek (cm881@leicester.ac.uk)

Claire Meek runs observational and interventional studies of women with diabetes in pregnancy, aiming to improve outcomes for mothers and babies, especially in under-represented groups. 

Subject areas: gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, nutrition in pregnancy. 

Supervisor: Professor Melaine Davies CBE (melanie.davies@uhl-tr.nhs.uk)

Multiple projects relating to Type 2 diabetes (of all groups, but highlighting special interest in adults with early-onset type 2 diabetes), Type 1 Diabetes and technology, Obesity, Lifestyle, Physical activity & behaviour change interventions. Within these areas, applicants will gain experience working across both our commercial and non-commercial research portfolio, within our NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Lifestyle Theme and our NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre. 

Professor of Diabetes Medicine/UHL Honorary Consultant Diabetologist. Co-Director of the Leicester Diabetes Centre with Professor Kamlesh Khunti.  NIHR Senior Investigator Emeritus & Director of the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre and co-chair of EASD/ADA’s Consensus Report on T2DM Management. Clinical Director of the NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre. Research interests include the causes, screening, prevention, self-management and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus & studies include large global studies in the field of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Supervisor: Professor Bee Tan (bee.k.tan@le.ac.uk)

Observational cohort studies, clinical trials and big data science in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Reproductive Medicine and Reproductive Sciences, Endocrinology, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health. My research includes both clinical and laboratory research.

Supervisor: Professor Damian Roland (dr98@leicester.ac.uk)

Scoring Systems (including Paediatric Observation Priority Score and National PEWS); Clinical Decision Making; Knowledge Translation; Social Media; Health Policy (Urgent and Emergency Care)

Supervisor: Dr Mohammed Elwan (m.elwan@leicester.ac.uk)

I am offering a portfolio of six ED-focused projects suitable for Specialised Foundation Doctors. Each can be completed within a 4-month block using retrospective anonymised data, audit, or service evaluation, and requires no REC approval. Projects are flexible to trainee interests and include:

1. CT Head in Traumatic Brain Injury – audit of guideline adherence and diagnostic yield.
2. High-Sensitivity Troponin Pathways – evaluation of early discharge vs admission, and impact of incidental elevations.
3. AI in ED Triage – retrospective application of published AI models to triage data, assessing predictive accuracy.
4. CT Pulmonary Angiography in PE – appropriateness and yield of CTPA requests vs Wells/YEARS criteria.
5. Climate and ED Demand – correlating attendances with weather/air quality data.
6. Staffing vs Activity Modelling – analysis of historical demand patterns to identify rota–activity mismatches.

These projects will provide the trainee with experience in data analysis, clinical audit, quality improvement, and exposure to cutting-edge themes in emergency medicine. They are designed to be achievable, produce tangible outputs (audit presentation, conference abstracts, manuscripts), and align with current NHS research and service priorities

Supervisor: Dr Qadeer Arshad (qa15@leicester.ac.uk)

Provide the fellow with the opportunity to participate in research that aims to investigate the brain mechanisms and novel treatment options for impaired movement and balance a range of ENT and neurological disorders. The supervisory team consists of Dr Qadeer Arshad and Professor Peter Rea.

Supervisor: Dr Farhad Peerally (mfp6@le.ac.uk)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Patient risk perception of treatment; Multi-disciplinary decision-making and access to biologic therapy 

Endoscopy: Safety in endoscopy

Quality and Safety in Healthcare: Exploring causes to adverse events in healthcare; Organisational learning from patient safety incidents; Resilient systems in healthcare; Applying high reliability principles in systems design.

Supervisor: Dr Richard Packer (richard.packer@leicester.ac.uk)

My research interests are in genetic epidemiology and data science. My work focuses on taking electronic healthcare records and studying specific measurements to generate phenotypes representing the spectrum of human disease (phenome). I then interrogate the genetic underpinnings of these phenotypes using phenome-wide association studies, genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomisation techniques.

The potential project idea is to apply a phenome-wide association method I developed (DeepPheWAS) to the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region. This region is well-known for its association with autoimmune and rheumatological diseases. Due to its complex genetic structure and high degree of variability, it is often excluded from routine genetic analysis. This has led to an obvious gap in the literature, with no authoritative characterisation of the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation. This exciting project intends to fill that gap. 

Aim: To characterise the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation on human disease.

I foresee the project having two initial objectives.

1. Perform a phenome-wide association study using the imputed HLA region in the UK Biobank. I have access to the imputed HLA region and have written the software for the phenome-wide association testing.
2. Explore the association results to understand the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation. I expect that there will be many associations beyond the expected autoimmune/rheumatologic disease. Some of these associations may be well known to co-occur with autoimmune disease, or some may be entirely novel. This element of the project is greatly enhanced by clinical training and understanding of human disease. At a minimum, there would be a good paper here.

Extensions: This project allows multiple extensions from the baseline described above, depending on the trainee's interests and skill development.

1. Extend the analysis to whole genome/exome sequencing data OR explore alternative imputation approaches. Sequenced data allows the direct measurement of HLA alleles, allowing for greater granularity in specific alleles' effects on disease and would be entirely novel for the field.
2. Extend the analysis of initial association results by exploring Mendelian randomisation methods to assess causality. Many HLA associations are statistically strong, which can be leveraged to understand better the causality between autoimmune/rheumatological conditions and other co-morbid diseases.

Expected output: With no extensions, this work should justify a good-quality journal article.

Training/skills development: We would be able to provide training to people unfamiliar with Linux-based computing and the R language within the group. However, depending on the trainee's skill set and desire, the project can be tailored to focus more on clinical interpretation; the initial objectives would not require significant skill development but would leverage the clinical training. The trainee should leave the project equipped to handle large datasets, with a high likelihood of material sufficient for a manuscript for publication.

The group has experience of supporting clinical trainees in developing their academic skill sets and working with them to maximise output in limited research time.

Supervisor: Dr Catherine John (catherine.john@leicester.ac.uk)

Healthcare data represents an extraordinarily rich - and ever-growing - resource for understanding the determinants of health and disease.  In England, GPs and other healthcare practitioners working in primary care have recorded information about patients' health in computerised form since the 1990s, giving insight into changes in people's health over time.  This can contribute to our understanding of epidemiological questions about factors that contribute to disease onset, severity or progression (for example, amongst people with depression, assessing which factors are associated with treatment-resistant disease) but also questions about healthcare provision and inequalities (for example, understanding why, how and amongst which groups demand for appointments has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic).

Using a local Leicester-based cohort study with linked electronic healthcare data (EXCEED), you will be able to design and then answer a question of interest to you. You will develop skills for quantitative data management and analysis, as well as critiquing and appraising the literature, which will be invaluable in virtually any academic or clinical career.

You will be based in a multi-disciplinary group which spans public health, primary care, statistics, genetic epidemiology and analysis of “omics” data, including proteomics. You will be exposed to a wide variety of cutting-edge research methods and datasets, through weekly journal clubs and regular seminars.  If analysis of genetics and omics data is of interest to you, there will also be opportunities to gain experience of this.

Supervisor: Dr Maurice Dungey (md527@le.ac.uk)

We have a broad range of projects in the field of Oncology. Leicester is an internationally recognised centre for Mesothelioma research, this is a rare cancer associated with asbestos exposure. We will work to create a project and experience that will be most useful for the applicant. This can include wet-lab experience, bioinformatics, time on the oncology trials unit (Hope Centre) and experience of clinical trials clinics.

Recent large investigator-led clinical trials from our lab include: MiST 1-5, NERO, CONFIRM, VIM.

We also run industry-led trials including MITOPE and eVOLVE-Meso in Leicester.

Our next investigator-led umbrella trial will be SELECT, a molecularly-stratified phase II trial for patients with relapsed mesothelioma. This is due to open in 2025.

Data collected from these previous trials includes whole-exome sequencing, RNA, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics from the cancer tissue; we can then correlate these with clinical outcomes (treatment response, survival, toxicity).

Depending on your aims/preferences the project could include: using data collected from trials to analyse drivers of treatment response/resistance; collecting and analysing real-world data on immunotherapy response and toxicity; or a systematic review - ideas include creating a living systematic review of phase 2/3 trials and meta-analysing placebo/supportive care in randomised trials.

Supervisor: Dr Nainal Shah (nainal.shah@uhl-tr.nhs.uk)

I have two areas of clinical research/leadership that FY academic trainee can be part of:

1. Validation of locally developed delirium assessment tool against NICE recommended tool
2. Supporting quality improvement projects on trainees' chosen topic

Supervisor: Miss Esther Moss (em321@le.ac.uk)

I am leading a group looking at different aspects of gynaecological cancer treatment. The group is involved in a wide range of areas including laboratory based research, (developing biomarkers to detect cancer recurrence), clinical research (developing new cancer/pre-cancer treatments, investigating risk factor associated with gynae cancer and the psychological impact of cancer), and the impact of surgery on the surgeon.

Supervisor: Professor Martin Dyer (mjsd1@leicester.ac.uk) 

The Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute in the University of Leicester develops and assesses new precision medicines for the lymphoid malignancies. My group focusses on the targeted therapy of lymphoid malignancies. We have a number of inter-related clinical and translational/reverse translational laboratory projects investigating the modes of action and efficacy of precision medicines, including bispecific antibodies and small molecule inhibitors. 

Supervisor: Dr Matthew Ahearne (mja40@le.ac.uk)

T-cell lymphomas are a group of rare and aggressive blood cancers. Current treatment remains chemotherapy but up to half will relapse within a year of diagnosis and clinical outcomes have shown little improvement in the past 40 years. Transforming patient outcomes requires better clinical risk prediction tools and new effective treatment strategies.

Our research has several focuses. We are interested in the use of blood samples to detect circulating tumour DNA. These liquid biopsies offer the opportunity to achieve faster diagnosis and improve disease monitoring to detect chemoresistance earlier. In addition, we are focusing on identifying new drug targets and testing novel drug compounds using cell lines and patient samples.

We offer research projects for SFPs across these activities.

Liquid biopsy analysis involved computational/bioinformatics solutions to achieve sensitive circulating tumour DNA analysis. The individual will use existing pipelines and sequencing data for analysis. No prior experience in coding or bioinformatics is required. In haematology and oncology molecular profiling is now central to patient’s diagnosis and treatment and the skills learnt will be transferable across the field of medicine as it enters a genomics era.

There is also the opportunity to undertake wet-lab experimental work using cell lines and patient samples to discover, validate, and test new drug targets. These assays are broadly used across cancer studies and would enable the individual to generate preliminary data to support ongoing studies.

Supervisor: Dr Debasish Das (debasishdas@nhs.net)

My main area of research interest is hepatology, specially advanced liver disease and palliative and end of life care of these patients.

Recently we published a Systematic Review as part of Leicester Link Research Project and a project on patient held records of their liver condition is currently underway. further projects on quality improvement and improving patient experience with liver conditions are in the pipeline

Supervisor: Dr Richard Packer (richard.packer@leicester.ac.uk)

My research interests are in genetic epidemiology and data science. My work focuses on taking electronic healthcare records and studying specific measurements to generate phenotypes representing the spectrum of human disease (phenome). I then interrogate the genetic underpinnings of these phenotypes using phenome-wide association studies, genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomisation techniques.

The potential project idea is to apply a phenome-wide association method I developed (DeepPheWAS) to the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region. This region is well-known for its association with autoimmune and rheumatological diseases. Due to its complex genetic structure and high degree of variability, it is often excluded from routine genetic analysis. This has led to an obvious gap in the literature, with no authoritative characterisation of the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation. This exciting project intends to fill that gap. 

Aim: To characterise the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation on human disease.

I foresee the project having two initial objectives.

1. Perform a phenome-wide association study using the imputed HLA region in the UK Biobank. I have access to the imputed HLA region and have written the software for the phenome-wide association testing.
2. Explore the association results to understand the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation. I expect that there will be many associations beyond the expected autoimmune/rheumatologic disease. Some of these associations may be well known to co-occur with autoimmune disease, or some may be entirely novel. This element of the project is greatly enhanced by clinical training and understanding of human disease. At a minimum, there would be a good paper here.

Extensions: This project allows multiple extensions from the baseline described above, depending on the trainee's interests and skill development.

1. Extend the analysis to whole genome/exome sequencing data OR explore alternative imputation approaches. Sequenced data allows the direct measurement of HLA alleles, allowing for greater granularity in specific alleles' effects on disease and would be entirely novel for the field.
2. Extend the analysis of initial association results by exploring Mendelian randomisation methods to assess causality. Many HLA associations are statistically strong, which can be leveraged to understand better the causality between autoimmune/rheumatological conditions and other co-morbid diseases.

Expected output: With no extensions, this work should justify a good-quality journal article.

Training/skills development: We would be able to provide training to people unfamiliar with Linux-based computing and the R language within the group. However, depending on the trainee's skill set and desire, the project can be tailored to focus more on clinical interpretation; the initial objectives would not require significant skill development but would leverage the clinical training. The trainee should leave the project equipped to handle large datasets, with a high likelihood of material sufficient for a manuscript for publication.

The group has experience of supporting clinical trainees in developing their academic skill sets and working with them to maximise output in limited research time.

Supervisor: Professor Manish Pareek (manish.pareek@leicester.ac.uk)

• Ethnic inequalities in health
• Infection risk in underserved communities
• Tuberculosis identification in underserved communities
• Systematic reviews
• Data sciences

Supervisor: Dr Pranab Haldar (ph62@leicester.ac.uk)

To understand the mechanisms of Mtb infection and the different clinical phenotypes that arise from this. Our objective is to develop better biomarkers and diagnostic tools for characterising Mtb infection states in a way that improves clinical management.

Supervisor: Dr Hakeem Yusuff (hy135@leicester.ac.uk)

I am the research lead on the intensive care unit at Glenfield hospital and my research interests include ECMO for cardiogenic shock, fungal infections in patients on extracorporeal support and ECMO related coagulopathy. In addition, as part of the UK ECMO research network, we are involved in collaborative projects with other ECMO centres. We are the host siter for the Protecting the right ventricle network (PRORVnet) through which we are coordinating research looking at strategies to manage right ventricular injury in critically ill patients. We have opportunities to be part of phase I and phase II studies both in critical care and anaesthesia.

Supervisor: Dr Sarah Seaton (sarah.seaton@leicester.ac.uk)

I am the co-principal investigator of the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network (PICANet: https://www.picanet.org.uk/) that collects data from all Paediatric Intensive Care Units in the UK and Ireland. Students are encouraged to discuss potential projects at the earliest opportunity. Broadly, we are able to offer projects related to our healthcare improvement goals which currently include:

• Supporting organisations to understand factors associated with emergency readmission to PICU
• Reducing variation in specialised transport team mobilisation times and access to PICU
• Reducing rates and variations in unplanned extubations
• Understanding variation and predictors of length of stay and time of discharge

Supervisor: Professor Claire Meek (cm881@leicester.ac.uk)

Claire Meek runs observational and interventional studies of women with diabetes in pregnancy, aiming to improve outcomes for mothers and babies, especially in under-represented groups. 

Subject areas: gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, nutrition in pregnancy. 

Supervisor: Dr Harriet Walter (hw191@le.ac.uk)

My research interests are in therapeutic drug development, the design and delivery of early phase clinical trials, and the development and assessment of novel therapies in B cell malignancies.

Supervisor: Dr Maurice Dungey (md527@le.ac.uk)

We have a broad range of projects in the field of Oncology. Leicester is an internationally recognised centre for Mesothelioma research, this is a rare cancer associated with asbestos exposure. We will work to create a project and experience that will be most useful for the applicant. This can include wet-lab experience, bioinformatics, time on the oncology trials unit (Hope Centre) and experience of clinical trials clinics.  

Recent large investigator-led clinical trials from our lab include: MiST 1-5, NERO, CONFIRM, VIM. We also run industry-led trials including MITOPE and eVOLVE-Meso in Leicester.

Our next investigator-led umbrella trial will be SELECT, a molecularly-stratified phase II trial for patients with relapsed mesothelioma. This is due to open in 2025.

Data collected from these previous trials includes whole-exome sequencing, RNA, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics from the cancer tissue; we can then correlate these with clinical outcomes (treatment response, survival, toxicity).

Depending on your aims/preferences the project could include: using data collected from trials to analyse drivers of treatment response/resistance; collecting and analysing real-world data on immunotherapy response and toxicity; or a systematic review - ideas include creating a living systematic review of phase 2/3 trials and meta-analysing placebo/supportive care in randomised trials.

Supervisor: Professor Martin Dyer (mjsd1@leicester.ac.uk)

The Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute in the University of Leicester develops and assesses new precision medicines for the lymphoid malignancies). My group focusses on the targeted therapy of lymphoid malignancies. We have a number of inter-related clinical and translational/reverse translational laboratory projects investigating the modes of action and efficacy of precision medicines, including bispecific antibodies and small molecule inhibitors.

Supervisor: Dr Matthew Ahearne (mja40@le.ac.uk)

T-cell lymphomas are a group of rare and aggressive blood cancers. Current treatment remains chemotherapy but up to half will relapse within a year of diagnosis and clinical outcomes have shown little improvement in the past 40 years. Transforming patient outcomes requires better clinical risk prediction tools and new effective treatment strategies.

Our research has several focuses. We are interested in the use of blood samples to detect circulating tumour DNA. These liquid biopsies offer the opportunity to achieve faster diagnosis and improve disease monitoring to detect chemoresistance earlier. In addition, we are focusing on identifying new drug targets and testing novel drug compounds using cell lines and patient samples.

We offer research projects for SFPs across these activities.

Liquid biopsy analysis involved computational/bioinformatics solutions to achieve sensitive circulating tumour DNA analysis. The individual will use existing pipelines and sequencing data for analysis. No prior experience in coding or bioinformatics is required. In haematology and oncology molecular profiling is now central to patient’s diagnosis and treatment and the skills learnt will be transferable across the field of medicine as it enters a genomics era.

There is also the opportunity to undertake wet-lab experimental work using cell lines and patient samples to discover, validate, and test new drug targets. These assays are broadly used across cancer studies and would enable the individual to generate preliminary data to support ongoing studies.

Supervisor: Mr Tim Rattay (tr104@le.ac.uk)

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for over 50,000 new cases per year. Thankfully, the vast majority of breast cancers are treatable. Approximately 800,000 women previously diagnosed with breast cancer were estimated to be alive in the UK in 2020 - a figure predicted to rise to over 1.2 million by 2030. Surgery and radiotherapy are the most commonly used breast cancer treatments. However about 1 in 5 patients will experience moderate to severe side-effects (toxicity) from treatment.

My main research interests are in the prediction and reduction of adverse outcomes in breast cancer treatment.  My research is focused on validating clinical and molecular predictors of toxicity as well as discovering new predictors through genome-wide association studies, and Big Data and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, and I am also interested in applying qualitative research methodology to explore breast cancer survivors’ views and experience of treatment and personalised medicine.  I work in a multi-disciplinary research team with surgeons, oncologists, nurses, clinical psychologists, geneticists, radiographers and medical physicists.  

Supervisor: Dr Sam Khan (sk504@le.ac.uk)

Generating a 3D human tissue model to aid development of lung cancer treatment and prevention agents

Our group focuses on the preclinical and clinical development of cancer treatment and preventive therapies. Assessing the influence of drug interventions on the immune system in preclinical models remains challenging. Commonly used models have limitations which impact on translation to a clinical setting; Patient-derived organoids rely on cellular disassociation, which destroys the tumour microenvironment; Patient-derived xenografts are undertaken in immunocompromised mice, and replacement of the human stroma with mouse stroma is often observed which may influence drug activity and humanised mouse xenograft systems offer intact immune systems but are expensive, slow to develop and have engraftment limitations. To overcome these limitations and complement existing pre-clinical assays, we hope to culture and maintain patient tissues in short term cultures, termed patient-derived explants (PDEs). We are interested in how lung cancer treatment and prevention agents can modulate key cancer related pathways. 

MIRAGE: Multidimensional Liquid Biopsy Profiling for Prediction and Characterisation of Resistance to Cancer Immunotherapy and Guided Combined Therapies

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4), has revolutionalised oncology, becoming a new standard of care in first or subsequent lines across various solid cancer types. However, clinical response to ICI monotherapy remains limited, with often only 20% - 40% of patients responding to treatment, depending on cancer type and biomarker selection. Moreover, ICI-based combination immunotherapies have improved clinical efficacy, but come with increase toxicity and resistance remains an issue. 

Currently, there are no biomarkers available to predict sensitivity, resistance and/or toxicity in this setting. For effective longitudinal monitoring of patients, more information is needed on cancer evolution at the time of disease progression, which can be achieved through liquid biopsy analytes. This project aims to utilise liquid biopsy to identify potential  predictive biomarkers that will enable improved patient stratification for immunotherapy treatments. 

Supervisor: Dr Mervyn Thomas (mt350@le.ac.uk)

The Ulverscroft Eye Unit (Ophthalmology Research Group) is a multi-disciplinary group led by Dr Mervyn Thomas (Clinical Lead). The research programme has five themes:

1. Advanced Imaging and Retinal Electrophysiology: We investigate normal and abnormal structure-function relationships in vivo across ophthalmic, neuro-ophthalmic, and genetic disorders through high-resolution imaging and retinal electrophysiology (Clinical focus).
2. Deep Learning: We develop deep learning strategies for image and video based analysis for clinical diagnostics and biobank-scale image-derived phenotype acquisition (Clinical and Computational).
3. Genotype-Phenotype Correlation: We undertake studies investigating the correlation between genotypes and phenotypes in ocular developmental disorders (Clinical focus).
4. Disease Modelling: We work in ocular and neurological disease modelling employing novel zebrafish models (Lab focus).
5. Education: We develop web-based modules and employ eye-tracking technology to analyse the interpretative behaviours of clinicians with varying levels of experience, aiming to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of clinical image analysis (Education focus)

We have a strong track record of training and developing junior doctors to develop their research and clinical portfolio. Our trainee doctors have secured prestigious fellowships such as NIHR ACF, NIHR DRF, MRC CRF, and NIHR CL. Notably, two of our junior doctors have secured posts in leading biopharmaceutical companies, Roche and Sandoz.

We welcome project discussions with trainee doctors that have an interest in a specific area within Ophthalmology, Neurology, Clinical Genetics or Clinical Education.

Supervisor: Dr Qadeer Arshad (qa15@leicester.ac.uk)

Provide the fellow with the opportunity to participate in research that aims to investigate the brain mechanisms and novel treatment options for impaired movement and balance a range of ENT and neurological disorders. The supervisory team consists of Dr Qadeer Arshad and Professor Peter Rea

Supervisor: Professor Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska (eml12@leicester.ac.uk)

Ageing and cognitive impairment; Dementia in people with ethnic background; Validation of culture fair cognitive tests for dementia diagnosis; Risk factors for Neurodegenerative disorders in younger adults (<65 years of age); Blood and CSF dementia biomarkers; Neuroimaging to diagnose dementia

Supervisor: Professor Bee Tan (bee.k.tan@le.ac.uk)

Observational cohort studies, clinical trials and big data science in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Reproductive Medicine and Reproductive Sciences, Endocrinology, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health. My research includes both clinical and laboratory research.

Supervisor: Professor Brad Manktelow (brad.manktelow@le.ac.uk)

As part of my role, I lead the perinatal aspects of MBRRACE-UK, the national programme of work undertaking surveillance of maternal deaths, stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

MBRRACE-UK has collected information on all stillbirths and neonatal deaths across the UK since 2013. This includes clinical and sociodemographic data, and as well as the reported cause of death. Data are also available on all births over the same time period – although less detailed.

This data can be used to investigate current issues in perinatal medicine. Any project can be tailored to the interest of the trainee. Examples of possible projects include:

• Investigation of the determination and recording of cause of death in perinatal care.
• Investigation of perinatal mortality by ethnicity and sociodemographic status.
• The utility of audit data to drive improvements in the delivery of perinatal care.
• Understanding variations in perinatal mortality but service provision.

Supervisor: Professor Claire Meek (cm881@leicester.ac.uk)

Claire Meek runs observational and interventional studies of women with diabetes in pregnancy, aiming to improve outcomes for mothers and babies, especially in under-represented groups. 

Subject areas: gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, nutrition in pregnancy. 

Supervisor: Dr Mervyn Thomas (mt350@le.ac.uk)

The Ulverscroft Eye Unit (Ophthalmology Research Group) is a multi-disciplinary group led by Dr Mervyn Thomas (Clinical Lead). The research programme has five themes:

1. Advanced Imaging and Retinal Electrophysiology: We investigate normal and abnormal structure-function relationships in vivo across ophthalmic, neuro-ophthalmic, and genetic disorders through high-resolution imaging and retinal electrophysiology (Clinical focus).
2. Deep Learning: We develop deep learning strategies for image and video based analysis for clinical diagnostics and biobank-scale image-derived phenotype acquisition (Clinical and Computational).
3. Genotype-Phenotype Correlation: We undertake studies investigating the correlation between genotypes and phenotypes in ocular developmental disorders (Clinical focus).
4. Disease Modelling: We work in ocular and neurological disease modelling employing novel zebrafish models (Lab focus).
5. Education: We develop web-based modules and employ eye-tracking technology to analyse the interpretative behaviours of clinicians with varying levels of experience, aiming to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of clinical image analysis (Education focus)

We have a strong track record of training and developing junior doctors to develop their research and clinical portfolio. Our trainee doctors have secured prestigious fellowships such as NIHR ACF, NIHR DRF, MRC CRF, and NIHR CL. Notably, two of our junior doctors have secured posts in leading biopharmaceutical companies, Roche and Sandoz.

We welcome project discussions with trainee doctors that have an interest in a specific area within Ophthalmology, Neurology, Clinical Genetics or Clinical Education.

Supervisor: Dr Sarah Seaton (sarah.seaton@leicester.ac.uk)

I am the co-principal investigator of the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network (PICANet) that collects data from all Paediatric Intensive Care Units in the UK and Ireland. Students are encouraged to discuss potential projects at the earliest opportunity. Broadly, we are able to offer projects related to our healthcare improvement goals which currently include:

• Supporting organisations to understand factors associated with emergency readmission to PICU
• Reducing variation in specialised transport team mobilisation times and access to PICU
• Reducing rates and variations in unplanned extubations
• Understanding variation and predictors of length of stay and time of discharge

Supervisor: Dr David Lo (dkhl1@le.ac.uk)

Paediatric Respiratory Medicine - Asthma, Non-CF Bronchiectasis, Congenital Lung Malformations - clinical management and long term follow up

Supervisor: Dr Erol Gaillard (eag15@leicester.ac.uk)

Childhood asthma including asthma diagnosis, monitoring of inhaler use, technology driven asthma care, severe asthma and biomarkers.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in cystic fibrosis, asthma and obesity

Supervisor: Professor Brad Manktelow (brad.manktelow@le.ac.uk)

As part of my role, I lead the perinatal aspects of MBRRACE-UK, the national programme of work undertaking surveillance of maternal deaths, stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

MBRRACE-UK has collected information on all stillbirths and neonatal deaths across the UK since 2013. This includes clinical and sociodemographic data, and as well as the reported cause of death. Data are also available on all births over the same time period – although less detailed.

This data can be used to investigate current issues in perinatal medicine. Any project can be tailored to the interest of the trainee. Examples of possible projects include:

• Investigation of the determination and recording of cause of death in perinatal care.
• Investigation of perinatal mortality by ethnicity and sociodemographic status.
• The utility of audit data to drive improvements in the delivery of perinatal care.
• Understanding variations in perinatal mortality but service provision.

Supervisor: Professor Damian Roland (dr98@leicester.ac.uk)

Scoring Systems (including Paediatric Observation Priority Score and National PEWS); Clinical Decision Making; Knowledge Translation; Social Media; Health Policy (Urgent and Emergency Care)

Supervisor: Dr Farhad Peerally (mfp6@le.ac.uk)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Patient risk perception of treatment; Multi-disciplinary decision-making and access to biologic therapy 

Endoscopy: Safety in endoscopy

Quality and Safety in Healthcare: Exploring causes to adverse events in healthcare; Organisational learning from patient safety incidents; Resilient systems in healthcare; Applying high reliability principles in systems design

Supervisor: Dr Sam Tromans (st386@leicester.ac.uk)

My research interests principally relate to psychiatric epidemiology and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD, learning disability)

Supervisor: Dr Catherine John (catherine.john@leicester.ac.uk)

Healthcare data represents an extraordinarily rich - and ever-growing - resource for understanding the determinants of health and disease.  In England, GPs and other healthcare practitioners working in primary care have recorded information about patients' health in computerised form since the 1990s, giving insight into changes in people's health over time.  This can contribute to our understanding of epidemiological questions about factors that contribute to disease onset, severity or progression (for example, amongst people with depression, assessing which factors are associated with treatment-resistant disease) but also questions about healthcare provision and inequalities (for example, understanding why, how and amongst which groups demand for appointments has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic).

Using a local Leicester-based cohort study with linked electronic healthcare data (EXCEED), you will be able to design and then answer a question of interest to you. You will develop skills for quantitative data management and analysis, as well as critiquing and appraising the literature, which will be invaluable in virtually any academic or clinical career.

You will be based in a multi-disciplinary group which spans public health, primary care, statistics, genetic epidemiology and analysis of “omics” data, including proteomics. You will be exposed to a wide variety of cutting-edge research methods and datasets, through weekly journal clubs and regular seminars.  If analysis of genetics and omics data is of interest to you, there will also be opportunities to gain experience of this.

Particularly suitable for SFP doctors interested in careers in public health and/or general practice but projects could be developed that are relevant to virtually any specialty.

Supervisor: Dr Richard Packer (richard.packer@leicester.ac.uk)

My research interests are in genetic epidemiology and data science. My work focuses on taking electronic healthcare records and studying specific measurements to generate phenotypes representing the spectrum of human disease (phenome). I then interrogate the genetic underpinnings of these phenotypes using phenome-wide association studies, genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomisation techniques.

The potential project idea is to apply a phenome-wide association method I developed (DeepPheWAS) to the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region. This region is well-known for its association with autoimmune and rheumatological diseases. Due to its complex genetic structure and high degree of variability, it is often excluded from routine genetic analysis. This has led to an obvious gap in the literature, with no authoritative characterisation of the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation. This exciting project intends to fill that gap. 

Aim: To characterise the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation on human disease.

I foresee the project having two initial objectives.

1. Perform a phenome-wide association study using the imputed HLA region in the UK Biobank. I have access to the imputed HLA region and have written the software for the phenome-wide association testing.
2. Explore the association results to understand the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation. I expect that there will be many associations beyond the expected autoimmune/rheumatologic disease. Some of these associations may be well known to co-occur with autoimmune disease, or some may be entirely novel. This element of the project is greatly enhanced by clinical training and understanding of human disease. At a minimum, there would be a good paper here.

Extensions: This project allows multiple extensions from the baseline described above, depending on the trainee's interests and skill development.

1. Extend the analysis to whole genome/exome sequencing data OR explore alternative imputation approaches. Sequenced data allows the direct measurement of HLA alleles, allowing for greater granularity in specific alleles' effects on disease and would be entirely novel for the field.
2. Extend the analysis of initial association results by exploring Mendelian randomisation methods to assess causality. Many HLA associations are statistically strong, which can be leveraged to understand better the causality between autoimmune/rheumatological conditions and other co-morbid diseases.

Expected output: With no extensions, this work should justify a good-quality journal article.

Training/skills development: We would be able to provide training to people unfamiliar with Linux-based computing and the R language within the group. However, depending on the trainee's skill set and desire, the project can be tailored to focus more on clinical interpretation; the initial objectives would not require significant skill development but would leverage the clinical training. The trainee should leave the project equipped to handle large datasets, with a high likelihood of material sufficient for a manuscript for publication.

The group has experience of supporting clinical trainees in developing their academic skill sets and working with them to maximise output in limited research time.

Supervisor: Dr David Lo (dkhl1@le.ac.uk)

Paediatric Respiratory Medicine - Asthma, Non-CF Bronchiectasis, Congenital Lung Malformations - clinical management and long term follow up

Supervisor: Dr Pranab Haldar (ph62@leicester.ac.uk)

To understand the mechanisms of Mtb infection and the different clinical phenotypes that arise from this. Our objective is to develop better biomarkers and diagnostic tools for characterising Mtb infection states in a way that improves clinical management.

Supervisor: Dr Mohammed Elwan (m.elwan@leicester.ac.uk)

I am offering a portfolio of six ED-focused projects suitable for Specialised Foundation Doctors. Each can be completed within a 4-month block using retrospective anonymised data, audit, or service evaluation, and requires no REC approval. Projects are flexible to trainee interests and include:

1. CT Head in Traumatic Brain Injury – audit of guideline adherence and diagnostic yield.
2. High-Sensitivity Troponin Pathways – evaluation of early discharge vs admission, and impact of incidental elevations.
3. AI in ED Triage – retrospective application of published AI models to triage data, assessing predictive accuracy.
4. CT Pulmonary Angiography in PE – appropriateness and yield of CTPA requests vs Wells/YEARS criteria.
5. Climate and ED Demand – correlating attendances with weather/air quality data.
6. Staffing vs Activity Modelling – analysis of historical demand patterns to identify rota–activity mismatches.

These projects will provide the trainee with experience in data analysis, clinical audit, quality improvement, and exposure to cutting-edge themes in emergency medicine. They are designed to be achievable, produce tangible outputs (audit presentation, conference abstracts, manuscripts), and align with current NHS research and service priorities

Supervisor: Dr Bharathy Kumaravel (bk162@leicester.ac.uk)

Asthma is one of the most common long-term conditions in the UK, affecting approximately 5.4 million people and placing a substantial burden on individuals, primary care, and wider health services (1).  Migrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented individuals, are known to experience significant barriers to asthma care, leading to poorer health outcomes and contributing to persistent health inequalities (2).  A recent study in Leicestershire explored the experiences of young adult migrants with asthma who had moved to the UK in the past five years.  Participants described substantial challenges in adjusting to new environmental triggers, unfamiliar healthcare processes and limited culturally tailored information.

Frontline staff in health, social care, and community services increasingly serve diverse populations. Traditional cultural competence training is often checklist-based, potentially reinforcing stereotypes. Cultural humility—emphasising lifelong learning, critical self-reflection, addressing power imbalances, and institutional accountability—offers a dynamic alternative.

Co-production with underserved communities ensures interventions are grounded in lived experience, but the evidence base for such co-designed cultural humility training in frontline services is fragmented. This review aims to map the scope, design, delivery, and reported outcomes of these training packages to inform the development of a locally relevant, co-produced intervention.

Research question

What is known about cultural humility training packages for frontline staff that are co-produced with underserved communities, and how are these interventions designed, implemented, and evaluated?

You will be based in a multi-disciplinary group which spans public health and epidemiology and the Centre for Ethnic Health Research. You will be exposed to a wide variety of cutting-edge research methods and datasets, through weekly journal clubs and regular seminars.

You will develop skills for quantitative data management and analysis, as well as critiquing and appraising the literature, which will be invaluable in virtually any academic or clinical career. 

Supervisor: Professor Gerry McCann (gpm12@le.ac.uk)

My research programme is focused on using cardiac MRI and other imaging to better understand cardiovascular disease in vivo, developing and assessing novel treatments and implementing large multi-centre trials that change clinical practice. We have world-class imaging facilities funded by the BHF and NIHR. Currently active studies include lifestyle and drug interventions in diabetic cardiomyopathy, imaging and plasma biomarkers in aortic stenosis, validating novel methods of cardiac dysfunction. Studies due to commence include randomised trials in NSTEMI, Aortic stenosis and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. We have active collaborations with local machine learning experts, the “omics” group and diabetes researchers as well as numerous national and international collaborators.

Our group has published over 130 papers in the last 5 years including JAMA, NEJM and all the top cardiovascular journals. We have an outstanding track record in developing junior researchers – all of whom have had significant outputs and career progression. 

Supervisor: Dr Pranab Haldar (ph62@leicester.ac.uk)

To understand the mechanisms of Mtb infection and the different clinical phenotypes that arise from this. Our objective is to develop better biomarkers and diagnostic tools for characterising Mtb infection states in a way that improves clinical management.

Supervisors: Professor Matt Bown (mjb42@le.ac.uk) and Mr Thanos Saratzis (as875@le.ac.uk)

Our research is focused on the management of abdominal aortic aneurysm and peripheral arterial diseases and spans a wide range of projects from genomics and data science through to clinical trials and other applied research.  Our wider research group includes clinical academics working on clinical trials in all aspects of vascular surgery and health data science approaches to studying the outcomes of aneurysm screening programmes. We have a broad research portfolio of projects funded by the British Heart Foundation and National Institute for Health and Care Research. These include laboratory research in aortogenomics and clinical research in aneurysm screening.   We have several national and international applied research opportunities relating to peripheral artery disease.

Supervisor: Professor Jon Barratt (jb81@le.ac.uk)

The Leicester IgA nephropathy group study the pathogenesis of this common kidney disease. We use cutting edge molecular and "omics" techniques in in vitro and in vivo models of disease to examine the pathological basis of the disease.  Our research is focussed on a bench to bedside approach to improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy a common global cause of kidney failure. We undertake basic laboratory work using both animal models and clinical human studies and are able to train interested academic Foundation doctors in a wide range of laboratory skills. We are also interested in understanding the patient journey and have a number of patient-focussed studies examining the impact of living with a rare disease.  We have a proven track record of converting aFY doctors to ACFs in a range of clinical specialties.

Supervisor: Professor James Burton (jb343@leicester.ac.uk)

The Leicester Cardiorenal Group has a wide range of research projects and opportunities for clinical academics at all levels of training. Our current trials include basic research to look at circulating biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in patients with kidney disease, new imaging techniques to assess cardiac function and interventions to improve patient outcomes (primarily cardiovascular) and quality of life for patients with advanced kidney disease and those on dialysis.

New team members would have a chance to experience all of these areas or to focus on one in particular and to gain insight into clinical academic training within a team that includes Academic Clinical Fellows and current PhD students.

Anyone joining the team would be able to get experience in how a clinical trial works and the governance of clinical research, as well as helping to recruit patients and collect data in our projects looking at: longer dialysis schedules and the effect on quality of life; probiotic supplementation and the effect on the microbiome; novel cardiac imaging techniques and the assessment of cardiovascular disease. We have strong ties with the Department of Health Sciences and so you would also be able to learn qualitative as well as qualitative research methods and the importance of cost effectiveness evaluation when designing health research.

Supervisor: Dr Matthew Graham-Brown (mgb23@le.ac.uk)

I work with both the renal research and cardiac imaging groups at the University of Leicester in the dept of Cardiovascular sciences. My research principle explores cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease, patients on dialysis and those with a renal transplant. I run clinical trials exploring novel interventions to improve cardiovascular outcomes for these patient groups, including lifestyle and activity interventions, novel dialysis strategies and medications optimisation and work close with the imaging group on projects that test and refine imaging techniques to provide early diagnosis and improve disease risk stratification, with a particular focus on cardiac MRI. I have work looking at the use of digital health interventions to improve patient's ability to self-manage aspects of their health with a focus on implementation and I also support work looking to improve advanced care planning for patients with kidney disease.

Supervisor: Dr Haresh Selvaskandan (hs328@le.ac.uk)

Primary glomerular diseases are the third leading cause of kidney failure worldwide. They can disproportionately affect young adults and progress more rapidly to kidney failure. Their heterogenous impact on glomeruli makes conventional methods of analysis (single cell sequencing, laser capture microdissection) prone to signal mixing, clouding mechanistic insights. Digital spatial profiling allows high resolution analysis of specific cell types within defined tissue regions. Our lab is one of the few in the world to routinely apply this methodology to kidney tissue. The SFP can gain comprehensive training in this methodology which will involve a combination of common wet laboratory methods and bioinformatic skills, and apply it to one of several glomerular diseases (IgA nephropathy, IgA vasculitis, lupus nephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) to better characterise the pathways driving disease. 

Alongside this, our group is developing an AI powered ChatBot to support patients with IgA nephropathy. The SFP can gain experience with qualitative research, centred around exploring views and attitudes among patients and clinicians with regards to the Chatbot, and explore it’s potential for broader use in other glomerular diseases. 

We are also conducting studies exploring the impact of loin pain in IgA nephropathy. The SFP could contribute to a literature review of pain in kidney disease and support with patient recruitment for this study.

Supervisor: Dr Neil Greening (neil.greening@leicester.ac.uk)

Areas in COPD research, particularly around acute exacerbations and looking at non-pulmonary consequences (e.g. muscle wasting)

Supervisor: Dr Pranab Haldar (ph62@leicester.ac.uk)

To understand the mechanisms of Mtb infection and the different clinical phenotypes that arise from this. Our objective is to develop better biomarkers and diagnostic tools for characterising Mtb infection states in a way that improves clinical management.

Supervisor: Professor Michael Steiner (ms346@le.ac.uk)

• Management of complex, advanced COPD
• Risk stratification in primary care in COPD
• Nutrition in chronic respiratory disease 

Supervisor: Dr David Lo (dkhl1@le.ac.uk)

Paediatric Respiratory Medicine - Asthma, Non-CF Bronchiectasis, Congenital Lung Malformations - clinical management and long term follow up

Supervisor: Dr Erol Gaillard (eag15@leicester.ac.uk)

Childhood asthma including asthma diagnosis, monitoring of inhaler use, technology driven asthma care, severe asthma and biomarkers.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in cystic fibrosis, asthma and obesity.

Supervisor: Mr Edward Caruana (edward.caruana@uhl-tr.nhs.uk)

Thoracic Surgery spans a diverse spectrum of benign and malignant disease, and benefits from close collaboration and a degree of overlap with numerous other specialties, including Respiratory Medicine, Oncology and Critical Care.

My research interests are in pneumothorax, emphysema, diaphragm dysfunction, perioperative care (with an emphasis on pain), advanced lung cancer, surgical education and risk communication.

Supervisor: Dr Richard Packer (richard.packer@leicester.ac.uk)

My research interests are in genetic epidemiology and data science. My work focuses on taking electronic healthcare records and studying specific measurements to generate phenotypes representing the spectrum of human disease (phenome). I then interrogate the genetic underpinnings of these phenotypes using phenome-wide association studies, genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomisation techniques.

The potential project idea is to apply a phenome-wide association method I developed (DeepPheWAS) to the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region. This region is well-known for its association with autoimmune and rheumatological diseases. Due to its complex genetic structure and high degree of variability, it is often excluded from routine genetic analysis. This has led to an obvious gap in the literature, with no authoritative characterisation of the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation. This exciting project intends to fill that gap. 

Aim: To characterise the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation on human disease.

I foresee the project having two initial objectives.

1. Perform a phenome-wide association study using the imputed HLA region in the UK Biobank. I have access to the imputed HLA region and have written the software for the phenome-wide association testing.
2. Explore the association results to understand the pleiotropic effects of HLA variation. I expect that there will be many associations beyond the expected autoimmune/rheumatologic disease. Some of these associations may be well known to co-occur with autoimmune disease, or some may be entirely novel. This element of the project is greatly enhanced by clinical training and understanding of human disease. At a minimum, there would be a good paper here.

Extensions: This project allows multiple extensions from the baseline described above, depending on the trainee's interests and skill development.

1. Extend the analysis to whole genome/exome sequencing data OR explore alternative imputation approaches. Sequenced data allows the direct measurement of HLA alleles, allowing for greater granularity in specific alleles' effects on disease and would be entirely novel for the field.
2. Extend the analysis of initial association results by exploring Mendelian randomisation methods to assess causality. Many HLA associations are statistically strong, which can be leveraged to understand better the causality between autoimmune/rheumatological conditions and other co-morbid diseases.

Expected output: With no extensions, this work should justify a good-quality journal article.

Training/skills development: We would be able to provide training to people unfamiliar with Linux-based computing and the R language within the group. However, depending on the trainee's skill set and desire, the project can be tailored to focus more on clinical interpretation; the initial objectives would not require significant skill development but would leverage the clinical training. The trainee should leave the project equipped to handle large datasets, with a high likelihood of material sufficient for a manuscript for publication.

The group has experience of supporting clinical trainees in developing their academic skill sets and working with them to maximise output in limited research time.

Supervisor: Dr Seth O'Neill (so59@le.ac.uk)

The School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, and UHL NHS trust have a core partnership through the Institute for Excellence in healthcare and Leicester Orthopaedics. Within this partnership we have a large variety of projects suitable for SFP's then focus on MSK complaints. Projects run the spectrum of methods and cover any disease within the MSK spectrum from trauma to overuse conditions(Osteoarthritis, arthroplasty, trauma, tendinopathy)  

Supervisor: Dr Harvinder Singh (hps9@leicester.ac.uk), Dr Veena Patel (vp219@leicester.ac.uk) and Dr Seth O'Neill (seth.oneill@leicester.ac.uk)

Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common fragility fracture in the UK, after hip and distal radius fractures. Their incidence is increasing, driven by an ageing population and rising rates of obesity. Both osteoporosis and obesity are highly prevalent in the UK and exert complex, and sometimes opposing, effects on bone health. Osteoporosis weakens bone strength and predisposes to fragility fractures, while obesity may confer partial protection through higher bone density but is also linked to impaired bone quality, altered biomechanics, and worse postoperative outcomes. The interplay between these two conditions in UK patients with proximal humerus fractures remains poorly understood.

This project will investigate how osteoporosis and obesity interact to influence the risk, management, and recovery of proximal humerus fractures in UK patients. Using a combination of national registry data, hospital datasets, and prospective clinical cohorts, the study will assess prevalence, treatment outcomes, complication rates, healthcare utilisation, and patient-reported function. Subgroup analyses will identify those most vulnerable to poor recovery or recurrent fracture.

Findings will inform NHS fracture care pathways, guide targeted prevention strategies, and improve treatment decision-making in an increasingly multimorbid UK population.

This research offers ACF applicants the chance to address a pressing clinical and public health challenge with high relevance to UK practice.

Two questions to ask:

1. Humerus fracture in UHL in last 12 months (type, site, mechanism of injury, Vit D levels, co-morbidities) against BMI; if >50 years old, please get the DEXA and will review the T scores
2. Humerus fracture and IMD status (just the post-code will give the IMD index) and ethnicity/gender  (are there any difference in the type of fracture and outcomes)

Bariatric Surgery

Supervisor: Dr Dimitrios Papamargaritis (dp421@le.ac.uk)

My research focuses on how to best combine lifestyle, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery to help people living with obesity. I am currently studying the mechanisms of weight loss with the new obesity pharmacotherapies and I am also trying to identify potential treatments for postprandial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia, a disabling metabolic complication after bariatric surgery. My research projects would be suitable for a clinical academic with interest in experimental medicine in the area of obesity, cardiometabolic health and type 2 diabetes.

Breast Surgery

Supervisor: Mr Tim Rattay (tr104@le.ac.uk)

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for over 50,000 new cases per year. Thankfully, the vast majority of breast cancers are treatable. Approximately 800,000 women previously diagnosed with breast cancer were estimated to be alive in the UK in 2020 - a figure predicted to rise to over 1.2 million by 2030.

Surgery and radiotherapy are the most commonly used breast cancer treatments. However about 1 in 5 patients will experience moderate to severe side-effects (toxicity) from treatment. My main research interests are in the prediction and reduction of treatment toxicity in the breast. My research is focused on validating clinical and molecular predictors of toxicity as well as discovering new predictors through genome-wide association studies, Big Data and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. I also have an interest in applying qualitative research methodology to explore patients’ views on breast cancer treatments . The goal is to improve treatment outcomes by reducing side-effects through personalised medicine approaches.

Supervisor: Mr Tim Rattay (tr104@le.ac.uk)

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for over 50,000 new cases per year. Thankfully, the vast majority of breast cancers are treatable. Approximately 800,000 women previously diagnosed with breast cancer were estimated to be alive in the UK in 2020 - a figure predicted to rise to over 1.2 million by 2030. Surgery and radiotherapy are the most commonly used breast cancer treatments. However about 1 in 5 patients will experience moderate to severe side-effects (toxicity) from treatment.

My main research interests are in the prediction and reduction of adverse outcomes in breast cancer treatment.  My research is focused on validating clinical and molecular predictors of toxicity as well as discovering new predictors through genome-wide association studies, and Big Data and artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, and I am also interested in applying qualitative research methodology to explore breast cancer survivors’ views and experience of treatment and personalised medicine.  I work in a multi-disciplinary research team with surgeons, oncologists, nurses, clinical psychologists, geneticists, radiographers and medical physicists.  

Colorectal Surgery

Supervisor: Dr Khalid Hureibi (khalid.hureibi@nhs.net)

Bowel preparation combined with oral antibiotics prior to colorectal resection: Effect on septic complications  , Enhanced recovery in colorectal resections  , Improving communication in colorectal cancer patients pathway and Prehabilitation in Colorectal cancer

Thoracic Surgery

Supervisor: Mr Edward Caruana (edward.caruana@uhl-tr.nhs.uk)

Thoracic Surgery spans a diverse spectrum of benign and malignant disease, and benefits from close collaboration and a degree of overlap with numerous other specialties, including Respiratory Medicine, Oncology and Critical Care.

My research interests are in pneumothorax, emphysema, diaphragm dysfunction, perioperative care (with an emphasis on pain), advanced lung cancer, surgical education and risk communication.

Vascular Surgery

Supervisors: Professor Matt Bown (mjb42@le.ac.uk) and Mr Thanos Saratzis (as875@le.ac.uk)

Our research is focused on the management of abdominal aortic aneurysm and peripheral arterial diseases and spans a wide range of projects from genomics and data science through to clinical trials and other applied research. Our wider research group includes clinical academics working on clinical trials in all aspects of vascular surgery and health data science approaches to studying the outcomes of aneurysm screening programmes. We have a broad research portfolio of projects funded by the British Heart Foundation and National Institute for Health and Care Research. These include laboratory research in aortogenomics and clinical research in aneurysm screening. We have several national and international applied research opportunities relating to peripheral artery disease.

Supervisor: Dr Harvinder Singh (hps9@leicester.ac.uk)

Measurement of shoulder movement is an important element in diagnosing a patient with a specific shoulder pathology. Currently, shoulder movements are only measured in the planes of movement such as flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and internal/external rotation using goniometry but it is not possible to test complex, dynamic movements. Measurement of only extremes of movements of the shoulder joint provides a limited picture of the static ability of the joint to move in the orthogonal planes. Exploring alternate, feasible methods to measure the range of movement during the activity can provide greater insight into the total capacity of shoulder function, which can translate into improved recovery from shoulder impairments.

Our primary research question is: Whether the any mobile phone or computer camera using Kemtai software can be used to quantify range of movement of the shoulder, along with its velocity and smoothness, in patients with shoulder diseases such as arthritis, rotator cuff tear and frozen shoulder. Our secondary research question is: Whether the information gained from the cameras can be used to provide targeted treatment for patients with different shoulder diseases.

Supervisor: Dr Seth O'Neill (so59@le.ac.uk)

The School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, and UHL NHS trust have a core partnership through the Institute for Excellence in healthcare and Leicester Orthopaedics. Within this partnership we have a large variety of projects suitable for SFP's then focus on MSK complaints. Projects run the spectrum of methods and cover any disease within the MSK spectrum from trauma to overuse conditions(Osteoarthritis, arthroplasty, trauma, tendinopathy)

Supervisor: Dr Harvinder Singh (hps9@leicester.ac.uk), Dr Veena Patel (vp219@leicester.ac.uk) and Dr Seth O'Neill (seth.oneill@leicester.ac.uk)

Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common fragility fracture in the UK, after hip and distal radius fractures. Their incidence is increasing, driven by an ageing population and rising rates of obesity. Both osteoporosis and obesity are highly prevalent in the UK and exert complex, and sometimes opposing, effects on bone health. Osteoporosis weakens bone strength and predisposes to fragility fractures, while obesity may confer partial protection through higher bone density but is also linked to impaired bone quality, altered biomechanics, and worse postoperative outcomes. The interplay between these two conditions in UK patients with proximal humerus fractures remains poorly understood.

This project will investigate how osteoporosis and obesity interact to influence the risk, management, and recovery of proximal humerus fractures in UK patients. Using a combination of national registry data, hospital datasets, and prospective clinical cohorts, the study will assess prevalence, treatment outcomes, complication rates, healthcare utilisation, and patient-reported function. Subgroup analyses will identify those most vulnerable to poor recovery or recurrent fracture.

Findings will inform NHS fracture care pathways, guide targeted prevention strategies, and improve treatment decision-making in an increasingly multimorbid UK population.

This research offers ACF applicants the chance to address a pressing clinical and public health challenge with high relevance to UK practice.

Two questions to ask:

1. Humerus fracture in UHL in last 12 months (type, site, mechanism of injury, Vit D levels, co-morbidities) against BMI; if >50 years old, please get the DEXA and will review the T scores
2. Humerus fracture and IMD status (just the post-code will give the IMD index) and ethnicity/gender (are there any difference in the type of fracture and outcomes)

Supervisors: Professor Matt Bown (mjb42@le.ac.uk) and Professor Athanasios Saratzis (as875@leicester.ac.uk)

This project offers an Academic Foundation Programme doctor the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge vascular surgery research at the University of Leicester, aligned with an NIHR Professorship in improving care for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). These common vascular conditions are associated with high risks of cardiovascular events, limb loss, and premature death, yet most patients do not receive guideline-recommended therapy.

The doctor will focus on developing CIRCULIFE, a novel clinical intervention combining two NIHR-funded programmes (CHABLIS and CRISP) into a single evidence-based toolkit to optimise medical therapy, lifestyle support, and patient education. Work Package 1 will establish a dynamic evidence-review system and international dataset to ensure CIRCULIFE remains up to date. Work Package 2 will convene diverse patient and professional groups, ensuring the intervention reflects the needs of under-served communities. Work Package 3 will use surveys, workshops, and consensus methods to define the optimal structure, content, and delivery of CIRCULIFE across NHS and international settings. An AFP doctor will gain experience in literature review, qualitative research, patient involvement, and intervention design, contributing to research that aims to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities, and transform vascular care delivery in the NHS.