Creating tomorrow’s cardiovascular research leaders

The University of Leicester has been awarded more than one and a half million pounds by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to fund a 4-year PhD Programme to train the next generation of research leaders in cardiovascular science.

Three studentships will be funded by the BHF and two more by the University of Leicester.    

Commencing in September 2021, the Programme will undertake advanced training and cutting edge research in a wide range of cardiovascular and interdisciplinary research areas, towards improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease.

Professor Shu Ye, coordinator of the Leicester BHF 4-year PhD Programme and Professor of Cardiovascular Molecular Medicine and Genetics at the University of Leicester, said:

“We are delighted to receive this prestigious award. As one of only twelve leading universities in the country to be awarded the funding, Leicester has cemented its role as a national centre of excellence for cardiovascular research and training.”

Professor Metin Avkiran, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said:

“This is a flagship training scheme for the BHF and I am delighted that we have been able to fund 12 universities across the UK to host our 4-year PhD programmes, despite the severe financial challenge that we face due to the impact that Covid-19 has had on our fundraising income. The competition was tough and the assessment rigorous, leaving us reassured that all 12 funded programmes are of the highest quality.

“Today’s PhD students are tomorrow’s leaders in cardiovascular research. At this difficult time, it is more important than ever to maintain that pipeline of scientific talent and discovery towards future advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of heart and circulatory diseases.”