Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
PhD Project Template



Use one form per project
Please complete & submit to international@nuigalway.ie as soon as possible, and by 27/11/2012
In your email, begin the subject line with [SWB] (be sure to use square brackets) to ensure that
your email is filed correctly. Emails will be automatically filed
PI name & contact details:
Dr. Eilís Dowd
Pharmacology & Therapeutics
School of Medicine
National University of Ireland
Galway
Ireland
Phone: + 353 91 492776
Email: Eilis.Dowd@nuigalway.ie
School:
Medicine
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration school?
n/a
Research Centre / group affiliation:
NCBES Neuroscience Cluster
Research group / centre website:
http://ncbes.eurhost.net/neuroscience.aspx
PI website / link to CV:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/pharmacology/eilis_dowd.html
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
If you are already involved in relevant scholarly activities relating to Brazil, please mention them here.
Dr. Dowd’s current research is focused on developing and validating novel pharmacological, cell
and gene therapies for Parkinson’s disease. Current therapy for this condition only provides relief
from the symptoms of the disease - it does not offer a ’cure’, nor does it halt the unrelenting
degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons. Dr. Dowd’s research is focused on experimental
approaches that offer the possibility of halting the degenerative process or even ’curing’ the
disease.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Title:
Genes by environment interactions for modelling Parkinson’s disease.
Description:
Central to the development of new treatments for any human disease is the availability of model
systems that replicate classic features of the disease. In Parkinson’s disease research, the
development of new therapies is hampered by the lack of availability of such a model. However,
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
recent studies have shown that combining relevant environmental (i.e. pesticides) and genetic
(i.e. -synuclein overexpression) Parkinson’s disease-related insults may induce a model with
motor features and neuropathology reminiscent of the human condition. Thus, this project aims
to generate a novel and highly relevant model of Parkinson’s disease that will facilitate the
development of novel treatments for this devastating neurodegenerative condition.
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
NUI Galway projects should emphasise features that are not typically available in Brazil – specific equipment,
multi-disciplinarity, aspects of structured programme, links with industry, placements, links with other research
groups etc.
The proposed research project builds on and extends previous published research from my
laboratory. Because this research is ongoing and well funded, the facilities, equipment and
materials are available to facilitate the proposed project. Moreover, I have active research
collaborations with leading international scientists in the Parkinson’s disease field including Prof.
Steve Dunnett, UK (H-index: 76), Prof. Roger Barker, UK (H-index: 51) and Prof. Deniz Kirik, UK (Hindex: 38).
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry or related disciplines.
Ciência sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders Priority Area:
Please indicate the specific programme priority area under which the proposed PhD project fits- choose only
one (tick box):
Engineering and other technological areas
Pure and Natural Sciences (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry)
Health and Biomedical Sciences
X
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Minerals
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology and New Materials
Technology of prevention and remediation of natural disasters
Biodiversity and Bioprospection
Marine Sciences
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
Please indicate which of the following applies to this project (referring to Science Without Borders
arrangements):
Suitable only as a Full PhD (Y/N): Y
Available to candidates seeking a Sandwich PhD arrangement (Y/N): N
Suitable for either/Don’t know: N