Examples of Potential Undergraduate International Projects
For further information on please contact member of staff indicated below or Professor Dave
Hoole, email: d.hoole@keele.ac.uk
FRANCE
Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris & Marine Biology Station,
Brittany.
These laboratories are involved in immunology, parasitology, host parasite interactions,
comparative endocrinology, eco-physiology and biology of aquatic organisms. The projects
in Paris and Brittany have scientific links and students may interact with each other and visit
both laboratories if they wish. The Paris laboratories are working on a range of studies
including endocrine mechanisms of regulation of puberty in lower vertebrates (European
Eel, Conger Eel and Roach) and utilse a range of cell culture and molecular biological
techniques. The Marine Institute in Brittany is a working in the laboratory on arrange of
marine issues with a biological and biochemical themes and use a range of specialised
biological, biochemical and molecular biological techniques. Projects include for example
exploring interactions between sexual maturation and calcium metabolism in lower
vertebrates (European Eel and Conger Eel), the biochemistry of pearl formation in molluscs,
conservation and speciation of endanger marine species.
Other projects include immunological and molecular biological analysis on the interaction of
mammalian hosts and their parasitic infections
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, biochemistry, neuroscience,
biomedical sciences
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole
Institut Pasteur, Paris.
The is a prestigious medically orientated research Institute within the southern area of Paris
Projects are offered is a range of areas but primarily concentrating in tropical medicine
primarily associated with malaria. A range of projects are offered ranging from investigating
protein (virulent factors) transport in Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells, serum
profiles and vaccine development, biological aspects of resistance in vectors such as
mosquitos. The programme of work will involve training in a range of specialised techniques
relevant to the project area. The Institute has an international reputation as a Centre of
Excellence, hosts many international scientists and in the past has been awarded several
Nobel prizes.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, human biology, biochemistry,
neuroscience, biomedical sciences
Keele Staff members to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole, Dr. P. Horrocks.
Institut Laue Langevin, Grenoble, France.
The I.L.L. is a neutron research centre situated on a campus where it has formed a
Partnership in Structural Biology (PSB) with other world leading facilities, such as the
European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory.
This research project will benefit from the PSB facilities providing experience in a wide
range of techniques as well as tutorials, seminar programs and French language courses. The
research will focus on neutron structural studies of proteins found in tropical plants, with the
view to find a molecular basis for their intense sweet taste. The project will be supervised by
a joint Keele University/I.L.L. Lecturer who has developed collaborations with groups in
Lund, Sweden and Atlanta, USA. The ILL will provide extra financial support to help with
living expenses and travel costs
Prefer Mainly Post-graduates. Undergraduates: biochemistry, physics and chemistry may be
considered
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. S. Teixeira (Leonard Jones)
University of Bordeaux 2 (Neurodegenerative Diseases Institute)
Using behavioural, functional anatomical, biochemical and molecular approaches, this group
aims to understanding the pathophysiology of the main feature of Parkinsonian syndromes,
the hypokinesia/bradykinesia, and of its response to L-dopa as well as of the L-dopa-induced
side effects such as dyskinesia (LID) and dystonia.
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. M. Evans
Suitable for undergraduates studying neuroscience
THE NETHERLANDS
Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Radboud University Nijmegen .
The Ecology and Ecophysiology Group at the Radboud University Nijmegen is specialised in
physiological, structural and biochemical techniques for the study of stress and adaptation to
stress particularly in fish. The group has developed techniques and parameters for examining
the effects of environmental variables and stressors on growth, reproduction and recruitment
success. There are close collaborations and exchanges between the group and aquaculturists,
molecular biologists and immunologists both at national and international level.
Prefer Post-graduates. Undergraduates: biology, human biology, biochemistry may be
considered
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole
Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Wageningen University.
The section Medical and Veterinary Entomology focuses its teaching and research much on
the ecology and control of disease vectors. Emphasis is on malaria vectors (Anopheles spp.),
but research is also conducted on vectors of arboviral diseases (Culex pipiens and Aedes
aegypti) and vectors of Lyme disease (Ixodes ricinus). Research projects include the hostseeking behaviour of malaria mosquitoes, and the discovery of human odours that affect
mosquito behaviour. This research is conducted at different levels: analytical chemistry,
neurophysiology, laboratory and field behaviour. The effect of environmental and nutritional
conditions on fitness of mosquitoes is also being investigated. Studies on vector control
focus on the use of biological agents that kill larval and adult mosquitoes. Entomopathogenic
fungi are being studies as killing agents of adult mosquitoes in natural resting sites of malaria
mosquitoes. In addition we investigate the use of products that kill larvae. Work on the Lyme
disease vector Ixodes ricinus focuses on interactions between ticks,vertebrate hosts and the
Borrelia parasite(s). This work is being done in the laboratory (autecology) and in the field
near Wageningen. Current studies focus on the influence of Borrelia infections on tick
behaviour and survival. Studies on arboviral vectors are being done jointly with the
Wageningen Laboratory of Virology, to assess the impact of West Nile virus on mosquito
behaviour and survival. In addition, the population biology and ecology of candidate
mosquito vectors is being investigated in laboratory and field.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Drs. F. Tripet & W. D.J. Kirk
Cell Biology and Immunology Research Group, Wageningen University.
The Cell Biology & Immunology (CBI) group combines fundamental research on the
regulation of the humoral and cellular immune response with more strategic research on
disease resistance and vaccination. The CBI group has a long-standing record of research into
the immune system of the common carp, focusing both on the cellular and molecular level,
studying molecules which play an important role in antigen-presentation (MHC molecules),
antigen-recognition (NK, T, B cell receptor) and immune regulation (NO, cytokines) of the
fish immune response to parasites. The CBI group has modern facilities for molecular studies
and cellular studies. The graduates will receive extensive training within these areas.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole
Wageningen UR.
The Biocontrol and Semiochemicals Group at Plant Research International B.V., part of
Wageningen UR, works on biocontrol agents and semiochemicals to control insects and
nematodes. They have excellent research facilities for chemical, electrophysiological and
behavioural assays as well as glasshouse facilities. The scientific staff consists of chemists,
entomologists and nematologists, offering the chance to work in a multidisciplinary team.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, biochemistry, human biology.
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. W.D. Kirk
Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Centre.
The department, has extensive experience in the study of obstructive (asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease) and restrictive lung diseases (emphysema) at all levels from
molecular to clinical. The group applies cohort studies of inflammatory indicators to relate
molecular and cellular events to the manifestation and progression of disease. In addition,
there are several programmes of investigation of leukocyte and airway structural cell biology.
The group has collaborations with groups in the UK, Germany, Japan, the USA and Brazil,
and has hosted several students and visiting fellows. The department is a recognized centre of
excellence for research into lung disease and is a centre for numerous large-scale multicentre
clinical trials.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, human biology, biochemistry,
biomedical sciences
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole & Dr. G. Dent (Medical
School)
GERMANY
Veterinary Institute (TiHo), Hannover
There are several project available within this Institute. The Fish Diseases group of TIHO has
a long lasting experience in the study of the interaction of pathogenss with their cyprinid
hosts and utilises a range of immunological and molecular techniques. Graduates will receive
training in these techniques with respect to disease within fishes. The group collaborates in
other national and international programs with AWI Bremerhaven, TU Berlin, Hebrew
University Jerusalem, National Centre of Mariculture, Eilat, UNA, Costa Rica, and American
College, Madurai, India through grants from the German Ministry of Science (BMBF), the
Volkswagen Foundation; German Academic Exchange Program (DAAD). The work of the
group is supported by grants from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and from
industry. The group thus hosts visits from several international scientists. In addition, there
are projects available in a range of other disciplines and groups including neurological studies
on the brain (enquire Prof. Hoole for further details).
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, biochemistry, neuroscience,
biomedical sciences
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole
University of Freiburg, Germany
The main focus of research is in the field of neuroscience. Our connection with this Institute
involves two projects. In one neural transplantation and cell therapies for
Parkinson's disease will be studied and in the other neural transplantation for Huntington's
disease will be investigated.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying neuroscience, biochemistry, human biology,
biomedical sciences
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Drs M. Evans and R. Fricker
POLAND
The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw.
The laboratory of neuroplasticity to which the young wokers will be assigned investigates
cellular and molecular mechanisms of plastic modifications of cerebral cortex. The model
system used in the studies is a part of somatosensory cortex of rodents representing vibrissae.
Four different kinds of remodelling of the brain cortex are investigated: plasticity after
sensory deafferentation; plasticity after sensory deprivation; learning-induced plasticity and
restorative plasticity following cortical stroke. The young workers will have the opportunity
to get familiar with several advanced electrophysicological, anatomical, histological and
molecular biology methods. The Institute is located in the centre of Warsaw and is
excellently equipped. The laboratory of Neuroplasticity is a member of the internationally
recognised Centre of Excellence in Neurobiology.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, human
biology, biomedical sciences
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. S. Glazewski
Institute of Ichthyobiology and Aquaculture, Golysz, Polish Academy of
Sciences.
The Institute of Ichthyobiology and Aquaculture of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Golysz,
Poland is a research institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The main research focus
include the study of the biological basis of carp breeding, the development of breeding
methods in ponds and controlled conditions, and optimisation of links between carp farming
and water management. The Institute offers training in the areas of fish propagation in
controlled conditions and fish breeding. The laboratory uses techniques such PAAG
electrophoresis, immunoblotting, PCR and sequencing as well as ELISA related techniques.
The Institute is well prepared as a conference centre and organises summer and semester
training and courses for students and for research workers of biology and fisheries.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, biochemistry.
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Prof. D. Hoole
Jagiellonian University, Krakow.
The laboratory has two main interests.1.Circadian rhythms and plasticity in the nervous
system of insects, mainly in the visual system of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.
Specifically, the mechanisms of circadian rhythms in the two specific cells in the optic lobe
of Drosophila melanogaster that have been found to express changes in frequency of
synapses, their size and shape. 2. Effects of heavy metals and other toxic pollutants in the
environment examined in insects in the laboratory and field studies. Heavy metals and other
pollutant toxicity are studied at population (survival), at individual (accumulation of toxic
substances, changes in behaviour, immune responses) and at cellular levels (changes in cell
morphology and elemental content, genotoxicity). The laboratory therefore has expertise in a
range of techniques including anatomical, histological, biochemical and high voltage electron
microscopy.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, human biology, biochemistry,
neuroscience, biomedical sciences
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. S. Glazewski
SWEDEN
Department of Respiratory Medicine & Allergology, Göteborg University.
The department, specializes in studies of the physiology and pathophysiology of the airways
both in humans and in animal models of disease. Mechanisms of eosinopoiesis and eosinophil
trafficking in asthma are a particular focus, while the roles of cytokines and sensory
neuropeptides in asthma pathogenesis are under investigation in animal models. The
department is a centre for several international clinical trials, and pathophysiological
mechanisms are also studied in human subjects. The department has existing collaborations
with groups in the Netherlands and Japan.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences,
human biology.
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. G. Dent (Medical School)
University of Lund, Lund
The main focus of research is in the field of neuroscience. Our connection with this Institute
involves two projects. One project is associated with neural transplantation in relationship to
Parkinson's disease, including gene therapy, imaging. Whilst the second project relates to
gene therapy, and the use of viral vectors and gene delivery to the brain
Suitable for undergraduates students studying neuroscience, biochemistry, biomedical
sciences
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. R. Fricker
SPAIN
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid
The work undertaken with our collaborators in this Institute involves neuroscience research
and in particular the use of stem cells and immortalised cell lines as cell therapies for
neurodegenerative diseases
Suitable for undergraduates students studying neuroscience, biochemistry, biomedical
sciences
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Drs. M. Evans & R. Fricker
NORWAY
University of Oslo
The research group in the Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
University of Oslo is engaged in fundamental research into the uptake of amino acid
transporters in the central nervous system. They apply a range of biochemical, molecular
biological and microscopical techniques to study the structure, distribution and function of
transporter molecules that accumulate transmitter from the extracellular spaces. These
molecules help to protect the brain from neurotoxic insult.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology, biochemistry, neuroscience,
biomedical sciences, human biology.
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. D. Furness
IRELAND
Proteomics Research Centre, Dept. Life and Physical Sciences, Galway
Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Rd, Galway
The group specialised in advanced techniques to study economical problems associated with
marine culture in Europe. Examples of projects available include 1) the expression of various
biomarkers of stress in tissues and hemolymph of mussel (Mytilus edulis) cultured in vitro
and exposed to pharmaceuticals as a pollutant. The techniques utilised include in vitro cell
culture techniques, planning and organising exposures in vitro, measurement of various
biomarkers of stress (lipid peroxidation, glutathione S-transferase among others) and
statistical analysis. 2) Recent developments in long term crustacean holding facilities in
Ireland have permitted the storage of lobster up to 6 months. Although providing Irish
companies with greater control over their product, recent out-breaks of disease in lobster
holding facilities have highlighted the need for development in crustacean health diagnostics.
Current strategies in monitoring disease in lobster are destructive and require routine
histological analysis ultimately resulting in increased financial burden on a company. There
is a greater need for the development of an inexpensive diagnostic kit, which does not require
specialised personnel, to monitor/screen for diseased animals in holding facilities or prior to
their introduction. Furthermore, knowledge of crustacean innate immune and stress responses
is lacking. The project will attempt to elucidate proteins displaying acute phase-like
properties in European Lobster exposed to various stressors using 2-D gel electrophoresis.
The researcher will be trained in various proteomic techniques including 2-D gel
electrophoresis, 2-D gel software analysis and LC/MS analysis.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biology and biochemistry.
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Professor D. Hoole
ITALY
Ronzoni Institute, Institute for Chemical and Biochemical Research, Milan
The prestigous Ronzoni Institute was founded in 1927, by the philanthropist Luigi Ronzoni,
who dedicated it to the memory of his mother Giuliana. First established as an institute for
post-graduate training in Industrial Chemistry, it acquired its title as "Istituto Scientifico di
Chimica e Biochimica G. Ronzoni", in 1941. By Decree of the President of the Italian
Republic (October 16, 1952), the Institute was incorporated as a private Non-profit
Foundation, connected with the Ministry of Research. The Institute's activities are entirely on
a non-profit basis. The Institute occupies a total of 2000 m2, 1500 of which as laboratories,
and employ staff researchers (at present, 10 senior researchers), young post-graduate research
fellows (10 - 20), PhD students, visiting professors and scientists. Ronzoni Institute is
officially recognized by Italian Minister of Research (MIUR) and registered by the qualified
laboratory board. It is included in the QuESTIO board of qualified laboratories established
by Lombardia government. The Institute has received the Certification of the Italian Ministry
of Health for the physico-chemical characterization in compliance with the GLP principles of
the OECD and the European Directives implemented by the Italian laws.
The institute is located in Milan (Italy) in front of the campus of the scientific faculties of the
University of Milan, in the so called “Città Studi” area. Research activities of the institute are
focused on scientific areas and topics with social implications (direct or indirect). The
Institute's main field of activity is that of experimental research and associated education and
research training. The Ronzoni Institute has been building on its experience in synthesis and
mechanism/mode of actions of biologically-active substances. The majority of the research
undertaken is carried out in-house at the well furnished state-of-the-art laboratories of the
Institute. The staff are ably assisted by fellows supported by public and private research
grants. In order to extend the scope of its research, the Institute encourages collaborative
work and the exchange of research workers with Italian and foreign laboratories or
universities. Research reports are generally published in English, in national or international
specialized journals of Chemistry, Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry.
The Institute houses three research theme as well as providing analytical services for
industry. The three research themes are:
(i) Carbohydrate Science
(ii) NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)
(iii) Peptides and Peptidomimetics
The research project offered will take place in the Carbohydrate Science group at the
Institute, which is is devoted to the elucidation of structure:function relationships and applied
properties of oligo- and polysaccharides. By exploiting biochemical, chemical, and physicochemical approaches, this unit deals with polysaccharides, with applications ranging from
pharmaceutical to textile fields.
Suitable for undergraduates students studying biomedical sciences and biochemistry
Keele Staff member to contact for further details Dr. M. Skidmore