INSPIRE Taster Day Brochure 2015-2016
INSPIRE is a scheme supported by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Wellcome Trust aimed at getting medical, dental and veterinary students involved in academic research. The Universities of Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Plymouth are proud to have been awarded grants from this body to fund research Taster Days within prestigious research groups at the Universities. The relationships developed during these Taster Days will ideally lead to a funded INSPIRE vacation studentship (to be advertised later in the term) - and perhaps much more.
How to apply
This brochure contains details of the Taster Days being offered during 2015. Travel bursaries will be available to students wishing to travel to a Taster Day in a different university to their own. To apply for a 2015 Taster Day, please apply online via this link –
The closing date for applications is October23rd 2015 at 5pm
You will be notified if you application for a taster day was successful by the 6th November 2015.
We wish you the best of luck with your application and all future research endeavours.
The INSPIRE Scheme; a student’s FAQs and guide.
1. What’s the INSPIRE Scheme?
The INSPIRE scheme is a programme run by the Academy of Medical Sciences, and supported by the Wellcome Trust, that aims to encourage and promote medical, dental and veterinary students to learn about and get involved in research at their own schools and elsewhere, both in the UK and abroad.
The current programme will run for the next two years and is organised and co-ordinated between Cardiff, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth schools to give students as much choice as possible for research placements and summer project opportunities. The timetable and deadlines for the scheme are at the bottom of the page.
2. How do I get involved?
The major parts of the scheme are research ‘Taster days’ and summer project bursaries for students, but there are other events and programmes, such as showcase days, research conferences, a new student-led e-magazine and an intercalators’ conference. Check out your medical school’s INSPIRE website for details of events.
3. What are Taster Days?
These are single day visits to a research provider’s lab or group to see research first-hand. The research taster days are advertised in October in a research booklet, students apply and then visit the labs for a day in November or December. Applications are made through a web-based system and you can apply and do more than one Taster day if you wish. Once allocated, both you and the provider will be contacted. You should then make direct contact with the provider to get more information and any background reading or arrangements for the day.
As with any professional placement, if you cannot make the day, you MUST notify your provider. Student ‘no-shows’ discourage research providers from getting involved in future years!
5. What happens at the Taster day?
These days are an opportunity for you to get to have find out about the research of the person you are visiting, also to consider whether you would like to apply for a summer project. Do some reading before you go and talk about the research with your provider and possible ideas and projects that would be suitable for a summer studentship. Ask them about the context of their research and why they do it!
6. What if I then want to apply for a summer studentship?
Keep in contact with your provider and discuss what would make a good and do-able project within the 4-6 weeks of the project. The research proposal should be written by you; you will be sent the application forms. Bursaries are available from all 4 schools (£1000 for the successful students.) You do not have to apply for a project in the same place you have done your taster. See the deadlines below; no late applications will be accepted and the proposals are judged by a student/academic panel. After you finish your project you will be asked to write a short report; maybe even present your results at the research conference/showcase.
7. Can I apply elsewhere for funding?
Yes and it makes good sense to apply to more than one place. See the attached list of potential funders, but do note they will have different deadlines and conditions for their schemes.
Research Taster Booklet Released / October 12th 2015Closing Date for Applications / October 23rd 2015
Students Notified of Taster Day Allocations / November 6th 2015
Taster Day Dates / November 25th, Dec. 2nd and 9th 2015
Summer project application deadline / 10th March 2016
Results for project applications / 24th March 2016
Summer projects / Summer 2016.
University of Bristol Taster Days
MEDICAL SCIENCE-FOCUSSED RESEARCH TASTERS
1)
Research Group Name / Bacterial Infection LabContact / Dr Darryl Hill – Principal Investigator (PI)
Location / School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract which lead to localised or disseminated disease such as meningitis are a considerable health and financial burden globally. Our laboratory based research focuses on understanding the interplay between bacteria (mainly colonisers of the respiratory tract) and their human host during colonisation and progression of disease. By understanding key mechanisms used by bacteria to interact with human cells and tissues therapeutic targets can be identified.
Number of students and dates available / 2 students on Wednesday 2nd or 9th of December
2)
Research Group Name / Brain Bladder InteractionsContact / Dr Thelma Lovick (PI)
Location / School of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Urge incontinence: “a sudden and compelling desire to void which is difficult to defer” is a relatively common condition, which is not adequately managed. It may arise, at least in part, due to dysfunction within the neuronal circuitry in the brain that controls bladder filling and emptying. Using rats as models the lab is investigating how lesions of groups of neurones the brain, of the type that occur in certain neurodegenerative diseases in humans, impact on 24h bladder function. We are also using rat models to investigate the potential of a closed loop pelvic nerve stimulator for controlling bladder function.
Number of students and dates available / 2 students on 2nd December and 2 students on 9th December
3)
Research Group Name / Bristol Renal(Includes PIs: Prof Richard Coward; Prof MoinSaleem; Dr SebOltean; Dr Simon Satchell; Dr Becky Foster; Dr Natalie Finch)
Contact / Prof Richard Coward
Location / School of Clinical Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / The molecular biology underlying kidney disease with a focus on the glomerulus. You will be given an overview of the research we perform and some “hands-on” experience of molecular biology techniques.
Number of students and dates available / Up to 10 students on the 2nd of December.
4)
Research Group Name / Bristol Surgical Trials Centre(Includes Prof Jane Blazeby (PI); Dr Kerry Avery)
Contact / Ms Kate Taylor
Location / School of Social and Community Medicine, Whatley Rd, University of Bristol
Area of Research / The Bristol Centre for Surgical Research is a multi-disciplinary collaboration aiming to transform patient care by increasing evidence-based surgery. The centre tackles key questions relevant to patients, clinicians and the NHS and is working to inspire and train a new generation of surgeons to undertake high quality research. We conduct research, including randomised controlled trials in surgery, with staff from a wide range of disciplines and surgical specialities. This includes expertise in trial design, consensus methods, qualitative research, medical statistics, evidence synthesis and surgery itself. Our research tackles key questions of relevance to patients, surgeons and to the NHS. This is an opportunity for students to ‘shadow’ the trials-related research processes by attending meetings where surgical trials are discussed.
Number of students and dates available / 2 students per research meeting.
Research meeting dates:
- By-Band-Sleeve Trial Executive Group meeting: 18/11/15 (10am, Level 7, BRI)
- Bluebelle study Steering Committee meeting: 10/11/15 (Bristol – time and location TBC).
- ROMIO study Trial Executive Group meeting: 04/11/15 (time and location TBC).
- ConDuCT-II Hub for Trials Methodology Research outcomes theme meeting: 01/12/15 (11am-2pm, Bristol).
5)
Research Group Name / Cell Biology LabContact / Professor David Stephens (PI)
Location / School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Lab based molecular cell biology research. We have two major inter-related projects:
1. Molecular mechanisms of the dynein-2 cytoplasmic motor in cilia biology.
2. Secretion of procollagen by the COPII vesicle trafficking system.
The lab itself is using high-resolution light microscopy of living cells, notably live cell imaging, in 3D over time, to examine the organization and function of the mammalian secretory pathway both in healthy cells as well as in disease states. In this regard our work focusses on collagen secretion and the formation and function of primary cilia.
For further details see:
Number of students and dates available / Up to 2 on 25th November or 2nd December
6)
Research Group Name / Centre for Academic Primary CareContact / Professor Debbie Sharp (PI)
Location / School of Social and Community Medicine, Canynge Hall/Oakfield House, University of Bristol
Area of Research / This is general practice/primary care research at its best! Answering questions of high importance to the NHS. Using a variety of different research methods. Please visit:
There will be a seminar with presentations from a variety of researchers in CAPC.
Number of students and dates available / A group of not less than 6-8 students on either 25th November, 2nd December or 9th December
7)
Research Group Name / Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Paediatric CFS/MEContact / Dr Esther Crawley (PI)
Location / School of Social and Community Medicine, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Paediatric trials: Testing interventions, investigating trial design including recruitment and retention of children.
Epidemiology using ALSPAC: MRC funded research using novel causal methodology.
Qualitative research: the impact of CFS/ME on children and families; do children have a preference for treatment arm; how acceptable are trials/interventions; developing an outcome measure.
Systematic reviews: Various systematic reviews investigating outcome, treatment, experience and treatment.
The student(s) have the opportunity to take part in: qualitative analyses; data analyses techniques; trial design; how to interview children for qualitative research.
Number of students and dates available / 2 students on 25th of November or 2nd December
8)
Research Group Name / CRIC BristolContact / Dr Jade Thai (PI)
Location / School of Clinical Sciences, CRICBristol, 60 St Michael's Hill, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Clinical Applications of Neuroimaging
Functional brain mapping studies of healthy volunteers and clinical populations including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis to investigate the impact of fatigue on brain function.
Number of students and dates available / 2 students on 2nd December
9)
Research Group Name / Cystic Fibrosis GroupContact / Dr David Sheppard (PI)
Location / School of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / This group investigates the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Mutations in CFTR cause the life-shortening genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). Lab-based research methods are used to explore CFTR structure and function, learn how CF mutations cause CFTR malfunction and investigate the mechanism of action of small-molecules that modulate CFTR activity. These small-molecules include drugs that target the root cause of CF by restoring CFTR expression and function and chemicals that inhibit CFTR function, which might be used to develop new therapies for secretory diarrhoea and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
Number of students and dates available / 2 students; date to be arranged with Dr Sheppard
10)
Research Group Name / Developmental Skeletal BiologyContact / Dr Chrissy Hammond
Location / School of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Regulation of cartilage and bone homeostasis in development and in disease
Number of students and dates available / 2 students on 2 of the dates (25th November, 2nd December and/or 9th December)
11)
Research Group Name / Diabetes and MetabolismContact / Dr Kathleen Gillespie (PI)
Location / School of Clinical Sciences, Learning and Research Centre, Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Combination of laboratory and population-based studies focused on prediction and prevention of type 1 diabetes. This involves detection of genetic markers and islet autoantibodies that predict future type 1 diabetes.
Number of students and dates available / 2 students on 2nd December or 9th December
12)
Research Group Name / Fly LabContact / Dr James Hodge (PI)
Location / School of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / We are interested in the molecular mechanisms and neural circuit changes that underlie behaviour. We are taking advantage of the fantastic genetic toolbox available inDrosophilato tackle this problem.
We are studying age related memory decline and sleep disruption in Alzheimer and Parkinson’s models including the effect on neurodegeneration and movement.
For more details see:
Number of students and dates available / 2 students on 25th November; 2 students on 2nd December; 2 students on 9th December
13)
Research Group Name / Glucocorticoid LabContact / Dr Becky Conway-Campbell (PI)
Location / School of Clinical Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Investigating the molecular, physiological and behavioural effects determined by normal and dysregulated glucocorticoid exposure.
Glucocorticoids (GCs) regulate diverse physiological processes including metabolism and immune function, as well as stress responsiveness, cognitive processing and behavioural adaptation.Furthermore, chronic stress, and disease states such as arthritis, depression and sleep apnea are associated with significant alterations in the circadian GC profiles of patients. We use a range of techniques including cell culture, molecular techniques, histochemistry, imaging, in vivo models and behavioural testing,
Number of students and dates available / 3 students on any of the dates 25th November; 2nd December; 9th December
14)
Research Group Name / IGFs and Metabolic Endocrinology Group (IMEG)Contact / Dr Claire Perks (PI)
Location / School of Clinical Sciences, Learning and Research Centre, Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Laboratory based research.
IMEG is focused on how nutrition and metabolism contribute to the development of major chronic disorders, such as cancer with a specific interest in the role of insulin-like growth factors. We particularly focus on breast and prostate cancer.
Number of students and dates available / 2 students on 25th November
15)
Research Group Name / Neuroendocrinology Research Group(PI: Prof Stafford Lightman)
Contact / Dr Francesca Spiga
Location / School of Clinical Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Lab based research projects investigating the origin and regulation of glucocorticoids secretion in physiological and pathological conditions.
The students may have the chance to observe a number of techniques including hormone assay, RNA extraction, RTqPCR and Western Blotting.
Number of students and dates available / 1 student on 25th November; 1 student on 2nd December; 1 student on 9th December
16)
Research Group Name / Neurology @ Southmead(Includes PIs: Dr Ali Bieneman; Dr Liz Coulthard; Dr Claire Rice)
Contact / Dr Ali Bieneman
Location / School of Clinical Sciences, Learning and Research Centre, Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol
Area of Research / There are several labs based at Southmead with an interest in the underlying mechanisms and treatment of various neurological disorders including: Dementia; Huntington’s Disease; Parkinson’s Disease; Multiple Sclerosis.
Number of students and dates available / A group of up to 12 students on 2nd December 2-4pm.
17)
Research Group Name / Neuroscience @ Physiology & Pharmacology(Including research from the labs of PIs: Prof Zaf Bashir; Dr Matt Jones; Dr Jack Mellor; Dr Tony Pickering; and Prof Clea Warburton)
Contact / Dr Tony Pickering
Location / School of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Featuring research groups using a wide range of approaches from synaptic and cellular to systems and behavioural neuroscience. As applied to investigate mechanisms of learning and memory, cognition, pain perception, neuromodulation and neural development working from the bench-side of the translational spectrum.
(For more details see
Number of students and dates available / Up to 12 students on 9th December
18)
Research Group Name / Paediatric Infection and ImmunityContact / Prof Adam Finn (PI) and Dr Begonia Morales-Aza
Location / School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine / School of Clinical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Immunology and microbiology of upper respiratory tract infection in children with special reference to mechanisms of action of vaccines (which often work by reducing transmission by inducing mucosal immune responses). Immunological techniques used include primary human cell culture, flow cytometric immunophenotyping, proliferation assays and intracellular cytokine staining and immunoassays. As well as bacterial culture, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction is used to detect both bacteria and viruses and the group recently began work on microbiomic analysis using 16S ribosomal sequencing techniques. The lab team is closely associated with a clinical studies and trials group based at the Children’s Hospital.
Number of students and dates available / 2 students on each day: 25th November; 2nd December; 9th December
19)
Research Group Name / Regenerative Medicine Laboratories(Including PIs: Prof James Uney; Dr Liang-Fong Wong; Dr Oscar Cordero Llana)
Contact / Dr Liang-Fong Wong
Location / School of Clinical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol
Area of Research / Lab based research encompassing stem cell biology (e.g. culturing and study of stem cells for disease modelling), molecular and cell biology of neurodegenerative disease (e.g. investigating microRNAs in neural stem cells, drug screening in a cell model of Parkinson’s disease) and general neuroscience (e.g. visualising cell populations in transparent brains – CLARITY)
Number of students and dates available / Possibly 2-3 students on 2nd December; 2-3 students on 9th December
20)