Research into neurological conditions

The Scottish Government is working with a number of universities to deliver 16 PhD studentships in neurological conditions.

Three Scottish Government funded research PhDs in Motor Neurone Disease and a further three in Multiple Sclerosis will be led by the University of Edinburgh and involve the Universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and St Andrew’s, in an integrated training programme. These partner universities have also committed to provide an additional six studentships themselves.

Additionally, the Scottish Government will fund two PhDs at the University of the West of Scotland, with the University itself funding a further two – all in Multiple Sclerosis.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said:

“I’m delighted our partnership with Scotland’s world-class universities will deliver 16 new PhD studentships in these neurological conditions.

“The exciting new Ph.D. programme being hosted by the University of Edinburgh exceeds the plans we set out in our Programme for Government. This programme offers a unique opportunity to develop an integrated national Ph.D. training programme recognising the shared underlying biological mechanisms in MND and MS.

“Once again, Scotland is leading the way in clinical research and innovation. I look forward to hearing about the progress the students make, and how their work might benefit patients across Scotland and around the world.”

Craig Stockton, CEO of MND Scotland, said:

“This investment in PhD studentships is extremely welcome and follows on from our manifesto call. By attracting and developing outstanding young clinicians and scientists into the MND field we hope to build MND research capacity within Scotland and create the future scientific leaders in the field. 

“The more research we can undertake into MND the quicker we will find the cause, the better our care will be and ultimately, the closer we will get to finding a cure.”

Morna Simpkins, Director of MS Society Scotland said:

 “We welcome this commitment from the Scottish Government to research into Multiple Sclerosis. This new PhD funding will help us gain a better understanding of the neurological condition that affects over 11,000 people in Scotland. MS is an unpredictable condition that can affect the way we feel, think and see.

“It is a really exciting time for research into MS, and the MS Society is delighted to see that Scotland will remain an essential part of the global network coming together to tackle MS.”