Non-clinical research training

Many of our excellent non-clinical researchers have been recruited after postgraduate tuition at Southampton at Masters level. Members of the MRC LEC staff run the modules on epidemiological methods (Dr Sarah Crozier, Ms Georgia Ntani and Professor Hazel Inskip) and statistical genetics (Dr Sheila Barton) that are part of the MSc Statistics with Applications in Medicine at the University of Southampton, and, annually, unit statisticians supervise students for their MSc dissertations. Similarly, unit nutritionists having joined us following a MSc, and many go on to complete PhDs.

Indian students have the benefit of a ‘split-site’ arrangement, whereby they do a PhD through the University of Southampton at reduced fees by doing their field work/data collection in India and spending intermittent time throughout their course in Southampton for mentorship, specific learning needs, courses, data analysis and write-up. PhD bursaries are available through the University of Southampton to further assist with fees and living expenses. We have also been successful in obtaining competitive support for PhD students by charities such as the Schlumberger Foundation. The unit is a member of the Wellcome Trust-Public Health Foundation of India capacity building programme, for PhD supervision and post-doctoral mentorship for trainees in public health in India.