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I am a last year PhD student in the Aetiology and Mechanisms of Diabetes and Related Metabolic Disorders of Later Life group at the MRC Epidemiology Unit. Undertaking a PhD scholarship here is the best experience ever where I have been encouraged to pursue my own research interests and have received tremendous support not only from my supervisors and my group but also from multiple teams at the Unit. It offers me great opportunities to take part in cutting edge projects and work with world-leading researchers both in the Unit and globally. I am deeply impressed by the teamwork spirit of Unit members and their devotion to better science.
Chunxiao Li, 3rd year PhD Student, Jardine-Cambridge Scholarship (March 2022)
A wide range of opportunities is opened to PhD students here at the MRC Epidemiology Unit. Each student is a part of at least one research programme, which allows you to work closely with some of the brightest minds in your field. In my idea, the best part of this experience is that supervisors and programme leaders are rather flexible when it comes to choosing your research topic and are always happy to receive your views. In addition, you have the chance to improve both your research and interpersonal skills through the training that is available to students on a variety of platforms. Undertaking PhD studentship in this department has been the highlight of my academic journey so far, and the one that I am confident will have a long-lasting positive impact on my future career.
Shayan Aryannezhad, 1st year PhD Student, MRC Unit Studentship (March 2022)
Without a doubt, undertaking a PhD studentship at the MRC Epidemiology Unit has been the most rewarding experience of my academic career to date. I feel extremely privileged to work alongside world-leading epidemiologists and public health researchers, where I am supported and encouraged to pursue my own interests. I have been particularly impressed by the Unit’s focus on researcher development, which I have yet to see to the same extent in other University departments. This ranges weekly seminars, collaborative opportunities with other researchers, and access to formal training workshops (in topics that you never knew existed!), which have been especially beneficial in the formative months of my studentship. As a PhD student at the MRC Epidemiology Unit, you are encouraged to contribute to activities within the department. This builds an environment in which students are consistently valued as independent researchers, and one that I’m proud to be part of.
Hannah Forde, 3rd year PhD Student, PHE/ESRC Studentship (September 2020)