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The Euan MacDonald Centre is proud to support the next generation of motor neuron disease (MND) researchers through funded PhD studentships that combine scientific training, clinical insight, and patient engagement. From developing research questions to defending a thesis, the studentship equips students with the skills, resilience, and networks needed for impactful research careers in MND research.
In this article, we explore the PhD journey for a Euan MacDonald Centre funded student.
What does the PhD journey look like for a Euan MacDonald Centre student?
Year 1: Laying the foundations
The first year focuses on preparation and decision making. With input from their supervisors (who are senior academics), students refine their research questions, immerse themselves in current literature, develop technical skills, generate some early data, and engage with patients and the public to shape meaningful projects. The students may attend some taught courses but spend most of their time in their research team.
Year 2: Data collection and experimentation
In the second year, students are busy with data collection and experimentation. This can mean long hours – evenings and weekends – and plenty of frustration paired with the elation of generating results. Technical skills are perfected, and students begin generating original findings within a supportive research environment. The students will be expected to present their work at lab meetings and answer searching questions. They may get the opportunity to give a short talk at a Euan MacDonald Centre academic afternoon, attend conferences and patient/public engagement events.
Year 3: Analysis, reflection and sharing research
Focus shifts towards data analysis, identifying and filling gaps in the research story, and presenting findings at national and international conferences. The students will meet with the members of their thesis committee to help shape the content of what will become a hard-bound book stretching to several hundred pages of description, data, analysis, and explanation. Many begin preparing manuscripts to publish their findings in academic journals, while exploring future career directions.
Year 3-4: Writing up and next steps
The Euan MacDonald Centre funds PhD students for an additional 6 months into their 4th year, to enable students to focus on thesis writing. Two examiners will be appointed to examine the thesis, culminating in a several-hour defence called a ‘viva voce’ (or viva for short) which is an oral examination. After the viva, assuming all has gone well, the student has the chance to make any corrections required and can then graduate and call themselves Dr!
Graduates of the Euan MacDonald Centre PhD scheme have gone on to a wide range of roles, from continuing in academic MND research as postdocs, to research-related roles in industry or charities.
An enriched PhD experience
At the Euan MacDonald Centre, our funded PhD students benefit from opportunities beyond the lab. These include shadowing MND specialist nurses and attending specialist clinics - helping students understand the impact of MND on the individual and the importance of translating research into care.
In the coming days, we will introduce each of our current funded PhD students – all at different stages of their PhD journey, and hear, in their own words, what shaping the future of MND research means to them.
Relevant links
Information about the Euan MacDonald Centre