Closing date: 23 June 2025
Open to: UK applicants only
Funding providers: EPSRC CASE Conversion with GSK
Subject areas: Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modelling, Mathematical Biology
Project start dates:
Supervisors:
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Mathematics
Mode of study: Full-Time.
Project description:
HIV remains one of the most persistent and challenging infections to cure due to its ability to lie dormant in reservoirs within the body: T-cells that are infected but no actively replicating virus. This allows the virus to evade standard treatment approaches. Despite years of antiretroviral therapy (ART), complete eradication of the virus is hindered by the presence of these reservoirs, which require continuous lifetime treatment. Recent efforts to cure HIV infection have focused on developing latency reversing agents as a first step to eradicate the latent reservoir and animal models are being studied to understand these dynamics.
This project proposes a novel pipeline of ideas to generate tools and techniques to simulate HIV infection dynamics using a multiscale agent-based modelling technique (cells, viruses, drugs, antibodies, human lymph system, seconds, days, years).
This project is in collaboration with GSK and we will work closely with experts from GSK.
The Departments of Mathematics is part of the Computational Foundry, a world-class centre for computational research, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government. The brand-new building of the Computational Foundry provides an ideal environment for doing a PhD.
Funding duration – 4 years
For more details please see here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/mathematics-epsrc-gsk-phd-rs840.php
Scholarship available to UK fee eligable students only
Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA.
PhD: Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree with First Class level or master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).
Additional information
Knowledge in cancer biology is not essential, but the candidate will be required to learn appropriate biological and clinical knowledge in order to develop mathematical and computational models. The candidate is expected to have a strong applied mathematical or related subject background Strong Mathematical modelling skills in one or more programming languages such as Matlab, Python and C/C++ are preferred. Strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to work and learn independently will be required.
English Language
IELTS 6.0 Overall (with no individual component below 5.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.
Funding
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26).
Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.
To apply, please complete the entire application form:
In order to be considered for this scholarship award the following steps are also required.
1) In section ‘Programme Related Information’ please input the relevant RS Code for the scholarship award i.e. RS840
2) In section ‘Research’ you will see ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’* (Mandatory)
3) In section ‘Funding information’ please choose the option ‘Scholarship Funding’ only. Please ensure no other options are selected.
*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.
One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.
NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.
Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.
As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):
Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Professor Gibin Powathil g.g.powathil@swansea.ac.uk
*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.
Open to: UK applicants only
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