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Research and knowledge exchange
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  • Cancer Biology PhD

PhD in Cancer Biology, UK | Cancer research doctorate

The University of Brighton's cancer researchers work with national and international partners including research institutes and industry towards winning the global fight against cancer.

We are proud of high-impact work in translational cancer research, with significant work in the relationship between stress and cancer, nanoparticle-based drug delivery for cancer therapy, immune and cancer cells, anticancer and antimicrobial peptides, targeted therapy, therapeutic possibilities of DNA damage in cancer. Our research at the university also looks at patient care for cancer survivors, and exercise and health science perspectives on cancer treatment.

Funding for our work has been granted by, for example, Cancer Research UK, the Rosetrees Trust, the Boltini Trust, National Institutes of Health, Team Verrico, Breast cancer Research Trust, Wendy Will Case cancer fund and the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Initiative. 

We are always open to approaches from talented self-funding PhD students in aspects of cancer research that aligns to our specialisms. There are also regular projects with attached funding to support PhD students in specific biomedical science projects. Whichever way you join us, you will be working with experienced researchers on live, impact-driven projects often in partnership with health science institutions of world-wide importance.  

Our supervisory offer draws on experts from the University of Brighton together with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) to optimise your learning journey through to research publication and the real-world application of research into cancer biology. 

Our diverse research provides an excellent environment to tackle global problems using multidisciplinary research approaches, with the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) confirming over 80 per cent of our research is either internationally excellent or world leading. A thriving postgraduate community of over 30 PhD students is supervised by subject specialists from across the life and physical sciences. Research is supported by postdoctoral researchers, visiting fellows and technical staff. Our graduates go on to become research scientists in industry or academia or benefit in other careers from the myriad skills that research study brings.

Contact an expert in this field

Successful applicants have invariably had support with their application from one of our academics. We suggest you approach a suitable academic staff member with relevant research interests before progressing with your application.

See also 

  • PhD Biomedical Sciences
  • PhD Microbiology
  • PhD Nanotechnology / Nanoscience

Details of PhD study in Cancer Biology

Our doctoral research students draw on the academic expertise of staff undertaking research in cancer biology, and are based alongside a range of applied biomedical scientists, both research staff and fellow research students.

Students are part of a thriving research culture that undertakes international collaborations and delivers high impact change to local and national environments.

As one of our team you will be providing solutions to emerging global health and environmental priorities, with membership offered across a number of relevant research groups and centres, notably the Centre for Lifelong Health or the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices.

We welcome approaches for doctoral research study, with special interest in:

  • hormonal influences on cell cycle regulation and cancer
  • targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules to brain and peripheral tumours
  • anticancer and antimicrobial peptides
  • nanoparticle-based drug delivery for cancer therapy
  • DNA damage in cancer

Research supervision for your PhD programme

You will benefit from research supervision comprising two or maximum three members of academic staff. Depending on your research specialism one of those supervisors may be from another school, another research institution, or an external partner from biomedical industries or health practices. 

You will identify your potential supervisor from the early stages of application and they will usually then support you throughout your programme of study, helping you carry out your research interests, guiding your learning of rigorous research methods and preparing you for the next stage of your career.

You should consider the staff listed below and contact one of them with a short draft research proposal identifying your suitability for supervision from that person's research specialism.

Research skills and research training

The independent research programme is balanced and enhanced with a range of support from our academic community. You and your fellow postgraduate researchers will have the opportunity to attend and present at regular seminar sessions with guests from across the world of applied health science. 

There are opportunities to develop skills towards your PhD and prepare for life beyond it. These might include writing skills and project management, digital storytelling, bid writing or developing a public profile. Read more about our doctoral training provision.

Postgraduate degree resources for cancer biology students

You will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities on the Moulsecoomb Campus, including biochemical laboratories, microscopy laboratories, a dedicated imaging suite with optical and scanning electron microscopes, the Brighton integrated genomics facility and cell culture facilities.

You will benefit from access to international research resources, including the university’s Online Library and its connected services to national and international collections.

As a member of the Brighton Doctoral College, you will benefit from regular opportunities on a training programme designed to support postgraduate researchers at all stages of the PhD and help them achieve their career goals. Attendance at appropriate workshops within this programme is encouraged, as is contribution to the various seminar series hosted by the schools and the annual Postgraduate Research Festival. Academic and technical staff also provide more subject-specific training.

Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Our researchers are internationally recognised with their research making a significant contribution to the latest UK government research assessment exercise (REF 2021): 80 per cent of our research outputs, 89 per cent of our impact and 100 per cent of our environment were classified as either internationally excellent or world leading. 

Two scientists in the biomedical science laboratory, University of Brighton

 

 

Research centres for biomedical sciences 

The University of Brighton has a system of research centres and groups, Centres of Research and Knowledge Exchange Excellence (COREs) and Research Excellence Groups (REGs) which allow researchers across the university to share work-in-progress, come together to plan future developments in research, and invite external researchers and biomedical professionals to present and meet.

Our PhD students working in cancer research / cancer biology are usually members of one or both of our research centres and may also be associated with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

Centre for Lifelong Health

The research Centre for Lifelong Health is proud of its multi- interdisciplinary approach to understanding the mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of a range of diseases/disorders and the influence that the natural ageing process has on these conditions.  It has international expertise in the areas of ageing, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, hearing, HIV and musculo-skeletal disorders. With a particular focus on the science associated with healthy ageing, resilience and long-standing research into the relationship between stress and cancer, the centre supports work into the mechanisms and prevention of disease as well as medicines and their use and integrated technologies.

Centre for Regenerative Medicines and Devices

The research Centre for Regenerative Medicines and Devices focuses on scientific knowledge, diagnostics and treatments based on tissue repair across priority areas in neurodegenerative diseases and sensory dysfunctions, diabetes, wound healing, cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal diseases.

There are also a number of smaller-scale Research Excellence Groups that our PhD biomedical science researchers have joined and benefitted from:

  • Applied Chemical Sciences Research Excellence Group
  • Care, Health and Emotional Wellbeing Research Excellence Group
  • Public Health and Health Conditions Research Excellence Group

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS)

Our supervision in all medical sciences is in close collaboration with colleagues at . Supervisory teams can and often do include members of BSMS. Applications from those primarily supervised through BSMS still apply to the University of Brighton, and PhD and MD students at BSMS are awarded a joint degree from the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton. Research at BSMS spans basic science through to clinical projects, medical ethics and social science, offering a wide and exciting range of possibilities for postgraduate students.

Silver grey front of Huxley Building, University of Brighton, with steps and metallic curves and straights.

Our applied science research is based at the university's recently redeveloped Moulsecoomb campus with world-class laboratory facilities and a thriving, welcoming research community.

Supervisors in cancer biology and cancer research

We strongly recommend that you apply with the support of one of our academics. By establishing your supervisor from the early stages of application, you will be supported through the application process and can make the best start to your programme of study.

You should consider the staff listed below and create a short draft research proposal identifying your suitability for supervision from that person's research specialism and your place in the wider context of the department's research ambitions. Their contact details are available on their full profile.

Our primary staff supervising in the discipline are listed. For further information on university supervisory staff, including cross-disciplinary options, please visit 

You might also like to consider .

Profile photo for Dr Richard Akele

My research and supervision interests converge at the dynamic intersection of cancer biology, neuro-oncology, and infectious immunology. A primary focus lies in elucidating the intricacies of the tumor microenvironment, and exploring innovative strategies for its modulation to enhance therapeutic outcomes. In the realm of neuro-oncology, my passion is dedicated to advancing interventions for tumors affecting the nervous system, delving into novel approaches for diagnosis and treatment. Simultaneously, infectious immunology captivates my curiosity, as I investigate immune responses to infections and their implications for health.

This multidisciplinary approach underscores my commitment to understanding the complexities of diseases that pose significant challenges to global health. By exploring the modulation of tumor microenvironments, advancing neuro-oncological interventions, and unraveling the mysteries of infectious immunology, my aim is to contribute impactful insights that may shape future therapeutic interventions and improve patient outcomes across diverse medical domains.

Profile photo for Dr Louisa Beale

I have supervised/am supervising PhDs in the following areas:-

  • Exercise cardiology
  • Detraining and muscle function
  • Heat sensitivity in breast cancer survivors
  • High intensity interval training
  • Women鈥檚 decisions to exercise in pregnancy
Profile photo for Dr Funmilola Fisusi

Currently accepting motivated PhD students with own funding.

I am interested in the developemnt of nanoparticle-based therapies for the therapy of breast and brain cancers.聽

Current projects available for MRES/PhD supervision:

1. Nano-enabled drug development for glioblastoma therapy using drug repurposing strategy

2. Nano-enabled drug drug development for breast cancer therapy using drug repurposing strategy

3. Development of peptide-based therapeutics for cancer therapy

4. Development of peptide-based drug delivery systems

Profile photo for Prof Melanie Flint

I currently lead a dynamic Cancer Stress Team consisting of PhD students, medical students, masters students and post docs. We study the effects of stress hormones on cell signaling, drug resistance and immunity in breast, ovarian and prostate cancers.聽 My passion is mentoring students with a strong interest in becoming cancer researchers. We welcome driven, enthusiastic members to our team!

PhD Students

Marta Falcinelli Oct 2016-Oct 2019

Haya Intablis Jan 2016-Dec 2019

Maysa Maysa Al-Natsheh Jan 2017-Jan 2020

Gheed Alhity Jan 2019-Dec 2021

Post Doctoral Scientists (as of 2020)

Dr Aya Abdullah

Dr Caroline Garrett

Dr Will Jones

Profile photo for Dr Annamaria (Anita) Gal

I supervise projects that investigate how the tumour microenvironment influences tumour growth and metastasis and how it responds to anti鈥慶ancer therapies. These projects focus on interactions between tumour cells and tumour鈥慳ssociated macrophages (TAMs), examining macrophage heterogeneity and the emergence of distinct subpopulations during tumour progression and antineoplastic treatment. Pro鈥憈umoural macrophage subsets are identified and characterised for potential therapeutic targeting.My current projects explore TAM plasticity and targeting in various 3D models of the tumour microenvironment, focusing on triple鈥憂egative breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

Profile photo for Dr Laura Hunt

Laura is co-supervising a PhD student, Sarah Becker, studying the effects of psychological stress and glucocorticoid signalling on endometrial cancer.

Profile photo for Prof Katherine Staines

I currently supervise a dynamic team of PhD students and postdocs examining musculoskeletal health. My supervisory interests are:

-聽聽聽聽聽聽 Osteoarthritis

-聽聽聽聽聽聽 Secondary osteoporosis

-聽聽聽聽聽聽 Musculoskeletal model development

-聽聽聽聽聽聽 Imaging of the musculoskeletal system

I am always happy to hear from enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are looking to join our team.

Making an online application

Once you have prepared a first-rate application you can apply to the University of Brighton through our . When you do, you will require a research proposal, references, a personal statement and a record of your education.

You will be asked whether you have discussed your research proposal and your suitability for doctoral study with a member of the University of Brighton staff. We strongly recommend that all applications are made with the collaboration of at least one potential supervisor. Approaches to potential supervisors can be made directly through the details available online. If you are unsure, please do contact the Doctoral College for advice.

Please visit our How to apply for a PhD page for detailed information.

Sign in to our to begin.

Fees and funding

 Funding

Undertaking research study will require university fees as well as support for your research activities and plans for subsistence during full or part-time study.

Funding sources include self-funding, funding by an employer or industrial partners; there are competitive funding opportunities available in most disciplines through, for example, our own university studentships or national (UK) research councils. International students may have options from either their home-based research funding organisations or may be eligible for some UK funds.

Learn more about the funding opportunities available to you.

Tuition fees academic year 2026–27

Standard fees are listed below, but may vary depending on subject area. Some subject areas may charge bench fees/consumables; this will be decided as part of any offer made. Fees for UK and international/EU students on full-time and part-time courses are likely to incur a small inflation rise each year of a research programme.

MPhil/PhD
StudentFull-time feesPart-time fees

UK

£5,238

£2,619

International (including EU)

£16,980

N/A

International students registered in the School of Humanities and Social Science or in the School of Business and Law

£15,500

N/A

PhD by Publication
Study methodFees
Full-time  N/A
Part-time £2,619

Contact Brighton Doctoral College

To contact the Doctoral College at the University of Brighton we request an email in the first instance. Please visit our contact the Brighton Doctoral College page.

For supervisory contact, please see individual profile pages.

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We are in the top 4.3% of institutions globally, Center for World University Rankings 2025

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Race Equality Charter Silver awarded for our pledge to advance representation, progression and success for minority ethnic staff and students

Stonewall LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer Gold Award 2024

We are ranked 14th in Stonewall's top 100 employers for commitment to equality for LGBTQ+ staff and students

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We were awarded Athena Swan Silver for advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all

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