university of cambridge phd immunology

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections

School of the Biological Sciences

• About the School
• School Leadership
• Meet the School Office staff
• Spotlight on...
• Public Engagement overview
• ‘Changing Pathogens in a Changing World’ at the Cambridge Festival 2023
• Council of the School of the Biological Sciences overview
• Sub-committees overview
• G C Grindley Fund
• Cambridge Human Biology Research Ethics Committee overview
• Application form
• Cambridge Psychology Research Ethics Committee overview
• Participant information sheets and consent forms
• Ethical review process: outline
• Terms of reference
• Does my study need ethical review?
• Faculty of Biology
• Postgraduate School of Life Sciences
• Departments overview
• Department of Biochemistry
• Department of Genetics
• The Gurdon Institute
• MRC Toxicology Unit
• Department of Pathology
• Department of Pharmacology
• Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
• Department of Plant Sciences
• Department of Psychology
• Sainsbury Laboratory
• Department of Veterinary Medicine
• Department of Zoology
• Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute
• Undergraduate Study
• Postgraduate Study
• MPhil in Biological Sciences overview
• Developmental Biology - Course Structure
• Developmental Biology - Participating Research Groups
• Student Testimonials
• Widening Participation
• Research overview
• Research Themes overview
• Microbiome research for human and planetary health

Grand Challenge Topics

• Molecules and Cells: The Building Blocks of Life
• Infection and Immunity overview

Changing pathogens in a changing world

Seeing infection through a new lens.

• Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour overview
• Mental health and illness across scales, species, and society
• Functional and Evolutionary Genomics overview
• Network of Life
• Reproduction, Development and Lifelong Health overview
• Complex tissue regeneration across scales and systems
• Extending healthy lifespan
• Organisms, Evolution and Ecology overview
• Life at the Extremes
• Molecular Biology for Climate Change
• Research Fellows: Support and Development overview
• Parke Davis Exchange Fellowship
• Training and development opportunities
• Research Policies and Ethics
• Bioscience Impact
• Facilities overview
• Bioinformatics and Computing
• Biological Sciences Libraries
• Collections
• Flow Cytometry
• Structural Biology and Biophysics
• Trace Element Analysis
• 'Facility Fridays' Seminar Series
• Culture and Inclusion overview
• Research Culture overview
• Research Culture Champions
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion overview
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions

Athena Swan

• Roving Researcher Scheme
• Biological Sciences Early PI Network
• Support for Research Fellows
• Inclusion Networks and Support Initiatives
• Mentoring Schemes
• Public Engagement
• For Professional Services

Infection and Immunity

Biology is a constant struggle between pathogens that seek to exploit the resources of their hosts, and host immune systems that seek to prevent this. Over 80 leading scientists in the Infection and Immunity Research Theme study multiple facets of infection and immunity, ranging from the functions of individual host or pathogen proteins, and of specific immune cells in the body, through to population-scale studies of infectious disease spread. This research contributes to some of the biggest questions we face in the 21 st century: Can we prevent the next pandemic before it occurs? Can malaria and tuberculosis be consigned to the history books? How can we harness the immune system to fight diseases like cancer? Research by Infection and Immunity Theme members will provide fundamental insights into immune system function and the biology of pathogens, underpinning the development of new therapies to improve human and animal health, and helping safeguard the crops on which we depend.

Current areas of focus include: Understanding the Immune System to Treat Disease; Changing Pathogens in a Changing World; The molecular interface between pathogens and hosts.

The ability to visualise host-pathogen interactions across multiple scales, from individual molecules to whole organisms, unlocks unprecedented opportunities for breakthroughs in our basic understanding of infectious disease biology. However, working with the live human or animal pathogens also brings unique challenges. By sharing experiences, skills and resources, researchers in Cambridge are redefining what is possible in infections disease imaging and illuminating novel biological processes that can be targeted for the development of next-generation therapies. Read more

Growing human populations, environmental shifts and increasing international movement are the recognisable features of our changing world, and are contributing factors to the emergence, resurgence, and redistribution of many infectious diseases.  Cambridge researchers are working across disciplinary boundaries to understand how pathogens are responding to our changing world.  Working collaboratively and in partnership with affected communities, we will deliver effective strategies to protect our planetary health and the global community across future generations. Read more

Recent Discoveries

Mrsa_590x200.png.

Highly antibiotic-resistant strain of MRSA that arose in pigs can jump to humans

A new study from the department of veterinary medicine has found that a highly antibiotic-resistant strain of the superbug mrsa – methicillin resistant  staphylococcus aureus  – has emerged in livestock in the last 50 years, probably due to widespread antibiotic use in pig farming..

The strain, called CC398, has become the dominant type of MRSA in European livestock in the past fifty years. It is also a growing cause of human MRSA infections. The study found that CC398 has maintained its antibiotic resistance over decades in pigs and other livestock. And it is capable of rapidly adapting to human hosts while maintaining this antibiotic resistance. The results highlight the potential threat that this strain of MRSA poses to public health. Read

Wider Impact

Vaccines_590x200.png.

Shaping WHO meningitis guidelines

Meningitis is a serious infection that causes swelling of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord..

Caroline Trotter was engaged by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a trusted advisor to help tackle the challenge of meningitis on the African continent. Epidemiological modelling of vaccine strategies using MenAfriVac® to control bacterial meningitis group A, widely found in sub-Saharan Africa, was undertaken at the University of Cambridge. Trotter’s contributions led to the successful introduction of the vaccine into routine immunisation schedules, supported by a ‘catch-up’ campaign.  Read

Theme Leads

Baker_kate_150x150.png.

cantacessi_cinzi_150x150.png

Cinzia Cantacessi

Veterinary Medicine

Brian Ferguson

Jeanne Salje

Biochemistry and Pathology

Theme Members

James Ajioka

Alexandre Almeida

Katerina Artavanis-Tsakonas

Nicholas Bexfield

Barbara Blacklaws

Andrew Blagborough

Alexander Borodavka

Louise Boyle

Ian Brierley

Clare Bryant

Neil Bryant

Raymond Bujdoso

Harry Bulstrode

Mark Carrington

Mike Chapman

Jeongmin Choi

Betty Chung

Andrew Conlan

Andrew Conway Morris  

Colin Crump

Nik Cunniffe

Lida Derevnina

John Doorbar

Ming-Qing Du

James Edgar

Sebastian Eves-van den Akker

Andrew Firth

Gillian Fraser

Camilla Godlee

Ian Goodfellow

Stephen Graham

Andrew Grant

Jake Harris

Richard Hayward

Jonathan Heeney

Florian Hollfelder

Mark Holmes

Nick Holmes

Charlotte Houldcroft

Mark Howarth

Kate Hughes

Nerea Irigoyen

Randall Johnson

Adrian Kelly

Julia Kenyon

Vassilis Koronakis

Heike Laman

Adrian Liston

Valeria Lulla

Bidesh Mahata

Pietro Mastroeni

Ioanna Mela 

Ian McCrone

Naomi McGovern

Catherine Merrick

Ashley Moffett

Richard Newton

Klaus Okkenhaug

Julian Parkhill

Uta Paszkowski

Taufiq Rahman

Olivier Restif

Rahul Roychoudhuri

Henrik Salje

Milka Sarris

Elena Scarpa

Wilhelm Schwaeble

Liza Selley

Andrew Sharkey

Jordan Skittrall

Stephen Smith

Derek Smith

Geoffrey Smith 

Elizabeth Soilleux

Nancy Standart

James Thaventhiran

Laurence Tiley

Caroline Trotter

A.W. (Dan) Tucker

Ross Waller

Lucy Weinert

Martin Welch

Jeremy Wells

Tim Williams

Shona Wilson

Members of the School can find out more about the Research Themes on the  School Information Hub .

Related initiatives.

• Cambridge Academy of Therapeutic Sciences
• Cambridge Global Challenges
• Cambridge Global Food Security
• Cambridge Immunology Network
• Cambridge Infectious Diseases

What impact will your next connection have?

Cambridge Global Impact

Impact_map.png.

From the Arctic to Zambia, explore the new  interactive global map  to learn how Cambridge and its partners make a positive impact around the world.

Postal Address: School of the Biological Sciences 17 Mill Lane Cambridge CB2 1RX Information provided by:     [email protected]

About this site

Privacy policy

The School holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award

athena_swan_bronze_award_logo_for_website_footer.jpg

Connect with us

x_for_website_50_x_50.png

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• MPhil Pathways
• MPhil in Biological Sciences by Advanced Study
• How to apply overview
• Tips for MPhil applicants
• Funding Opportunities
• MPhil Pathways overview
• Biomolecular Science overview
• Participating Research Groups
• Cell Science overview
• Course Structure
• Crop Science overview
• Developmental Biology overview
• Course structure
• Student testimonials
• Infection Biology and Molecular Immunology overview
• Reproduction and Embryogenesis overview
• Teaching and assessment

Infection Biology and Molecular Immunology

• Biomolecular Science
• Cell Science
• Crop Science
• Developmental Biology
• Reproduction and Embryogenesis

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically illustrated how understanding the biology of infectious agents and of the host immune system is fundamental to human health and prosperity. Our knowledge of infection and immunity is increasing at a rapid rate, opening opportunities for new therapies, new vaccines, and a better understanding of disease emergence that will help safeguard human health and food security in the 21st century. The Infection Biology & Molecular Immunology MPhil is specifically targeted at providing advanced training in the experimental skills and theoretical concepts that underpin modern infection biology and molecular immunology research.

Find out more and apply.

More information:.

Infection Biology and Molecular Immunology Course Structure

Participating research groups  in the Infection Biology and Molecular Immunology Pathway.

IBaMI 2023/24 cohort

Key contact

MPhil Coordinator

Email: [email protected]  

Dates and deadlines

Application deadline: 24 April 2024

Funding application deadline: 4 January 2024

Related Links

School of biological sciences, about this site.

Privacy policy

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Department of Pathology
• The Department overview
• Outreach and Public Engagement overview
• Department of Pathology at the Cambridge Festival
• Key Contacts
• How to find us
• Women at Pathology
• Research overview
• Cellular and Molecular Pathology Division overview
• Boemo Group
• Coleman Group
• D’Avino Group
• Enright Group
• Laman Group
• Murray Group
• Soilleux Group
• Turner Group
• Immunology Division overview
• Altenburg Group
• Boyle Group
• Edgar Group
• Ferguson Group
• Liston-Dooley Group
• Mahata Group
• McGovern Group
• Okkenhaug Group
• Roychoudhuri Group
• Microbiology and Parasitology Division overview
• Artavanis-Tsakonas Group
• Blagborough Group
• Chung Group
• Fraser Group
• Godlee Group
• Hayward Group
• Koronakis Group
• Merrick Group
• Protasio Group
• Salje Group
• Wilson Group
• Virology Division overview
• Atomic Virology Group
• Brierley Group
• Crump Group
• Doorbar Group
• Firth Group
• Goodfellow Group
• Irigoyen Group
• Lulla Group
• Poole Group
• Skittrall Group
• Facilities overview
• Biomedical Isothermal Titration Calorimetry
• Cambridge Genomic Services
• Flow Cytometry overview
• The Team and how to find us
• Training - analysers and self-service sorting
• Instruments and configuration
• Charge Rates
• FACSDiscover S8 with CellView
• Online booking system - PPMS
• Manufacturers online resources
• Microscopy overview
• Zeiss LSM700 Confocal Microscope
• Zeiss LSM780 Confocal Microscope
• Zeiss AxioObserver Z1 Microscope
• Microscope Booking and Charges
• Other Services
• Sample Preparation
• Pathogen Cryo-Imaging Facility in Cambridge (PaCIFiC)
• Research Information and Events overview
• The Symplectic Tool
• Equipment overview
• Research Events, Talks and Seminars
• Departmental Research Symposium overview
• Carers Fund overview
• Postgraduate Study overview
• Current Postgraduate Students Moodle Site
• Prospective Postgraduates overview
• How To Apply
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Application Routes and Funding
• Fully-funded PhD studentships overview
• Studentship FAQs
• MPhil in Biological Sciences
• Undergraduate Study overview
• Second Year (Part IB) overview
• Part IB Biology of Disease
• Course Information (Internal only)
• Third Year (Part II) overview
• Part II Course Information
• Part II Subject Allocation - How to Apply
• NST Part II Pathology overview
• Cancer Biology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Disease
• Genetics and Genomics of Disease
• Infectious Disease: a One Health Perspective
• NST Part II BBS Major Subject Pathology overview
• Career Options overview
• Transferable Skills
• People overview
• Academic Staff
• Postgraduate Students
• Research Group Leaders
• Professional Services Staff
• Intranet overview
• Finance and Purchasing overview
• Facilities and Resources overview
• Health and Safety overview
• Accident/Incident Reporting
• Biological Safety overview
• Chemical Safety Handbook
• Departmental Safety Manual
• Display Screen Equipment
• First Aiders
• Health and Safety Forms
• Human Tissue Act
• Health and Safety Training
• Radioactive Substances overview
• Risk Management Policy overview
• Statement regarding ChemInventory
• X-Ray Facility overview
• Lone Working
• Safety Files
• Travel Risk Asesment
• Research Grants overview
• Funding Search
• Application Process
• Post Award Management
• Departmental and University Funds
• Departmental Charity
• Strategic Bridging Funds Application Form overview
• Departmental Committees overview
• Path Mentors
• Teaching overview
• Learning and Teaching Review 2017
• Graduate Admissions (Info for PIs)
• Academic members on sabbatical
• Submission and corrections of the PhD thesis
• Part IB and Part II external examiner reports
• Teaching Facilities
• Teaching Courses
• Web Resources
• When to Refer - accessing pastoral support
• Visiting students

Division of Immunology

• Cellular and Molecular Pathology Division
• Microbiology and Parasitology Division
• Virology Division
• Research Information and Events
• Carers Fund

Our Research

The immune system defends us against infections and cancer, but its excessive engagement can result in autoimmunity and allergy. The function of the immune system can also be suppressed in cancer and chronic infection, preventing immune-mediated clearance of disease. Our mission is to advance a fundamental understanding of the immune system in order to improve the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of individuals with infections, autoimmunity, allergy, and cancer.

The Division, led by Prof Klaus Okkenhaug, spans multiple research groups with interests in innate and adaptive immunity, cancer immunology, inflammation, and immunity at the foetal-maternal interface. Our research builds upon strengths in signal transduction, epigenetics and gene regulation, molecular biology and antigen processing and presentation. Research at the Division benefits from collaborations within the University of Cambridge and its affiliated institutions, Cambridge University Hospitals, and national and international collaborations with academic and industrial researchers.

Division Lead: Professor Klaus Okkenhaug

Our research groups

Department of Pathology University of Cambridge Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB2 1QP

+44 (0)1223 333690

Contact: [email protected]

Site privacy & cookie policies.

Downing site

Laboratory Block, Addenbrooke's Hospital

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Course Directory
• Qualification types

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Postgraduate Study

• Why Cambridge overview
• Chat with our students
• Cambridge explained overview
• The supervision system
• Student life overview
• In and around Cambridge
• Leisure activities
• Student unions
• Music awards
• Student support overview
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Disabled students
• Accommodation
• Language tuition
• Skills training
• Support for refugees
• Courses overview
• Department directory
• Funded studentships
• Part-time study
• Research degrees
• Visiting students
• Finance overview
• Fees overview
• What is my fee status?
• Part-time fees
• Application fee
• Living costs
• Funding overview
• Funding search
• How to apply for funding
• University funding overview
• Research Councils (UKRI)
• External funding and loans overview
• Funding searches
• External scholarships
• Charities and the voluntary sector
• Funding for disabled students
• Widening participation in funding
• Colleges overview
• What is a College?
• Choosing a College
• Terms of Residence
• Applying overview
• Before you apply
• Entry requirements
• Application deadlines
• How do I apply? overview
• Application fee overview
• Application fee waiver
• Life Science courses
• Terms and conditions
• Continuing students
• Disabled applicants
• Supporting documents overview
• Academic documents
• Finance documents
• Evidence of competence in English
• Terms and Conditions
• Applicant portal and self-service
• After you apply overview
• Confirmation of admission
• Student registry
• Previous criminal convictions
• Deferring an application
• Updating your personal details
• Appeals and Complaints
• Widening participation
• Postgraduate admissions fraud
• International overview
• Immigration overview
• ATAS overview
• Applying for an ATAS certificate
• Current Cambridge students
• International qualifications
• Competence in English overview
• What tests are accepted?
• International events
• International student views overview
• Akhila’s story
• Alex’s story
• Huijie’s story
• Kelsey’s story
• Nilesh’s story
• Get in touch!
• Events overview
• Upcoming events
• Postgraduate Open Days overview
• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD Study webinars
• Virtual tour
• Research Internships
• How we use participant data
• Postgraduate Newsletter

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's principal research degree for graduate students and is available in all faculties and departments.

A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research.

In most faculties, a candidate is expected to have completed one year of postgraduate study, normally on a research preparation master's course, prior to starting a PhD.

Completion normally requires three or four years of full-time study, or at least five years of part-time study, including a probationary period.

Terms of research are normally consecutive and, for full-time students, require residency in Cambridge. Not all departments offer part-time research degrees.

Various routes to the PhD are possible and, if you are made an offer of admission, it will be made clear whether you are required to study for a master's degree or certificate in the first instance, or will be admitted directly to the probationary year for the PhD. You are registered for the PhD only after a satisfactory progress assessment at the end of the probationary year (five terms for part-time degrees). The assessment is designed also to focus your mind on the stages necessary for the completion of your research within the normal time limit and to address any structural problems that have arisen during the first year. Students must pass the first year assessment in order to continue their PhD study.

During your PhD, your effort will be focused on writing a dissertation. The word count of the dissertation is dependent on the department and the Student Registry or Educational Student Policy will be able to tell you the maximum word limit. This must represent a significant contribution to learning, for example through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views, and must take account of previously published work on the subject. Some Cambridge dissertations go on to form the basis of significant publications.

Although you will spend long hours working independently, your department and College will both support you throughout your PhD. You are also able to attend regular seminars in your subject area and could be involved in teaching, perhaps giving seminars or supervising, or in the social life of your department and College.

PhD course search

Go to the Course Directory and filter courses using the relevant checkboxes.

Term Information

Explanation of terms, postgraduate admissions office.

• Admissions Statistics
• Start an Application
• Applicant Self-Service

At a glance

• Bringing a family
• Current Postgraduates
• Cambridge Students' Union (SU)

University Policy and Guidelines

Privacy Policy

Information compliance

Equality and Diversity

Terms of Study

About this site

About our website

Privacy policy

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections

• Cambridge Immunology Network
• About overview
• Welcome to the Cambridge Immunology Network
• What is immunology?
• Patient & Public Involvement/Engagement
• Funding overview
• Research Operations Office
• Medical Research Council
• British Society for Immunology Funding
• British Academy
• Research Professional
• Graduate School of Life Sciences

Immunotherapy

Dr Lorena Boquete Vilarino

Dr Louise Boyle

Dr Maike de la Roche

Dr. Rachel Hewitt

Sabita Islam

Dr David Jayne

Marian Jones Evans

Dr Luca Pellegrinet

Dr. Andrea Manrique Rincón

Dr Juan Carlos Yam-Puc

Cambridge Immunology Network Coordinator

University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW

Contact: [email protected]

Site privacy & cookie policies, twitter_icon.png.

 Follow us on Twitter

youtube-icon.png

Watch our webinars

newsletter_icon.png

Sign up to our newsletter

We are a FOCIS centre of Excellence

Focis_logo_no-web.png.

FCEs provide interdisciplinary training programmes for students, fellows and continuing education physicians through FOCIS assisted opportunities

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...