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The Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research-funded OxKen programme will fully fund 4 medical students each year from 2021-5 to undertake DPhils in the Medical Sciences Division in the fields of musculoskeletal disease, inflammation and immunology.

Researcher in lab © Fisher Studios

Applications from current Oxford medical students are welcomed to start directly after preclinical training (Final Honours School) or after the first clinical year.

Applications from  students from who are currently undertaking a primary medical qualification (MBBS, MBChB or equivalent) outside Oxford should provide evidence of successful completion of at least the first two years of a primary medical qualification at entry.

 The first cohort started in August and September 2021 (depending on the year of clinical training).

Our research themes, relating to musculoskeletal disease, are as follows:

  • Basic mechanisms of inflammation
  • Inflammatory and rheumatic disease
  • Pain
  • Clinical trials
  • Epidemiology, computational and data science
  • Tissue engineering and remodelling

Students will be hosted in Medical Sciences Division Doctoral Training Centre (MSDTC). Students will also join the Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School (OUCAGS) and receive mentorship and buddy support for the full duration of their research and clinical training.