Developing Cannabis-Based Solutions for Paediatric Epilepsy

Summary

Epilepsy is a serious condition affecting about 50 million people worldwide, including over 11 million children under 15. Children with epilepsy often suffer severe psychosocial consequences, including stigma, educational setbacks, and a reduced quality of life. The impact of epilepsy extends beyond the affected child, placing considerable burdens on families and communities. Additionally, the comorbidity of epilepsy with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 10% to 30% of youth with epilepsy, complicating treatment further and underscoring the need for solutions that address multiple diagnoses. These patient characteristics highlight the need for tailored treatments that consider both medical and cultural factors.

Cannabis-based therapies show promise for managing difficult-to-treat epilepsy in children. Cannabinoids act reducing seizures and improve overall well-being. New studies suggest that whole-plant medical cannabis products are superior to isolated CBD products in the patients examined.

This project offers the PhD candidate an opportunity to gain expertise in cutting-edge formulation development and pharmacological studies within a leading research group in the field. 3D printing technology can be applied allowing precise dose adjustments, ensuring each gummy is tailored to the specific needs of individual patients.

This project will focus on developing new oral and/or topical cannabis products and evaluate their pharmacokinetic profile (in rats) to understand their biodistribution. The products developed here aim to enhance medication adherence among children—a crucial aspect of effective treatment. We will address barriers to adherence, such as the taste of medications and the stigma surrounding their use.  By developing accessible and culturally sensitive cannabis solutions, this project aims to improve adherence and consequently enhance the quality of life for children with epilepsy. As cannabis becomes more accepted as a treatment option, this research will provide a valuable contribution to its use in paediatric care, positively impacting the life of many patients suffering with epilepsy.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.