The £2m gift from Martin KS Lee – a director of the Lee Shau Kee Foundation in Hong Kong – has created the Martin Lee Doctoral Scholarship Programme in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. Martin Lee Scholars will have access to fully-funded PhD training with researchers at IRR.

Students on the programme will be supervised and mentored by world-renowned experts in stem cell research, regenerative medicine, inflammation research and tissue repair. The programme will benefit from being hosted by IRR in Edinburgh BioQuarter, a vibrant research environment which supports scientists and clinicians in translating their exciting research into the clinic.

Professor Stuart Forbes, Director of the IRR said “ The Institute for Regeneration and Repair is focused on developing effective therapies for devastating diseases that currently have no good treatment options. This extremely generous donation will help train the next generation of scientists in this important area.”

Students will receive foundation training and complete two research rotation projects before selecting their 3-year PhD research project. Projects will span the breath of research areas at IRR, ranging from fundamental science to clinical and industrial translation projects. Martin Lee Doctoral Scholars will take part in key postgraduate teaching events at the institute. In addition, a series of programme-specific training and networking opportunities will cultivate a supportive and interactive cohort of Martin Lee Doctoral Scholars.

The programme will include an annual symposium, which will bring together students and faculty from Edinburgh and Hong Kong universities. Martin Lee Doctoral Scholars will also have the chance to experience research environments in Hong Kong through the University’s numerous partnerships in the region.

Dr Marieke Hoeve, Programme Co-director said ” The Martin Lee Doctoral Scholarship programme offers scholars a fantastic opportunity to work across the various disciplines in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine. Our graduates will be equipped to take on challenging positions within academic, healthcare or industrial environments.”

Professor Lesley Forrester, Programme Co-director added ” Students on this programme will be trained and mentored by some of the most influential academics in the field of regenerative medicine.”

Scholarships will be awarded competitively. Scholarships include a stipend and tuition fees as well as funding for research, training and travel. The programme is open to those who are eligible for UK Home Fees and those ordinarily resident in Hong Kong. The first cohort of students will join the programme in September 2021.

Further details about the programme and how to apply can be found on the programme website. Closing date for applications is 16 March 2021.