The convergence of photonics, electronics and advanced materials facilitated by nanofabrication is an exciting research environment. Our objective is the science and engineering to provide highly manufacturable photonic integration technologies relevant to a wide spectrum of end-users - from data storage, to telecommunications, to biophotonics. To increase the capacity of hard disk drives for 'cloud' computing, new technology is required. Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), which uses electromagnetic energy to locally heat the disk to ease the process of writing data on to it, is favourite. HAMR requires integration of photonic components such as lasers, waveguides and plasmonic antennas into the recording head. This will drive low-cost photonic integration and plasmonic technology into other industries and applications. Students embark on a four year programme - with an emphasis of additional technical skills, management and leadership training in the the outset before selecting their substantive research project in early summer of their first year. The programme will lead to a Doctoral degree jointly awarded by Queen's University Belfast and University of Glasgow.

Synthesis of proteins is absolutely essential for any known form of life. It is carried out by cellular organelles named ribosomes, one of the most incredible cellular machines, frequently referred to as protein factories. The ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is the key building block of the ribosomes and rRNA is essential to both their structure and function. The synthesis of rRNA (also known as transcription) is the key regulator of ribosome production and fundamental to life. The transcription of ribosomal RNA is tightly linked to cell growth and division and when deregulated could have a dramatic effect on the cell s fate, leading to cell death or defects which might result in oncogenic transformation. An elevated level of rRNA synthesis supports the unrestrained proliferation of cancer cells and rRNA transcription therefore represents a valid target for anticancer therapy. In the proposed research, we will use various biochemical approaches to study the mechanism of rRNA transcription and will focus on the role of topoisomerase-II, one of the most amazing enzymes, in the regulation of rRNA transcription in human cells. Topoisomerases, these magicians of DNA world are targets for a number of highly successful anticancer drugs and a key target for development of better therapeutics. The proposed research would therefore bring together two areas of high interest and importance and will contribute to the development of a new generation of drugs, targeting diseases associated with hyperproliferation and abnormal cell size including cancer and heart diseases. Moreover, drugs selectively targeting rRNA synthesis in cells could be used for stimulation of cell growth and proliferation in cell-replacement therapy strategies to the benefit of those with degenerative cell diseases.

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Doctoral Training Partnerships: a range of postgraduate training is funded by the Research Councils. For information on current funding routes, see the common terminology at https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/how-we-fund-studentships/. Training grants may be to one organisation or to a consortia of research organisations. This portal will show the lead organisation only.

TBC