PhD Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science

Ulster University

As part of the Biomedical Sciences Research Institute (BMSRI), the Centre of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is based on the Coleraine campus and brings together over 20 academic staff with expertise spanning four core Areas of Research Excellence: Clinical Translation Discovery Education Each Area of Research Excellence represents a distinct focus within our broader mission to advance pharmaceutical sciences research and pharmacy practices. Our interdisciplinary teams collaborate closely to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and address global health challenges through cutting-edge research and development. Clinical - Our research in Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice focuses on optimising patient care through the development and implementation of innovative clinical services. Key areas include antimicrobial stewardship, clinical pharmacy services in primary and secondary care, policy development, and global health. We aim to improve patient outcomes both locally and internationally, with a track record of influencing healthcare practices in countries such as Austria, Ghana, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Tanzania, and Malawi. Our work emphasizes collaboration with primary and secondary care settings, healthcare systems, and public health agencies to promote best practices and improve healthcare provision. Translation - Our Translational Pharmaceutics theme centres on formulation development, manufacturing, clinical testing, and management of pharmaceuticals. Our research includes creating innovative drug delivery systems, developing diagnostic tools, and ensuring the safe and effective delivery of therapeutics. We work on nanoparticle-based drug delivery, long-acting injectables, and sustainable management practices for industrial and clinical pharmaceutical settings using One Health approaches. Our team collaborates with biotech, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic companies, in partnership with stakeholder agencies to bring novel formulations from the lab to clinic, ensuring they meet regulatory standards and address real-world healthcare challenges in sustainability. Discovery - Our Discovery research focuses on the development of novel therapeutics, advanced sensors, and innovative drug delivery systems. We work on developing new antimicrobials, anti-cancer agents, luminescent and nanoparticle sensors for bioimaging, photo- & sono-dynamic therapy, and polymeric and nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Additionally, we utilise artificial intelligence and molecular modelling to enhance drug design and streamline the drug discovery process. Our collaborative efforts with pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostic companies, and research institutions we aim to accelerate the development of effective treatments and diagnostic tools, improving patient care and health outcomes globally. Education - We are committed to advancing educational pedagogy to promote scientific, clinical, and practice knowledge. Our goal is to guide students, industry scientists, patients, clinicians, and others through new teaching strategies that engage and motivate. By employing active methods of education, we develop innovative ways to enhance learning across the field. This encompasses core science concepts, applied translational knowledge in industry settings, and engaging clinical teams and patients to improve healthcare provision. Our advanced clinical training spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.