MSc thesis on therapeutic targets for newborn infections at KøbenhavnsUniversitet

At the research group of Cellular and Molecular Pediatrics, section for Comparative Pediatrics & Nutrition at University of Copenhagen, we intenstively work with mechanisms involved in infectious diseases in newborns and preventive/therapeutic approaches. Our research focuses on:

1. Impact of perinatal complications (preterm birth, pre-/post-natal infection and inflammation) on immune development in early life.

2. Host, nutritional status and microbe interaction to determine health in early life.

3. Immunometabolic mechanisms in neonatal infectious diseases (neonatal sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis-NEC) and novel therapeutic approaches.

Our research platforms and tools are based on: 1) preterm pig model of neonatal sepsis and NEC; 2) observational studies in human preterm infant cohorts; 3) multi-omic analyses (transcriptomics, proteomics, gut microbiome); 4) External collaborations with Danish and international hospitals/research centers working with newborn infants, neonatal mice and preterm lambs.

Currently, we are looking for MSc students to conduct MSc thesis research (30, 45 or 60 ECTS) in an ongoing long-term project to explore nutritional therapy for neonatal sepsis. The project utilizes preterm piglet model of neonatal sepsis to mimick conditions in infected preterm infants. You will be involved in a research team including scientists with diverse backgrounds (medical doctors, immunologists, Vet scientists).

A previous background study using similar animal models and in vitro studies can be found here: https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/157234

A detailed plan of the thesis can be adjusted based on the wishes and competences of the MSc students.

For more details, please contact Associate Professor Duc Ninh Nguyen (dnn@sund.ku.dk)

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