Project: Sleep restriction

Training in Surrey, Physiology

University of Surrey, Neuroendocrinology, Chronobiology

Training provided by Prof. Skene at the School of Biomedical and Molecular Science,        University of Surrey.
Professor Skene is Head of Neuroendocrinology, one of 7 focused Research Groups in the School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences. The School was recently awarded the highest rating, 5**, in the Government Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). The Group is affiliated to the Centre for Chronobiology established with Imperial College, London. It also has strong links with the recently established Surrey Sleep Research Centre (SSRC) - Debra Skene is a member of the Executive Group. There are also good collaborative links with the other research groups in the School as well as across Schools (e.g. Prof Sara Arber, Sociology Department).

The major research within the Neuroendocrinology Group is chronobiology, primarily investigating the causes, consequences and treatment of circadian rhythm disorders. This group will provide expertise in all aspects of circadian rhythm measurement.  The scientific interest is to investigate the role of the circadian system in sleep loss mechanisms and to clarify the hormonal and metabolic response to sleep deprivation. The treatment of sleep disorders using novel strategies (light, melatonin) has been a long standing research priority.

Each researcher will have his/her own development plan drawn up in conjunction with their supervisor(s). Early stage researchers would come under the School regulations for PhD students, in which they are required to produce regular written reports on progress. Regular meetings are timetabled with their supervisor(s) and targets set. Students would also be required to attend relevant undergraduate UG (e.g. 3rd year module in Biological rhythms-20 taught hours covering topics from clock genes to shiftwork and Neuroendocrinology-20 taught hours) and relevant postgraduate taught modules (e.g. MSc Clinical Biochemistry with Molecular Biology modules, Course Organiser, Prof Debra Skene) and training practical sessions (analytical techniques e.g. RIA, ELISA, HPLC). The student will also be required to present his/her protocols and data at the weekly Neuroendocrinology seminars. Experienced researchers will be encouraged to attend relevant research staff training courses to compliment their existing skills. There is also an active Staff Development Program within the University that experienced researchers will attend.

The visiting researchers will be trained in: methodology to measure circadian rhythms (especially in humans), in field studies and the clinical settings (e.g. core body temperature monitoring, blood sampling), hormone assays for melatonin, cortisol in blood, saliva and urine (learn RIA and ELISA theory and practice) (also insulin, glucose, TAG, caffeine assays),  in actigraphy and light monitoring and analysis of data, analysis of rhythms e.g. core body temperature, melatonin  (cosinor; mid range crossing),  analysis of light measurements; light exposure, DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing, sleep recording, scoring, spectral analysis and assessment of endothelial function and cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, blood pressure).

The trainees will present their results at the annual meetings of the British Sleep Society and be encouraged to participate in the biannual European Sleep Research Society conference and the triennial European Pineal and Biological Rhythms Society.

Experienced researchers will be involved in the teaching and supervision of early stage researchers both in the practical clinical and laboratory work and in the analysis and writing of the results. Debra Skene has successfully supervised 7 doctoral students and is currently supervising 7 doctoral students, mostly co-supervisions with other members of Neuroendocrinology. She has trained 4 postdoctoral researchers, and is currently training two postdoctoral researchers. She has extensive experience of multi-disciplinary research supervision, which will be an integral part of the training of the Marie Curie Fellows.

Details of all the UG and Postgraduate training program can be found on www.surrey.ac.uk/SBMS/