Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- UQ Herston Campus
- Research area
- Biological sciences
Project description
Periodontal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising agents for periodontal regeneration due to their ability to mediate cell communication and deliver bioactive molecules. These EVs, derived from periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), contain proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that promote tissue repair and modulate immune responses. Studies suggest that EVs enhance osteogenesis, cementogenesis, and angiogenesis, key processes in regenerating periodontal tissues. They also exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, contributing to a favourable environment for healing. As a cell-free therapy, EVs offer advantages like reduced risk of immune rejection and easier storage and handling compared to traditional cell-based therapies.
Research environment
This project will be performed within the UQ School of Dentistry which provides an excellent PC2 laboratory and pre-clinical facility. The UQ Dentistry PC2 lab is equipped with a cell culture suite, microbial culture, and molecular biology-related equipment required to finish the project.
Scholarship
This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.
Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of regenerative medicine would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of biological science and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of nanomedicine is highly desirable.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2026. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 September, 2025 30 June, 2025.
You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- Contact Dr Pingping Han (p.han@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.
When you apply
You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.
In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:
- My higher degree is not collaborative
- I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
- UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.