phd aims

PhD Student Goals: Objectives Of A Graduate PhD Program

Embarking on a PhD journey is more than a pursuit of higher education; it’s a transformative experience with specific objectives.

This article delves into the core goals of a PhD student within a graduate program. We explore the multifaceted objectives, from:

• Developing specialised knowledge and research skills,
• Contributing to academic discourse and
• Preparing for future leadership roles.

Understanding these aims not only clarifies the purpose of a PhD program but also helps you to maximise your academic and professional growth during this pivotal stage.

Develop Knowledge And Skills In Research

As a PhD student, you’re in a unique setting where developing research skills is not just a goal but a necessity. In this role, you’re not just a learner but also a budding scholar.

The objective? To not only grasp your chosen area but to contribute to it significantly.

Think of your PhD program as a journey to mastery. You start with a solid knowledge base, but that’s just the beginning. You need to advance this knowledge and apply it in actual research. This is where your ability to conduct research effectively comes into play.

Your dissertation is a major part of this journey. It’s not just a long paper; it’s a demonstration of your capacity to identify a significant research question and answer it.

This process hones your ability to evaluate, collect, and analyse data, whether it’s qualitative or quantitative.

But it’s not all about solitary study. Engaging with the academic community is crucial. As a PhD student, you will regularly:

• Have meetings with your supervisor,
• Presenting at conferences, and c
• Cntributing to journals and publications.

These activities help you communicate your ideas, receive feedback, and fine-tune your research approach.

In the wider world of academia, your role extends beyond the university. You’ll find yourself at conferences, maybe even pursuing grants. These experiences not only enhance your educational journey but also prepare you for future leadership roles in higher education or R&D.

Advance Scientific Knowledge 

As a PhD student, your main aim is to push the boundaries of knowledge in your area of specialisation. You’re not just absorbing existing information; you’re creating new insights.

This means diving deep into uncharted territories of your subject. It’s a challenging but exhilarating part of being in higher education.

Your role as a researcher is to conduct research that’s both significant and original. Take the example of a PhD student in genetics. They might explore unknown aspects of genetic markers in a particular ethnic group, contributing valuable data to the field.

This kind of research not only broadens the knowledge base but can also lead to important discoveries that impact practices.

Your PhD journey involves developing a methodology that suits your research question. This could mean employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. You will spend many time to:

• Collect data,
• Evaluate it, and then
• Communicate your findings through academic papers and conference presentations. 

Develop Role As An Ethical Researcher

Developing as an ethical researcher is a crucial aspect of your PhD journey. It’s about doing research that’s not only innovative but also responsible. You’re not just aiming to graduate; you’re aiming to contribute to academia ethically.

Ethics in research is more than following guidelines. It’s about understanding the impact of your work. Take a PhD student in clinical psychology, for example.

They must ensure their research methods don’t harm participants. This involves obtaining informed consent and protecting their confidentiality.

Your university and faculty play a big role in this learning process. They provide a framework of ethics which you must understand and implement in your work.

This includes regular meetings with your supervisor, where you can discuss ethical dilemmas and solutions. It’s not just about what you research, but how you conduct that research.

As a PhD student, you also learn to evaluate the cultural and social implications of your research. This means being aware of how your findings could affect different:

• Ethnic group,
• Social groups, or
• Stakeholders in the issue you are researching.

It’s a significant part of being a competent and ethical researcher.

Graduate From A PhD Program

Finally, every PhD students’ goal is to actually graduate from the program. Graduating with a PhD degree is more than just an academic achievement; it’s a milestone in your journey as a scholar.

You start as a student with a goal, and through hard work, you emerge as an expert in your field. This journey is not just about earning a title; it’s about becoming a leader in your area of specialisation.

Your dissertation is a key component of this process. It’s where you demonstrate your ability to conduct significant research.

Imagine a PhD student in environmental science, researching sustainable energy solutions. Their thesis not only contributes to their field but also showcases their competence as a researcher.

Regular meetings with your supervisor, presenting at conferences, and publishing papers are steps in this journey. They’re not just tasks; they’re opportunities to hone your skills.

These experiences prepare you to communicate your research effectively, an essential skill for any academic or professional setting.

Learning Objectives Of A PhD Student

A PhD program is a journey of academic and personal growth, with objectives that extend beyond obtaining a degree. It prepares you for a life of inquiry, innovation, and leadership in their chosen fields. 

By mastering research skills, contributing to scholarly discourse, and developing professionally, you set the stage for significant future contributions.

This journey, though challenging, equips you with the tools and mindset necessary for success in academia and beyond, embodying the true essence of scholarly excellence.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

• Log in
• Site search

How to write a successful research proposal

As the competition for PhD places is incredibly fierce, your research proposal can have a strong bearing on the success of your application - so discover how to make the best impression

What is a research proposal?

Research proposals are used to persuade potential supervisors and funders that your work is worthy of their support. These documents set out your proposed research that will result in a Doctoral thesis. They are typically between 1,500 and 3,000 words.

Your PhD research proposal must passionately articulate what you want to research and why, convey your understanding of existing literature, and clearly define at least one research question that could lead to new or original knowledge and how you propose to answer it.

Professor Leigh Wilson, head of the graduate school at the University of Westminster , explains that while the research proposal is about work that hasn't been done yet, what prospective supervisors and funders are focusing on just as strongly is evidence of what you've done.

This includes how well you know existing literature in the area, including very recent publications and debates, and how clearly you've seen what's missing from this and so what your research can do that's new. Giving a strong sense of this background or frame for the proposed work is crucial.

'Although it's tempting to make large claims and propose research that sweeps across time and space, narrower, more focused research is much more convincing,' she adds. 'To be thorough and rigorous in the way that academic work needs to be, even something as long as a PhD thesis can only cover a fairly narrow topic. Depth not breadth is called for.'

The structure of your research proposal is therefore important to achieving this goal, yet it should still retain sufficient flexibility to comfortably accommodate any changes you need to make as your PhD progresses.

Layout and formats vary, so it's advisable to consult your potential PhD supervisor before you begin. Here's what to bear in mind when writing a research proposal.

Your provisional title should be around ten words in length, and clearly and accurately indicate your area of study and/or proposed approach. It should be catchy, informative and interesting.

The title page should also include personal information, such as:

• academic title
• date of birth
• nationality
• contact details.

Aims and objectives

This is a summary of your project. Your aims should be two or three broad statements that emphasise what you want to achieve, complemented by several focused, feasible and measurable objectives - the steps that you'll take to answer each of your research questions.

You'll need to clearly and briefly outline:

• how your research addresses a gap in, or builds upon, existing knowledge
• how your research links to the department that you're applying to
• the academic, cultural, political and/or social significance of your research questions.

Literature review

This section of your PhD proposal discusses the most important theories, models and texts that surround and influence your research questions, conveying your understanding and awareness of the key issues and debates.

It should focus on the theoretical and practical knowledge gaps that your work aims to address, as this ultimately justifies and provides the motivation for your project.

Methodology

Here, you're expected to outline how you'll answer each of your research questions. A strong, well-written methodology is crucial, but especially so if your project involves extensive collection and significant analysis of primary data.

In disciplines such as humanities, the research proposal methodology identifies the data collection and analytical techniques available to you, before justifying the ones you'll use in greater detail. You'll also define the population that you're intending to examine.

You should also show that you're aware of the limitations of your research, qualifying the parameters you plan to introduce. Remember, it's more impressive to do a fantastic job of exploring a narrower topic than a decent job of exploring a wider one.

Concluding or following on from your methodology, your timetable should identify how long you'll need to complete each step - perhaps using bi-weekly or monthly timeslots. This helps the reader to evaluate the feasibility of your project and shows that you've considered how you'll go about putting the PhD proposal into practice.

Bibliography

Finally, you'll provide a list of the most significant texts, plus any attachments such as your academic CV .

Demonstrate your skills in critical reflection by selecting only those resources that are most appropriate.

Final checks

Before submitting this document along with your PhD application, you'll need to ensure that you've adhered to the research proposal format. This means that:

• every page is numbered
• it's professional, interesting and informative
• the research proposal has been proofread by both an experienced academic (to confirm that it conforms to academic standards) and a layperson (to correct any grammatical or spelling errors)
• it has a contents page
• you've used a clear and easy-to-read structure, with appropriate headings.

Research proposal examples

To get a better idea of how your PhD proposal may look, some universities have provided examples of research proposals for specific subjects, including:

• The Open University - Social Policy and Criminology
• Queen's University Belfast - Nursing and Midwifery
• University of Sheffield - Sociological Studies
• University of Sussex
• University of York - Politics
• York St John University

Find out more

• Explore PhD studentships .
• For tips on writing a thesis, see 7 steps to writing a dissertation .
• Consider your PhD, what next?

How would you rate this page?

On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like

• Dislike 1 unhappy-very
• Like 5 happy-very

Thank you for rating the page

Doing a PhD

Discover exactly what you’ll do as a Research Student, what outputs will be expected of you and how you can best approach them.

Key Resources

What Is a PhD Thesis?

Advice on what a PhD thesis is, what a good thesis should look like and important information to include and tips on getting published.

What Is a PhD Literature Review?

Guidance on the PhD literature review and common questions answered: How do you write one? How long should it be? What should you include?

PhD Viva Voces – A Complete Guide

The PhD viva voce is the finale hurdle to your PhD. What should you expect? How do you prepare for it? Read our article to find out.

Supporting Resources

How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis

Writing a good abstract is essential as it may be the only section someone reads about your research. Our guide and examples show how to do this.

Aims and Objectives – A Guide for Academic Writing

Discover the correct way to write aims and objectives for your thesis, dissertation or research project. We share real examples, breakdowns and common mistakes.

PhD Failure Rate – A Study of 26,076 PhD Candidates

We investigated the PhD failure rate across 26,076 PhD students from 14 universities. Read our detailed breakdown to learn what your chances are.

UK Universities – Academic Titles and Hierarchy Explained

Understanding the academic titles and ranking hierarchy of UK universities is fundamental if you want a smooth start to your PhD. Learn more about this here.

Acknowledgements for PhD Thesis and Dissertations – Explained

The acknowledgement section of a thesis or dissertation is where you recognise and thank those who supported you during your PhD; learn more about what this means.

How Long Is a PhD Thesis?

One of the most challenging aspects of a PhD degree is the volume of work that goes into writing your thesis. So this raises the question, exactly how long is a PhD thesis?

How Long Does A PhD Take?

Knowing how long a PhD takes can be enough to sway your decision on whether a PhD is worth it for you. So with that in mind, exactly how long does a PhD take?

Publishing Your First Paper

Publishing your first paper may seem like a difficult task but it doesn’t have to be; here are our 5 tips to help you get started.

How to Read a Journal Article

Learn about the three-pass strategy where you take in more detail on each pass and decide at each stage if there’s enough there for you to spend more time on.

What You Should Expect from Your PhD Supervisor

A good supervisor will act as your mentor. They will not only help you progress through each stage of a PhD but are also a source of information or someone to bounce ideas off.

How to Give a Presentation as A PhD Student

Tips on how to successfully structure, format and deliver a PhD presentation that will impress your audience.

Gain valuable insight from our collection of exclusive interviews with both current and past PhD students. Learn from their best advice, personal challenges and career path after completing their doctorate.

Research Aims, Objectives & Questions

The “Golden Thread” Explained Simply (+ Examples)

By: David Phair (PhD) and Alexandra Shaeffer (PhD) | June 2022

The research aims , objectives and research questions (collectively called the “golden thread”) are arguably the most important thing you need to get right when you’re crafting a research proposal , dissertation or thesis . We receive questions almost every day about this “holy trinity” of research and there’s certainly a lot of confusion out there, so we’ve crafted this post to help you navigate your way through the fog.

Overview: The Golden Thread

• What is the golden thread
• What are research aims ( examples )
• What are research objectives ( examples )
• What are research questions ( examples )
• The importance of alignment in the golden thread

What is the “golden thread”?  

The golden thread simply refers to the collective research aims , research objectives , and research questions for any given project (i.e., a dissertation, thesis, or research paper ). These three elements are bundled together because it’s extremely important that they align with each other, and that the entire research project aligns with them.

Importantly, the golden thread needs to weave its way through the entirety of any research project , from start to end. In other words, it needs to be very clearly defined right at the beginning of the project (the topic ideation and proposal stage) and it needs to inform almost every decision throughout the rest of the project. For example, your research design and methodology will be heavily influenced by the golden thread (we’ll explain this in more detail later), as well as your literature review.

The research aims, objectives and research questions (the golden thread) define the focus and scope ( the delimitations ) of your research project. In other words, they help ringfence your dissertation or thesis to a relatively narrow domain, so that you can “go deep” and really dig into a specific problem or opportunity. They also help keep you on track , as they act as a litmus test for relevance. In other words, if you’re ever unsure whether to include something in your document, simply ask yourself the question, “does this contribute toward my research aims, objectives or questions?”. If it doesn’t, chances are you can drop it.

Alright, enough of the fluffy, conceptual stuff. Let’s get down to business and look at what exactly the research aims, objectives and questions are and outline a few examples to bring these concepts to life.

Research Aims: What are they?

Simply put, the research aim(s) is a statement that reflects the broad overarching goal (s) of the research project. Research aims are fairly high-level (low resolution) as they outline the general direction of the research and what it’s trying to achieve .

Research Aims: Examples  

True to the name, research aims usually start with the wording “this research aims to…”, “this research seeks to…”, and so on. For example:

“This research aims to explore employee experiences of digital transformation in retail HR.”   “This study sets out to assess the interaction between student support and self-care on well-being in engineering graduate students”  

As you can see, these research aims provide a high-level description of what the study is about and what it seeks to achieve. They’re not hyper-specific or action-oriented, but they’re clear about what the study’s focus is and what is being investigated.

Need a helping hand?

Research Objectives: What are they?

The research objectives take the research aims and make them more practical and actionable . In other words, the research objectives showcase the steps that the researcher will take to achieve the research aims.

The research objectives need to be far more specific (higher resolution) and actionable than the research aims. In fact, it’s always a good idea to craft your research objectives using the “SMART” criteria. In other words, they should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound”.

Research Objectives: Examples  

Let’s look at two examples of research objectives. We’ll stick with the topic and research aims we mentioned previously.  

For the digital transformation topic:

To observe the retail HR employees throughout the digital transformation. To assess employee perceptions of digital transformation in retail HR. To identify the barriers and facilitators of digital transformation in retail HR.

And for the student wellness topic:

To determine whether student self-care predicts the well-being score of engineering graduate students. To determine whether student support predicts the well-being score of engineering students. To assess the interaction between student self-care and student support when predicting well-being in engineering graduate students.

  As you can see, these research objectives clearly align with the previously mentioned research aims and effectively translate the low-resolution aims into (comparatively) higher-resolution objectives and action points . They give the research project a clear focus and present something that resembles a research-based “to-do” list.

Research Questions: What are they?

Finally, we arrive at the all-important research questions. The research questions are, as the name suggests, the key questions that your study will seek to answer . Simply put, they are the core purpose of your dissertation, thesis, or research project. You’ll present them at the beginning of your document (either in the introduction chapter or literature review chapter) and you’ll answer them at the end of your document (typically in the discussion and conclusion chapters).  

The research questions will be the driving force throughout the research process. For example, in the literature review chapter, you’ll assess the relevance of any given resource based on whether it helps you move towards answering your research questions. Similarly, your methodology and research design will be heavily influenced by the nature of your research questions. For instance, research questions that are exploratory in nature will usually make use of a qualitative approach, whereas questions that relate to measurement or relationship testing will make use of a quantitative approach.  

Let’s look at some examples of research questions to make this more tangible.

Research Questions: Examples  

Again, we’ll stick with the research aims and research objectives we mentioned previously.  

For the digital transformation topic (which would be qualitative in nature):

How do employees perceive digital transformation in retail HR? What are the barriers and facilitators of digital transformation in retail HR?  

And for the student wellness topic (which would be quantitative in nature):

Does student self-care predict the well-being scores of engineering graduate students? Does student support predict the well-being scores of engineering students? Do student self-care and student support interact when predicting well-being in engineering graduate students?  

You’ll probably notice that there’s quite a formulaic approach to this. In other words, the research questions are basically the research objectives “converted” into question format. While that is true most of the time, it’s not always the case. For example, the first research objective for the digital transformation topic was more or less a step on the path toward the other objectives, and as such, it didn’t warrant its own research question.  

So, don’t rush your research questions and sloppily reword your objectives as questions. Carefully think about what exactly you’re trying to achieve (i.e. your research aim) and the objectives you’ve set out, then craft a set of well-aligned research questions . Also, keep in mind that this can be a somewhat iterative process , where you go back and tweak research objectives and aims to ensure tight alignment throughout the golden thread.

The importance of strong alignment 

Alignment is the keyword here and we have to stress its importance . Simply put, you need to make sure that there is a very tight alignment between all three pieces of the golden thread. If your research aims and research questions don’t align, for example, your project will be pulling in different directions and will lack focus . This is a common problem students face and can cause many headaches (and tears), so be warned.

Take the time to carefully craft your research aims, objectives and research questions before you run off down the research path. Ideally, get your research supervisor/advisor to review and comment on your golden thread before you invest significant time into your project, and certainly before you start collecting data .  

Recap: The golden thread

In this post, we unpacked the golden thread of research, consisting of the research aims , research objectives and research questions . You can jump back to any section using the links below.

As always, feel free to leave a comment below – we always love to hear from you. Also, if you’re interested in 1-on-1 support, take a look at our private coaching service here.

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

41 Comments

Thank you very much for your great effort put. As an Undergraduate taking Demographic Research & Methodology, I’ve been trying so hard to understand clearly what is a Research Question, Research Aim and the Objectives in a research and the relationship between them etc. But as for now I’m thankful that you’ve solved my problem.

Well appreciated. This has helped me greatly in doing my dissertation.

An so delighted with this wonderful information thank you a lot.

so impressive i have benefited a lot looking forward to learn more on research.

I am very happy to have carefully gone through this well researched article.

Infact,I used to be phobia about anything research, because of my poor understanding of the concepts.

Now,I get to know that my research question is the same as my research objective(s) rephrased in question format.

I please I would need a follow up on the subject,as I intends to join the team of researchers. Thanks once again.

Thanks so much. This was really helpful.

I know you pepole have tried to break things into more understandable and easy format. And God bless you. Keep it up

i found this document so useful towards my study in research methods. thanks so much.

This is my 2nd read topic in your course and I should commend the simplified explanations of each part. I’m beginning to understand and absorb the use of each part of a dissertation/thesis. I’ll keep on reading your free course and might be able to avail the training course! Kudos!

Thank you! Better put that my lecture and helped to easily understand the basics which I feel often get brushed over when beginning dissertation work.

This is quite helpful. I like how the Golden thread has been explained and the needed alignment.

This is quite helpful. I really appreciate!

The article made it simple for researcher students to differentiate between three concepts.

Very innovative and educational in approach to conducting research.

I am very impressed with all these terminology, as I am a fresh student for post graduate, I am highly guided and I promised to continue making consultation when the need arise. Thanks a lot.

A very helpful piece. thanks, I really appreciate it .

Very well explained, and it might be helpful to many people like me.

Wish i had found this (and other) resource(s) at the beginning of my PhD journey… not in my writing up year… 😩 Anyways… just a quick question as i’m having some issues ordering my “golden thread”…. does it matter in what order you mention them? i.e., is it always first aims, then objectives, and finally the questions? or can you first mention the research questions and then the aims and objectives?

Thank you for a very simple explanation that builds upon the concepts in a very logical manner. Just prior to this, I read the research hypothesis article, which was equally very good. This met my primary objective.

My secondary objective was to understand the difference between research questions and research hypothesis, and in which context to use which one. However, I am still not clear on this. Can you kindly please guide?

In research, a research question is a clear and specific inquiry that the researcher wants to answer, while a research hypothesis is a tentative statement or prediction about the relationship between variables or the expected outcome of the study. Research questions are broader and guide the overall study, while hypotheses are specific and testable statements used in quantitative research. Research questions identify the problem, while hypotheses provide a focus for testing in the study.

Exactly what I need in this research journey, I look forward to more of your coaching videos.

This helped a lot. Thanks so much for the effort put into explaining it.

What data source in writing dissertation/Thesis requires?

What is data source covers when writing dessertation/thesis

This is quite useful thanks

I’m excited and thankful. I got so much value which will help me progress in my thesis.

where are the locations of the reserch statement, research objective and research question in a reserach paper? Can you write an ouline that defines their places in the researh paper?

Very helpful and important tips on Aims, Objectives and Questions.

Thank you so much for making research aim, research objectives and research question so clear. This will be helpful to me as i continue with my thesis.

Thanks much for this content. I learned a lot. And I am inspired to learn more. I am still struggling with my preparation for dissertation outline/proposal. But I consistently follow contents and tutorials and the new FB of GRAD Coach. Hope to really become confident in writing my dissertation and successfully defend it.

As a researcher and lecturer, I find splitting research goals into research aims, objectives, and questions is unnecessarily bureaucratic and confusing for students. For most biomedical research projects, including ‘real research’, 1-3 research questions will suffice (numbers may differ by discipline).

Awesome! Very important resources and presented in an informative way to easily understand the golden thread. Indeed, thank you so much.

Well explained

The blog article on research aims, objectives, and questions by Grad Coach is a clear and insightful guide that aligns with my experiences in academic research. The article effectively breaks down the often complex concepts of research aims and objectives, providing a straightforward and accessible explanation. Drawing from my own research endeavors, I appreciate the practical tips offered, such as the need for specificity and clarity when formulating research questions. The article serves as a valuable resource for students and researchers, offering a concise roadmap for crafting well-defined research goals and objectives. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced researcher, this article provides practical insights that contribute to the foundational aspects of a successful research endeavor.

A great thanks for you. it is really amazing explanation. I grasp a lot and one step up to research knowledge.

I really found these tips helpful. Thank you very much Grad Coach.

I found this article helpful. Thanks for sharing this.

thank you so much, the explanation and examples are really helpful

This is a well researched and superbly written article for learners of research methods at all levels in the research topic from conceptualization to research findings and conclusions. I highly recommend this material to university graduate students. As an instructor of advanced research methods for PhD students, I have confirmed that I was giving the right guidelines for the degree they are undertaking.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

How to plan, structure and write every chapter in your PhD

In this collection, we’ll walk you through each chapter of your thesis. You’ll learn what goes where and how it fits together. 

The PhD Discussion Chapter: What It Is & How To Write It

  Your PhD discussion chapter is your thesis's intellectual epicenter. Think of it as the scholarly equivalent of a courtroom closing argument, where you summarise the evidence and make your case. Perhaps that’s why it’s so tricky - the skills you need in your...

Everything you wanted to know about structuring your PhD but were too afraid to ask

Understanding how to structure your PhD is tough. It helps to break it down into four distinct sections. In this guide, we explain how.

How to find the thread that runs through your PhD thesis

You probably worry about finding the thread that runs through the PhD thesis. In this guide we walk you through what’s required.

How to edit a PhD thesis (without going mad)

Your thesis takes a lot of time to research, ideate, and write. Here’s how to properly edit a PhD thesis such that you impress your examiners and achieve even greater success.

The 9 most effective ways to achieve PhD success

  Writing a PhD is physically, intellectually and emotionally daunting. You may spend each day doubting yourself, not sure if you’re making the right choices and unsure whether you’ve got what it takes. During my life, I’ve helped thousands of PhD students like...

How To Structure A PhD Thesis

Struggling to understand what goes where? Let us walk you through a non-nonsense guide that’ll teach you how to structure a PhD thesis.

The difference between empirical and discussion chapters (and how to write them)

There is a very important distinction that needs to be made between the empirical and discussion sections/chapters. It is a common misconception that the empirical chapters are the place for your analysis. Often this confuses the reader.

Five tips to improve your PhD thesis

Regardless of what stage of the writing process you are at, there are five overarching tips you need to keep in mind if you want to improve your PhD thesis.

What are you doing and how are you doing it? Articulating your aims and objectives.

How long does it take the person reading your thesis to understand what you’re doing and how you’re doing it? If the answer is anything other than ’in the the opening lines of the thesis’, keep reading.

Learn how to write a PhD proposal that will stand out from the rest

When stripped down to its basic components, the PhD proposal explains the what and the why of your research. What it will be about and why it will be important.

Easily understand how to write a PhD thesis introduction

Get the introduction right and the rest of your dissertation will follow. Mess it up and you’ll be struggling to catch up. The introduction is the place to factually recount what it is you will be discussing in the thesis. Learn more in this detailed guide.

Last impressions count – writing your PhD thesis conclusion

The conclusion is the last thing your examiner will read before they write their viva report. You need to make sure it stands out.

What is a dissertation abstract and how do I write one for my PhD?

Don’t underestimate how hard it is to write a PhD thesis abstract. When I wrote mine I though it’d be straightforward. Far from it. It’s tricky. You have to condense hundred of pages and years of work into a few hundred words.

Russian (dolls) to the rescue – how to structure an argument in your PhD

At the core of the PhD are arguments. Lots of them. Some more important and some very specific. When you understand how to structure an argument, your thesis reads clearly and logically. If you don’t the reader ends up confused and your thesis suffers.

Drowning in a sea of authors – How to be critical in a PhD literature review.

Don’t get lost in a sea of authors when you write your PhD literature review. Instead be critical. In this guide we explain how.

Wrestling an elephant into a cupboard: how to write a PhD literature review in nine easy steps

When I was writing my PhD I hated the literature review. I was scared of it. I thought it would be impossible to grapple. So much so that it used to keep me up at night. Now I know how easy it can be and I’m sharing my top tips with you today.

A Template To Help You Structure Your PhD’s Theoretical Framework Chapter

In this guide, I explain how to use the theory framework template. The focus is on the practical things to consider when you’re working with the template and how you can give your theory framework the rockstar treatment.

How To Structure A PhD With Our PhD Writing Template

Our PhD Writing Template allows you to visualise your PhD on one page. Here we explain how to fill it in and how it can help you structure each chapter.

Eureka! When I learnt how to write a theoretical framework

The theoretical framework is so important, but so misunderstood. Here we explain it is in simple terms: as a toolbox.

Explore Other PhD Knowledge Base Collections

Eight collections of free resources to help you along the phd journey.

Mastering your theory and literature review chapters

How to structure and write every chapter of the PhD

How to stay motivated and productive

Techniques to improve your writing and fluency

Advice on maintaining good mental health

Resources designed for non-native English speakers

Explore our back-catalogue of motivational advice

Each week we send out a short, motivational email to over 4,000 students. Here you can sign up and access the archive.

A free one-page PhD structure template

• Personal Statements for PhD Study

Written by Mark Bennett

Universities often ask prospective students to provide a personal statement for PhD study. This is likely to be a key part of your PhD application .

Whereas your research proposal explains the potential of your project, your personal statement (also known as a PhD statement of purpose) demonstrates your suitability for doctoral work in general.

Writing a PhD personal statement can seem challenging, but it’s also a valuable opportunity to state what you have to offer and ‘sell yourself’ as a PhD candidate.

This page explains how to write a PhD personal statement, including suggestions for an effective structure and some additional tips for success.

Pick the right programme for you

There are lots of choices, let us help you to make the right one. Sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest advice and guidance from our team of experts.

On this page

What is a phd statement for.

A personal statement provides additional information on a PhD applicant’s academic background, relevant experience and motivations for undertaking postgraduate research.

It is different from a PhD proposal, which outlines a particular research topic, explaining its aims, methodology and scholarly or scientific value.

Put simply, if a PhD is a unique individual project (and it is) then your personal statement shows that you’re the kind of unique individual who can complete one.

The form it takes can vary. Universities may include a space for a personal statement in their application materials, or they might ask you to submit it as a separate document or in place of a covering letter . Make sure you check what’s required before you start writing.

Will I have to write a personal statement for a PhD programme?

Not necessarily. Some PhD applications don’t actually ask for a separate personal statement. This may be because the admissions tutors want to focus on your research proposal instead (and leave other details for interview questions ).

A personal statement is very likely to be requested if you you’re applying to an advertised project with pre-defined aims and objectives (and aren’t submitting your own PhD proposal). If so, it will be your main chance to say why you’re the best student for this position.

Who will read it?

Your PhD statement may end up being read and considered by various people:

• Admissions tutors will check that you have relevant experience and qualifications for this programme and that these are up to the standard expected of a PhD candidate.
• Potential supervisors will be interested in your specific academic background as well as your motivations for working in their department or research group.
• Interview panellists (who may include admissions tutors and supervisors) will probably consult your personal statement when preparing questions for you .

These people will be interested in slightly different things, but don’t worry: a good statement should be able to satisfy all of them.

What is a PhD statement of purpose?

If you’re applying for a PhD programme at an American grad school , you may be asked to provide a ‘PhD statement of purpose’.

A PhD statement of purpose (SOP) is your chance to demonstrate that you’re an ideal fit for the grad school in question.

It’s essentially the equivalent of a personal statement, but you should check the application details for your preferred institution to make sure you’re covering everything you need to. Always follow the conventions of the country that your prospective programme is in.

What should my PhD personal statement include?

The exact content of your PhD statement of purpose will depend on the kind of project you’re applying for and the requirements set by your university.

You should check the latter carefully. If the admission guidelines ask for your personal statement to refer to specific details (such as motivations, career goals, your choice of university, etc) make sure it does.

In general, your PhD statement should cover the following topics:

1. What is your background?

Keep this relevant (and fairly brief). Admissions tutors and supervisors will be interested in what’s brought you to choose a PhD, but they won’t need to know your life story (and you won’t have time to tell it to them).

If your interest in your subject was inspired in childhood, feel free to say so. But focus on the interest, not the childhood.

2. Why do you want to research this topic?

Every personal statement needs to explain your motivation for taking on a PhD, but what you include here will depend on the kind of PhD you want to take on.

If you’re also submitting a separate research proposal you should probably focus more on why you want to research a PhD than the specific topic you’re proposing to research (that, after all, is what your research proposal is for).

If you’re applying for an advertised project (and not proposing your own research) you should say something about your interest in that PhD: what interests you about it and what you can bring to it.

3. What academic experience do you have?

Your personal statement isn’t a CV, so avoid simply listing qualifications you’ve detailed elsewhere in your application (on your CV , for example).

But your personal statement is a chance to comment on your CV and explain the significance of those qualifications for your PhD application. This is vital if you want to stand out from the crowd.

Most PhD applicants are academically excellent. Be proud of your own results, but explain what those degrees (including specific units and dissertation projects) taught you about the subject you now want to research.

4. What extra-curricular experience do you have?

Another way to build upon your academic qualifications is to include other experience that has also demonstrated (or developed) relevant skills for your PhD.

Again, relevance is key. You may also wish to include one or two examples of your wider experience and achievements, but the focus should be on your suitability for PhD study.

Examples of your character and qualities may be relevant for some projects – particularly those with a charitable focus, human-interest angle or clear social benefits / outcomes. Otherwise, try to stick to relevant skills such as organisation, independent project management, self-motivation, etc.

5. What are your broader goals and motivations?

It’s a good idea to say something about how this PhD fits into your wider aims and career goals.

The specifics of what you plan to do after your doctorate may not matter to your admissions tutors, but the fact that you have plans and can show that a PhD fits them demonstrates that you’ve thought seriously about a doctorate and are likely to commit to overcoming the challenges it involves.

6. Are there any other areas or issues arising from your CV?

Your personal statement is a great opportunity to expand upon your CV.

That could mean providing more detail about academic degrees (as above). But it can also mean explaining any gaps or irregularities and anticipating some of the questions they might raise.

Perhaps you didn’t do as well as you hoped on your undergraduate degree, but went on to find your niche and succeed with a more specialised Masters. It’s OK to acknowledge and explain that if so – particularly if your Masters relates closely to your PhD.

Similarly, if there’s a gap in your CV, it’s better to explain it than leave any begged questions – particularly if there’s a perfectly good reason why you weren’t working or studying at that point.

How to write a PhD personal statement

Crafting a good PhD personal statement requires discipline and planning.

Writing about yourself may not seem particularly hard, but selecting, sequencing and organising your material can be harder than it seems. You know a lot about you, after all, but you only have so much time and space. Speaking of which:

How long should a PhD personal statement be?

A PhD personal statement should be 400-500 words, fitting on one side of an A4 sheet of paper. Your university may set a specific word count or maximum length, so make sure to check the application details.

Either way, you should aim to be disciplined and concise. There are two reasons for this:

One is that the ability to think – and express yourself – clearly is a key PhD skill in all subject areas. There’s no harm in demonstrating it now.

The other is that admissions tutors and prospective supervisors are people. People who may well have a lot of personal statements and applications to assess, besides yours. If you give them a long essay to read, they might not.

How should I structure my statement?

The sequence above actually provides a good ‘spine’ for a personal statement (with roughly a paragraph or two for each section):

Start with a quick introduction, explaining who you are and what your background is. Try to have this progress naturally into your research interests and your choice of PhD and university.

From there you can move on, logically, to expanding on your skills and experience and how these make you a good fit for the PhD in question. If you wish to comment on other areas of your CV, do so at appropriate points here.

Finally, you can conclude with a section on your longer-term goals and aspirations.

What writing style should I use?

The ‘personal’ aspect of your statement should extend to its content (it’s a document about you) but not necessarily to its tone (it’s also a professional document, part of an application for a specific role).

That doesn’t mean you can’t express yourself (your reader will want to see that you’re passionate about your subject and enthusiastic about PhD research) but keep things professional and relevant.

These guidelines should also extend to way you write. Try to stick to short sentences and express yourself with clarity and precision. After all, a personal statement that’s easy to read is more likely to be read.

What extra-curricular experience do you have?

What are your broader goals and motivations, are there any other areas or issues arising from your cv, learn more about phd applications.

There are several components of a PhD application , besides your personal statement or statement of purpose. Our guides cover references , research proposals , academic CVs , cover letters and more.

Tips for writing your PhD personal statement

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice.

Some of the ingredients for a great PhD statement vary from project to project and from student to student (it’s a personal statement, after all).

But the following general tips are still worth bearing in mind:

• Keep it relevant – Remember that this is a statement about you as a potential PhD student, not just a statement about you.
• Don’t duplicate your research proposal – A personal statement and a research proposal are two separate things. If you’re submitting both, make sure they cover different (and appropriate) ground.
• Be honest – If you’re lucky, the content of your personal statement could end up informing questions at your PhD interview . Don’t let embellishments or inaccuracies turn those into awkward questions.
• Look for guidelines – If your university asks you to cover something specific in your proposal, make sure you do so. The same applies to space limits or word counts.
• Think of the statement as a beginning, not an end – Resist the temptation to include everything, ‘just in case’. By focussing on the most important elements you’ll improve the clarity of your statement and increase your chance of covering other details at your interview.
• Address questions arising from elsewhere – If there’s a gap in your CV or an issue with one of your references, your personal statement can be an opportunity to (briefly) explain that.
• State, don’t plead - This isn’t a letter asking to be given a PhD place. It’s a statement showing why you should be given a PhD place. That’s even more important if there’s funding involved.
• Be confident – By the same token, don’t be afraid to demonstrate self-belief. Express your skills and achievements honestly, but be proud of what they represent.

Finally, before you submit your statement (and the rest of your PhD application ) ask someone who knows you to read it. They could be a friend, an employer, a current tutor or even one of your referees .

Either way, they’ll have a fresh perspective on your statement and will be able to tell you if it makes sense and comes across effectively. If they know you (and your work) well enough they may also be able to spot any details you’ve missed, or suggest ways to improve what you have included.

Ready to apply for a PhD?

Head over to our course search to find PhD opportunities and get in contact with universities.

You may also like...

We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Getting ready to apply for a PhD? Our guides explain research proposals, references and entry tests for doctoral programmes.

Understand what a successful PhD research proposal needs to include and how to go about writing one for your project application.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

A checklist of the things you'll need to do when making an international PhD application, from meeting the entry requirements to sorting out your visa.

What documents you need for a complete study abroad application, what they are and what they should and should not include.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Research Voyage

Research Tips and Infromation

How to Write Aims and Objectives for your Dissertation or Thesis?

Introduction

Understanding aims and objectives, crafting aims, break it down into objectives, developing specific objectives, align with research questions, consider feasibility, review and refine, seek feedback, documenting aims and objectives.

In a PhD or Post Graduate dissertation, the aims and objectives play a crucial role in shaping the research process and ensuring focus. They provide a clear roadmap for your study and serve as the guiding principles that steer your research in the right direction.

Aims represent the broader purpose or the overarching goal of your research. They define what you want to achieve with your dissertation. For example, let’s say you’re conducting a study on renewable energy sources. Your aim could be to analyze the economic viability and environmental impact of solar energy adoption in residential areas.

Objectives, on the other hand, break down the aim into specific, measurable, and achievable targets that help you accomplish your research goal. They outline the specific steps or tasks you need to undertake to fulfill the aim. Continuing with the previous example, some objectives could be:

• Evaluate the current state of solar energy technologies and their efficiency.
• Assess the economic costs and benefits associated with the installation of solar panels in residential areas.
• Analyze the environmental impact of solar energy adoption in terms of carbon emissions reduction.
• Investigate the potential barriers to the widespread adoption of solar energy in residential communities.
• Develop recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to promote the use of solar energy in residential areas.

These objectives, when combined, address different aspects related to the aim of analyzing the economic viability and environmental impact of solar energy adoption. Each objective guides a specific aspect of the research and contributes to answering the research questions.

By having clear aims and objectives, you establish a solid framework for your study. They help you stay focused on the main purpose of your research and prevent you from getting sidetracked or overwhelmed by tangential topics. Moreover, they provide clarity to both you and your readers, ensuring that your research remains coherent and well-structured.

In summary, clear aims and objectives are instrumental in guiding the research process of a PhD dissertation. They provide a roadmap, define the research goal, and break it down into specific targets. Through the example provided, it is evident how aims and objectives bring focus to a study on renewable energy sources and solar energy adoption in residential areas.

If you are in paucity of time, not confident of your writing skills and in a hurry to complete the writing task then you can think of hiring a research consultant that solves all your problems. Please visit my article on Hiring a Research consultant for your PhD tasks for further details.

Aims and objectives play a crucial role in guiding research projects. It’s important to define these terms and differentiate between them to ensure a clear focus in your work.

Aims represent the broader purpose or goal of your study. They define what you aim to achieve through your research project. Aims provide the overarching context and direction for your work, guiding the selection of topics, methodologies, and outcomes.

Example: Suppose you’re working on a PhD dissertation in computer science with a focus on natural language processing. Your aim could be: “To develop an efficient and accurate algorithm for sentiment analysis in social media data.”

In this example, the aim highlights the objective of creating an algorithm specifically for sentiment analysis in social media data, indicating the main objective of your research.

Objectives break down the aim into specific, measurable, and achievable targets that contribute to achieving the overall goal. They are more focused and concrete than aims, outlining the steps or tasks necessary to fulfill the aim. Objectives serve as the building blocks of your research, guiding the implementation and evaluation of your work.

Example: Continuing with the previous aim, let’s define some specific objectives:

• Collect and preprocess a large dataset of social media posts for sentiment analysis.
• Explore and compare existing sentiment analysis techniques to identify their limitations and strengths.
• Design and develop a novel algorithm that addresses the limitations of current approaches.
• Implement the algorithm and evaluate its performance on the collected dataset.
• Analyze the results and compare them with existing state-of-the-art sentiment analysis methods.

These objectives, when combined, address different aspects necessary to fulfill the aim of developing an efficient and accurate sentiment analysis algorithm for social media data. Each objective represents a specific task or milestone that contributes to the overall research goal.

The relationship between aims and objectives is critical in driving research. Objectives are derived from the aim and provide the means to accomplish it. They act as stepping stones, guiding the researcher towards achieving the broader aim.

In summary, aims provide the broader context and goal, while objectives break down the aim into specific tasks and milestones. Together, they ensure focus and direction in your research, guiding the selection of topics, methodologies, and outcomes. The objectives serve as the means to achieve the overall aim, highlighting the relationship between aims and objectives in driving research in the computer science domain.

Formulating the overarching aim of your research is a crucial step in defining the direction and purpose of your dissertation. The aim represents the primary goal or intention of your study, and crafting it effectively is essential for setting the foundation of your research.

Research Topic: Enhancing cybersecurity in cloud computing environments.

In this example, the aim focuses on improving cybersecurity in the context of cloud computing. The aim should be formulated in a concise and focused manner that aligns with the research topic. Here’s an example of how the aim could be crafted effectively:

Aim: Develop an efficient and robust security framework for ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability in cloud computing environments.

The above aim encapsulates the overall goal of the research, which is to develop a security framework for enhancing cybersecurity in cloud computing. It clearly states the intention to address key aspects such as data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The aim is concise, specific, and directly aligned with the research topic.

The significance of a well-defined aim cannot be overstated. It serves as a guiding beacon throughout your research journey, providing a clear direction and purpose. A well-crafted aim helps you stay focused and ensures that your efforts are aligned with the research’s core objectives. It also helps you communicate the purpose of your study to others, including your advisor, peers, and potential readers of your dissertation.

Additionally, an effective aim sets the stage for the subsequent development of specific objectives and research questions. It serves as a foundation upon which you can break down the aim into smaller, manageable objectives that contribute to achieving the overall research goal. Each objective should align with the aim and work together harmoniously to address the research questions and gaps in the field.

Moreover, a concise and aligned aim allows readers to quickly grasp the essence of your research. It provides them with a clear understanding of the research’s scope and purpose. By stating the aim concisely and aligning it with the research topic, you demonstrate your ability to articulate the core objective of your study in a succinct manner.

In summary, crafting effective aims involves formulating the overarching goal or intention of your research in a concise and focused manner. A well-defined aim sets the direction for your dissertation, guiding your efforts and ensuring alignment with the research topic. It serves as a foundation for the development of specific objectives and research questions. By presenting a clear and aligned aim, you convey the purpose of your study to others and demonstrate your ability to articulate the core objective of your research.

After defining the aim of your research, it’s important to break it down into smaller, manageable objectives. These objectives should address key research questions or subtopics that are necessary to achieve the overall aim. Additionally, objectives should be specific, measurable, and utilize action verbs to describe the intended actions or achievements.

Example: Suppose the aim of your research is to develop a recommendation system for an e-commerce platform. Here are some examples of specific objectives:

• Action Verbs: Analyze, Identify
• Description: Gather and analyze user preferences and historical data from the e-commerce platform to identify patterns in user behavior and item preferences.
• Action Verbs: Design, Implement
• Description: Develop and implement collaborative filtering algorithms, such as user-based or item-based methods, to generate personalized recommendations based on user similarities or item similarities.
• Action Verbs: Incorporate
• Description: Integrate machine learning techniques, such as matrix factorization or deep learning models, into the recommendation system to improve the accuracy and personalization of the recommendations.
• Action Verbs: Evaluate
• Description: Conduct experiments and evaluate the performance of the recommendation system using appropriate evaluation metrics, such as precision, recall, or mean average precision, to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the system.
• Action Verbs: Optimize
• Description: Identify and implement optimization techniques, such as parallel computing or distributed systems, to enhance the scalability and efficiency of the recommendation algorithm, allowing it to handle large-scale datasets and real-time recommendations.

By breaking down the aim into these specific objectives, you address key components of developing a recommendation system, such as data analysis, algorithm design, evaluation, and optimization. Each objective represents a distinct step that contributes to achieving the overall aim.

Importantly, these objectives are specific and measurable, allowing you to determine whether you have successfully achieved them. For instance, you can measure the accuracy of the recommendation system, evaluate its performance against baseline models, or assess its scalability in terms of handling large datasets.

In summary, when conducting research, breaking down the aim into specific objectives helps in managing the workload and providing a clear roadmap for your research. These objectives should address key research questions or subtopics, be specific and measurable, and use action verbs to describe the intended actions or achievements. By following this approach, you can ensure a systematic and focused research process.

To develop specific objectives for your research, you need to break down the overarching aim into smaller, measurable objectives. These objectives should be clear, specific, and actionable, providing a roadmap for your research and guiding the entire research process.

Aim: Develop a machine learning-based system for automated sentiment analysis in social media data.

Objective 1: Conduct a comprehensive literature review on existing sentiment analysis techniques and methodologies.

• Breakdown: This objective focuses on reviewing the literature in the field of sentiment analysis, specifically examining the various techniques and methodologies that have been developed and applied. It involves gathering and analyzing research papers, books, and other relevant sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing knowledge in sentiment analysis.

Objective 2: Collect a large dataset of social media posts for training and evaluation.

• Breakdown: This objective entails the collection of a substantial amount of social media data that will be used as input for training and evaluating the machine learning model. It involves designing data collection mechanisms, such as web scraping or utilizing available APIs, to gather a diverse set of social media posts from platforms like Twitter or Facebook.

Objective 3: Design and implement a machine learning algorithm capable of accurately detecting sentiment polarity in social media text.

• Breakdown: This objective focuses on the development of a machine learning algorithm tailored for sentiment analysis in social media text. It involves designing and implementing the necessary algorithms, selecting appropriate feature representations, and training a model to accurately classify sentiment polarity (positive, negative, or neutral) of social media posts.

Objective 4: Evaluate the performance of the developed sentiment analysis system against benchmark datasets and compare it with existing state-of-the-art approaches.

• Breakdown: This objective involves assessing the performance of the developed sentiment analysis system by evaluating it against established benchmark datasets. It requires selecting appropriate evaluation metrics and comparing the system’s performance with existing state-of-the-art approaches in sentiment analysis, such as accuracy, precision, recall, or F1 score.

The importance of clear, specific objectives cannot be overstated. These objectives provide a clear roadmap and direction for your research, guiding your efforts and ensuring that you stay on track. They help you structure your research activities, allocate resources effectively, and measure progress along the way.

Using action verbs to articulate objectives effectively is another crucial aspect. Action verbs convey specific actions or achievements that need to be accomplished. They provide clarity and precision, leaving no room for ambiguity. For example:

By using action verbs, you explicitly state what needs to be done or achieved in each objective, making it easier to track progress and assess the completion of objectives.

In summary, developing specific objectives involves breaking down the overarching aim into smaller, measurable objectives. Clear and specific objectives provide a roadmap for your research and guide the entire research process. By using action verbs, you articulate objectives effectively, leaving no room for ambiguity. These objectives help structure your research activities, allocate resources effectively, and measure progress, ultimately leading to the successful completion of your research.

When formulating objectives for your research, it is essential to ensure that they align with the research questions you have formulated. Each objective should contribute to addressing or answering a specific research question, creating a cohesive and focused research framework.

Example: Suppose your research in computer science focuses on developing an automated system for detecting and preventing cybersecurity threats. Here are examples of objectives aligned with research questions:

Research Question: How can machine learning algorithms be utilized to detect and mitigate cybersecurity threats effectively?

Objective 1: Evaluate and compare different machine learning algorithms for cybersecurity threat detection.

• Description: Explore and assess various machine learning algorithms, such as decision trees, random forests, or neural networks, to identify the most suitable approach for detecting cybersecurity threats accurately and efficiently.

Objective 2: Develop a dataset representative of diverse cybersecurity threats.

• Description: Create a comprehensive dataset containing various types of cybersecurity threats, including malware, phishing attacks, and network intrusions, to train and evaluate the machine learning models effectively.

Research Question: What are the key challenges and vulnerabilities in existing cybersecurity systems that need to be addressed?

Objective 3: Conduct a systematic analysis of existing cybersecurity systems and identify vulnerabilities.

• Description: Analyze and evaluate existing cybersecurity systems, such as intrusion detection systems or antivirus software, to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential areas of improvement that can inform the development of a more robust automated system.

Objective 4: Propose novel techniques to enhance the resilience of the cybersecurity system.

• Description: Develop innovative approaches, such as anomaly detection algorithms or behavior-based analysis techniques, to enhance the resilience of the automated cybersecurity system and address the identified vulnerabilities.

By aligning the objectives with the research questions, you ensure that each objective contributes to addressing a specific aspect of your research. For example, Objective 1 directly addresses the research question regarding the utilization of machine learning algorithms for cybersecurity threat detection. Objective 3 focuses on analyzing existing systems to identify vulnerabilities, which is in line with the question about challenges and vulnerabilities in existing cybersecurity systems.

The alignment between research questions and objectives helps maintain a clear focus on the research objectives and ensures that your efforts are directed towards addressing the research questions. It also enhances the coherence of your research, as each objective becomes a stepping stone towards answering the research questions and achieving the overall aim of your study.

In summary, aligning objectives with research questions is crucial in research. It ensures that each objective contributes to answering or addressing a specific research question, creating a logical and cohesive framework for your study. By establishing this alignment, you can maintain a clear focus on the research objectives and make meaningful contributions to the field.

When setting objectives for your research, it is important to consider their feasibility. Feasibility refers to the realistic achievability of your objectives within the scope of your PhD research, taking into account available resources, time constraints, and other practical limitations.

Example: Suppose your research focuses on developing a new algorithm for real-time video processing and analysis. Here are examples of objectives that consider feasibility:

Objective 1: Implement the real-time video processing algorithm on a high-performance computing cluster.

• Feasibility Considerations: Before setting this objective, assess whether you have access to a high-performance computing cluster and the necessary resources (e.g., hardware, software, computational power) to support the implementation and testing of the algorithm. If such resources are available within your research environment or institution, this objective is feasible.

Objective 2: Collect and annotate a large-scale video dataset for algorithm training and evaluation.

• Feasibility Considerations: Consider the practical aspects of collecting and annotating a large-scale video dataset. Evaluate the time, manpower, and equipment required for this task. Assess whether you have access to the necessary resources (e.g., cameras, storage, annotation tools) and the capability to manage and process such a dataset. If these resources and capabilities are available within your research context, this objective is feasible.

Objective 3: Collaborate with industry partners to obtain real-world video data for testing and validation.

• Feasibility Considerations: Evaluate the feasibility of establishing collaborations with industry partners to obtain real-world video data. Consider factors such as data sharing agreements, legal and privacy considerations, and the willingness of industry partners to provide access to their data. Assess the potential challenges and limitations that may arise during this collaboration process. If such collaborations are feasible and can be established within the constraints of your research, this objective is feasible.

By considering feasibility, you ensure that your objectives are realistically achievable within the resources, time, and other constraints of your PhD research. It helps you avoid setting objectives that are too ambitious or beyond the scope of what you can reasonably accomplish.

Feasibility assessment is crucial in ensuring the successful completion of your research project. It allows you to allocate resources effectively, manage your time, and avoid potential pitfalls or setbacks that could hinder your progress. By setting feasible objectives, you can maintain a practical and manageable research plan that is more likely to lead to meaningful outcomes within the given constraints.

In summary, considering feasibility when setting objectives in computer science research is essential. Assess the available resources, time constraints, and practical limitations to ensure that your objectives are realistically achievable within the scope of your PhD research. By doing so, you can plan and execute your research effectively, making the most of the resources at your disposal and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Once you have defined your aims and objectives for your research, it’s important to review and refine them to ensure clarity, coherence, and logical flow. This step allows you to make any necessary revisions to ensure that your aims and objectives accurately reflect the scope and purpose of your research.

Example: Suppose your research in computer science focuses on developing a mobile application for enhancing cybersecurity awareness among smartphone users. Here’s an example of reviewing and refining aims and objectives:

Aim: Develop a mobile application for enhancing cybersecurity awareness among smartphone users.

Objective 1: Conduct a comprehensive literature review on cybersecurity awareness strategies and mobile application design principles.

• Review and Refinement: Upon review, you find that the objective is clear and aligned with the aim. However, you decide to refine it to include specific aspects you intend to cover in the literature review, such as user education techniques, persuasive design elements, and existing cybersecurity awareness mobile applications.

Objective 2: Design and develop a user-friendly mobile application prototype that delivers educational content and interactive features.

• Review and Refinement: During the review, you realize that the objective lacks specificity regarding the educational content and interactive features. You refine it to explicitly mention the inclusion of topics like phishing prevention, password management, and interactive quizzes to reinforce learning.

Objective 3: Conduct usability testing and collect feedback from potential users to evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile application.

• Review and Refinement: While reviewing, you realize that the objective could benefit from additional information. You refine it to include details such as the target user group (e.g., smartphone users aged 18-35), the number of participants you plan to involve in the usability testing, and the specific metrics you will use to evaluate the effectiveness of the application.

By reviewing and refining your aims and objectives, you ensure that they accurately capture the scope and purpose of your research. It helps you identify any gaps, ambiguities, or areas that need further clarification. Through this process, you can enhance the clarity, coherence, and logical flow of your aims and objectives, making them more robust and aligned with your research goals.

Additionally, reviewing and refining your aims and objectives allows you to align them with the current state of knowledge in the field. As you conduct literature reviews and gain more insights into existing research, you may discover the need to make adjustments to your aims and objectives to reflect the most relevant and up-to-date information.

In summary, reviewing and refining aims and objectives in research is essential to ensure clarity, coherence, and logical flow. By carefully reviewing each aim and objective, you can identify areas for improvement, refine them to include specific details, and align them with the current state of knowledge in the field. This process enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of your aims and objectives, providing a strong foundation for your research.

Once you have developed your aims and objectives for your research, it is important to seek feedback from your supervisor or peers. Sharing your aims and objectives with others allows you to gather valuable insights, suggestions, and perspectives that can help refine and improve your objectives, ensuring they are appropriate and aligned with your research.

Imagine you have formulated the following objectives for your computer science research on developing an intelligent tutoring system:

Objective 1: Conduct a literature review on existing intelligent tutoring systems and their effectiveness in enhancing student learning outcomes.

Objective 2: Design and develop an adaptive learning algorithm to personalize the tutoring experience based on individual student needs.

Objective 3: Implement a user-friendly interface for the intelligent tutoring system that provides an intuitive and engaging learning environment.

Objective 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of the developed intelligent tutoring system through a series of user studies and compare it with traditional tutoring methods.

At this stage, it would be beneficial to share your aims and objectives with your supervisor or peers to receive feedback. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions to help you refine and improve your objectives. For example:

• Your supervisor may suggest including a specific research question to further clarify the focus of Objective 1, such as “What are the key features and techniques used in successful intelligent tutoring systems?”
• Peers may provide feedback on the clarity and specificity of Objective 2, suggesting adding details on the specific adaptability mechanisms to be incorporated.
• Your supervisor might suggest considering the inclusion of usability testing as part of Objective 3 to ensure the interface meets the needs and preferences of the target users.
• Peers may offer suggestions on additional evaluation metrics or experimental setups to strengthen Objective 4 and provide more robust comparisons.

By seeking feedback, you open yourself up to constructive criticism and valuable perspectives that can help enhance the quality and effectiveness of your aims and objectives. Feedback from experienced researchers or knowledgeable peers can help you identify any potential gaps or weaknesses in your objectives and provide suggestions for improvement.

Remember that feedback is an iterative process, and it is important to carefully consider the suggestions provided while also critically evaluating them in the context of your research. Incorporating constructive feedback will help you refine your aims and objectives, ensuring they are robust, relevant, and aligned with your research goals.

In summary, seeking feedback on your aims and objectives is a valuable step in the process of developing your research. Sharing your objectives with your supervisor or peers allows you to gather insights, suggestions, and perspectives that can help refine and improve your objectives. Feedback helps ensure that your objectives are appropriate, clear, and aligned with your research goals, ultimately strengthening the overall quality of your research.

When writing your dissertation, it is crucial to properly document and present your aims and objectives. The placement and presentation of aims and objectives play a significant role in providing readers with a clear understanding of the research’s purpose and direction.

Placement: The aims and objectives of your research should be presented early on in your dissertation, typically within the introduction chapter. This allows readers to grasp the overall scope and intent of your research from the beginning. Placing them in the introduction helps set the context and provides a roadmap for the rest of the dissertation.

Presentation: When presenting aims and objectives, it is important to clearly distinguish between the two and articulate their role in driving the research. Here’s an example of how you can document aims and objectives:

Aims: Start by presenting the overarching aim of your research, which represents the primary goal or intention of your study. It should be a concise statement that captures the essence of your research focus.

For example:

Aim: The aim of this research is to develop a machine learning-based system for automated sentiment analysis in social media data.

Objectives: Following the aim, present a list of specific objectives that outline the key steps or milestones required to achieve the aim. Each objective should be clear, specific, and measurable. Here’s an example:

Objectives:

• Analyze existing sentiment analysis techniques and methodologies in the literature to identify their limitations and challenges.
• Collect and preprocess a large dataset of social media posts to serve as the training and evaluation data for the sentiment analysis system.
• Design and implement a machine learning algorithm capable of accurately detecting sentiment polarity in social media text.
• Evaluate the performance of the developed sentiment analysis system against existing state-of-the-art approaches, using appropriate evaluation metrics.
• Optimize the system for scalability and efficiency, allowing it to handle large volumes of real-time social media data.

By clearly documenting the aims and objectives in your dissertation, you provide readers with a clear understanding of the purpose and direction of your research. This enables them to follow your thought process and evaluate the relevance and significance of your study. Aims and objectives serve as guideposts that help readers navigate through your dissertation and understand the specific research questions you seek to address.

Moreover, the well-documented aims and objectives help you maintain focus throughout your research journey and provide a framework for organizing your dissertation. They establish the foundation upon which your methodology, analysis, and conclusions are built.

In summary, when documenting aims and objectives in a dissertation, it is important to place them in the introduction chapter and clearly present their role in guiding the research. Aims and objectives should be distinct, with the aim of capturing the overarching goal and the objectives outlining the specific steps or milestones to achieve it. By effectively documenting aims and objectives, you provide readers with a clear understanding of the research’s purpose and direction, facilitating their engagement with your work.

Crafting clear and well-defined aims and objectives is a critical aspect of writing a PhD or Post Graduate dissertation. These aims and objectives provide a solid foundation for your research, guiding your efforts and ensuring a focused and coherent study. Through this discussion, we have explored the importance of aims and objectives in a PhD dissertation and how they contribute to the research process.

Upcoming Events

• Visit the Upcoming International Conferences at Exotic Travel Destinations with Travel Plan
• Visit for  Research Internships Worldwide

Recent Posts

• Best 5 Journals for Quick Review and High Impact in August 2024
• 05 Quick Review, High Impact, Best Research Journals for Submissions for July 2024
• Top Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Research Paper
• Average Stipend for Research/Academic Internships
• These Institutes Offer Remote Research/Academic Internships
• All Blog Posts
• Research Career
• Research Conference
• Research Internship
• Research Journal
• Research Tools
• Uncategorized
• Research Conferences
• Research Journals
• Research Grants
• Internships
• Research Internships
• Email Templates
• Conferences
• Blog Partners
• Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2024 Research Voyage

Design by ThemesDNA.com

• How it works

How to Write the Dissertation Aims and Objectives – Guide & Examples

Published by Grace Graffin at January 27th, 2023 , Revised On October 9, 2023

Aims and objectives are among the essential aspects of a dissertation. If you write aims and objectives effectively, they can act as a foundation to give your research clarity and focus.

This article will provide you with all the necessary information regarding aims and objectives, their differences, writing tips , and the common mistakes you should avoid while writing them.

The aim is often a single sentence or a short paragraph that describes your dissertation’s main goal and intent. It tells what you hope to achieve at the end. You should write the aim so that it becomes identifiable when it is achieved with the completion of your dissertation .

The aim is written in a subsection of the introduction to clarify the overall purpose of the dissertation .

Example: It is often observed that employees in culturally diverse workplaces struggle to work effectively in a team. A probable cause of this issue is bullying at the workplace. This research investigates the impact of bullying on employee job satisfaction at culturally diverse workplaces and the resulting loss of employee productivity. This research will use surveys and case study analysis to analyze the impact of bullying on employees.

The objectives in a dissertation describe the ways through which you intend to achieve the research aim. They are specific statements that break down the aim into several smaller key sections of the overall research. Suitable objectives can help you stay focused and conduct research in the direction of your aim.

The number of objectives should be realistic; usually, between three to six, and each one should be possible to achieve. The following example shows the objectives for the previously-mentioned dissertation aim.

1. identification of the behaviors that are considered as bullying 2. exploring the factors that cause bullying at a culturally diverse workplace 3. analyzing the relationship between bullying and job satisfaction of employees 4. providing suitable recommendations on minimizing the bullying at the workplace

The objectives of a dissertation should be SMART.

• Specific: should be precise, focused, and well-defined
• Measurable: the progress should be measurable, and you should be able to determine when you have achieved an objective.
• Achievable: you should be able to carry out the required action within your available resources
• Relevant: should be related to the dissertation aim
• Time-bound: should be possible within the available time

Differences between aims and objectives

Aims and objectives are often mixed, but there are clear differences between them.

Hire an Expert Writer

Orders completed by our expert writers are

• Formally drafted in an academic style
• Free Amendments and 100% Plagiarism Free – or your money back!
• 100% Confidential and Timely Delivery!
• Free anti-plagiarism report
• Appreciated by thousands of clients. Check client reviews

How to write aims and objectives?

There is no particular way or standard to write the aims and objectives. Different researchers have different writing styles, and often it can be influenced by your research supervisor. However, you should follow certain basic principles while writing aims and objectives in a dissertation.

Writing the aim statement

The aim statement should cover the following essential elements.

• Why is the research necessary? (covers the underlying problem on which the study is to be conducted)
• What is the research about? (description of the research title)
• How are you going to conduct it? (a brief statement of intended research methods)

An appropriate aim clearly defines the research purpose without confusing the reader. If you struggle to explain your research and its importance in simpler terms, you should consider refining your research to clarify it further.

Writing objectives

The objectives describe how you would achieve your research aim. You can do this through the following steps,

• The first one to two objectives can be applied to the literature review . (Verbs to be used: investigate, examine, study)
• One objective can be applied to the methodology portion. (Verbs to be used: collect, select, demonstrate, estimate)
• Two to three objectives can cover the critical evaluation or discussion chapters (Verbs to be used: analyze, compare, evaluate)
• The final objective will cover the conclusion or recommendation portion. (Verbs to be used: conclude, recommend)

Instead of writing like a paragraph, the objectives should be written as a numbered list to give them more clarity.

How many aims and objectives should be there?

It depends upon the topic of your research and mainly upon your supervisor’s requirements. Generally, a dissertation has a single broad statement as the research aim. However, it is acceptable to include a main aim along with two to three subsidiary aims.

Similarly, the number of objectives should be realistic and sufficient to measure the progress regarding the achievement of the research aim. Their number can generally vary from three to six depending upon the aim.

Common mistakes to avoid while writing research aims and objectives

• Writing a broad research aim

Writing a broad research aim is a common mistake, and it often becomes difficult to achieve. It may create a problem when you are asked to prove how you have achieved your aims during your  viva defense . It would be best to narrow your study to a specific area in the early stages of the dissertation.

• Formulating overlapping research objectives

The objectives should be written such that they are measurable and distinct from each other. If they overlap, it makes it difficult to structure your dissertation properly in specific chapters.

• Setting unrealistic aims

Students often get over-ambitious while describing the research aim and face problems afterward in achieving those aims. You should avoid this mistake and be realistic about what you can achieve in the available time and resources.

Aims and objectives are the sections that require significant time and attention to avoid future hassles while conducting research and writing your dissertation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to set dissertation aims and objectives.

To set dissertation aims and objectives, define your research goals clearly. Aims state what you want to achieve, while objectives outline specific, measurable steps to reach those goals. Ensure they align with your research question and contribute to your study’s significance.

You May Also Like

The essay writing process involves finding a suitable topic, preparing notes or outlines, research, and revisions. So how long will it take?

Not familiar with how to proofread and edit your dissertation? Find out the best tips and do’s and don’ts of proofreading and editing a dissertation here.

Check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a summative essay with examples to start working on your summative essay.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

• Notification

Important Announcement

• If fee amount has been deducted from your account and updated status not reflecting on your portal, please wait for 24 hours to getting updated status.
• Online Registrations for AIIMS PhD July 2024 Session has been Started, Kindly Click Registration/Login link to register yourself

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between research aims and objectives.

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

Frequently asked questions: Writing a research paper

A research project is an academic, scientific, or professional undertaking to answer a research question . Research projects can take many forms, such as qualitative or quantitative , descriptive , longitudinal , experimental , or correlational . What kind of research approach you choose will depend on your topic.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.

In general, they should be:

• Focused and researchable
• Answerable using credible sources
• Complex and arguable
• Feasible and specific
• Relevant and original

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in Chicago style are to:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Use 1 inch margins or larger
• Apply double line spacing
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
• Include a title page
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center
• Cite your sources with author-date citations or Chicago footnotes
• Include a bibliography or reference list

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

To format a paper in APA Style , follow these guidelines:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial
• If submitting for publication, insert a running head on every page
• Apply APA heading styles
• Cite your sources with APA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a reference page at the end

No, it’s not appropriate to present new arguments or evidence in the conclusion . While you might be tempted to save a striking argument for last, research papers follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the results and discussion sections if you are following a scientific structure). The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

The conclusion of a research paper has several key elements you should make sure to include:

• A restatement of the research problem
• A summary of your key arguments and/or findings
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem.  We  are always here for you.

• Email [email protected]
• Start live chat
• Call +1 (510) 822-8066
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Our team helps students graduate by offering:

• A world-class citation generator
• Plagiarism Checker software powered by Turnitin
• Innovative Citation Checker software
• Professional proofreading services
• Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more

Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:

• PhD dissertations
• Research proposals
• Personal statements
• Admission essays
• Motivation letters
• Reflection papers
• Journal articles
• Capstone projects

Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker , namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases .

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

AIMS ECOSYSTEM

• AIMS ENTITIES
• AIMS GLOBAL SECRETARIAT
• AIMS SOUTH AFRICA
• AIMS SENEGAL
• AIMS CAMEROON
• AIMS RWANDA
• UNITED KINGDOM
• AFRICAN MASTER’S IN MACHINE INTELLIGENCE (AMMI)
• AIMS RESEARCH
• MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM @ AIMS
• INITIATIVES
• NEXT EINSTEIN FORUM (NEF)
• QUANTUM LEAP AFRICA (QLA)

Mamodafrica Phd program

Phd program in malaria modelling, building the next generation of malaria modelers in africa for sustainable public health policies.

• Program Description
• Information For Applicants
• Topic Description

Despite the widespread efforts and notable successes in preventing and treating Malaria, sustaining reductions in Malaria disease burden remains an important global challenge. Treatment and prevention efforts such as drug treatment, vector control and bed nets are beset by challenges, including a lack of adequate surveillance data. National Malaria Control Programs (NMCPs) are continuously improving systems to gather critical data on malaria surveillance, coverage, and effectiveness of interventions. Mathematical modeling and geospatial analyses are opportunities to leverage existing and emerging data sources, extracting insight from entomological, epidemiological and intervention data to inform national and regional decision-making.  

The MaModAfrica doctoral training program established at AIMS through funding from the Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation will strengthen expertise in applied mathematical and statistical malaria modeling among African academic institutions with a particular focus on the monitoring and implementation challenges faced by NMCPs. This doctoral training program will provide emerging African scientists with the opportunity to conduct research at the forefront of disease modeling, and work towards a PhD degree within a high-quality training program based in an Africa Institution, embedded in a cooperative network of international institutions. 

This transdisciplinary program will focus on state-of-the-art modeling approaches driven by real-world questions in public health to reduce the burden of Malaria in Africa. It is built on the understanding that impactful approaches in Malaria modeling require technical expertise (e.g., mathematics, statistics, computation, and data science), the ability to formalize problems coming from experimental fields (e.g., parasitology, entomology, public health, and epidemiology) and communicate efficiently on the modeling process and the models with NMCPs. 

MaModAfrica Consortium, will offer eight fully funded PhD positions in this prestigious new doctoral program. Most of the recruited students will be based in our three focus countries (Rwanda, Benin, and Mozambique) in partnership with universities and research institutions across Africa and globally. The program aims to train future African modelers, who will have an impact across academia, industry, education, and government. 

Candidates can choose from a list of proposed research topics , and MaModAfrica Consortium will assist in building a supervision team around these topics. Alternatively, candidates can suggest their own research topics, together with a proposed supervision team. Depending on the topic, candidates will enroll in appropriate graduate programs of our partner universities. Selected students start in October 2023. 

Call For Application in different Languages

Eligibility criteria  

• Master’s degree or equivalent (completed by Sept 2023) in relevant quantitative fields (e.g., mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, physics, bioinformatics, econometrics, infectious disease epidemiology)
• Research potential evidenced by academic performance and involvement in relevant academic activities 
• Being an African national; citizenship or permanent residence in focus country is a plus 
• Language proficiency in the spoken language(s) of focus country/countries  
• Excellent writing and communication skills 
• Willingness and ability to travel (training courses, collaborations, conferences) 
• Female applicants are highly encouraged 

Summary  

• Length of program: 3 years 
• Fully funded (stipend, equipment, health insurance, relocation costs, conference attendance, direct cost to graduating institution such as tuition fees and registration fees) 
• International supervision teams from well-known research institutions 
• Research topics that push the boundaries of Malaria modeling  
• Application Deadline: 17th March 2023
• Program start: October 2023 

Application guidelines  

The application must be submitted via AIMS application portal provided on the website . You need to have a Email account to be able to submit your application.  

Before starting the application process, please make sure to prepare the following documents in pdf format:  

• Up-to-date resume (two pages maximum, 10MB maximum size)  
• Transcripts of academic records (Bachelor and Master’s level, all in one pdf, 10MB maximum size), 

and the following information:  

• Name, affiliation, and email addresses of two persons who can provide a letter of support if asked by MaModAfrica 
• Your motivation to pursue a Ph.D. in general? Here, you can also mention plans for your future career (1500 characters maximum) 
• Topics choice (two topics max with ranking, and/or your own topic)  
• Research directions you are most interested in and why? Justify why you are qualified to pursue research in this area. Here, you can also comment on your reason for choosing the research topic selected above (3500 characters maximum) 
• Additional funding sources (if any)  

After submission, you will receive a confirmation email of your application to your Email account. You will be able to edit your application until the deadline of the call unless you hit send. 

Contact for application details: [email protected]

Supervision  

Candidates are mentored by a supervision team of 2-4 supervisors, forming a partnership between higher education institutions in Africa and internationally. Each supervision team should consist of at least one supervisor affiliated or working closely with an NMCP, and one supervisor affiliated with the graduating institution. 

The supervision team will be formed during Phase 2 of the application process in communication with shortlisted candidates, the MaModAfrica management board, and potential supervisors. Candidates have the possibility to suggest their own supervision team. 

Research topics  

Applicants can select from a list of research topics suggested by leading researchers in their field. Each candidate can choose at most two topics and rank them by preference. Alternatively, applicants are welcome to suggest their own research topics. Shortlisted candidates will be put in touch with the supervision teams that proposed their selected topics for discussions on more concrete research ideas in Phase 2 of the application process. 

Training Components  

All candidates will be invited to participate in an intensive training school in the first year of the program, organized by MaModAfrica at AIMS-Senegal. Here, candidates will acquire skills relevant to their research and broaden their subject knowledge in applied disease modeling through a small number of intensive core courses taught by top international researchers. 

The program plans to provide continuous training opportunities virtually and/or in person. Additional training components may include (but are not limited to): 

• Guided seminars and reading groups 
• Participation in transferable skills courses (academic writing, presentations skills, research methodology course) 
• Participation in translational meetings with public health specialists (NMCP, etc.) 
• Designing and delivering a mini-course (senior PhD students) 

For any inquiries reach us on [email protected]

Applicants can select from a list of 13 research topics suggested by leading researchers in their field. Each candidate can choose at most two topics and rank them by preference. Alternatively, applicants are welcome to suggest their own research topics. Shortlisted candidates will be put in touch with the supervision teams that proposed their selected topics for discussions on more concrete research ideas in Phase 2 of the application process.

Proposed topics are listed below

• Geospatial modeling of malaria hotspots in Benin  
• Enhancing malaria control by leveraging the use of routine surveillance through data science and mathematical modelling in Rwanda 
• Age-structured malaria intervention models with applications to seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Senegal
• Mapping sub-national risk to support tailored approaches to malaria control in Mozambique and Rwanda 
• Understanding the impact of malaria interventions in northern Benin to inform future strategies in the country 
• Building predictive models of malaria vector larval habitat locations for understanding the spatial determinants of malaria transmission in Mozambique
• Mathematical modeling and control of malaria transmission dynamics: Using sterile mosquito dissemination by Wolbachia bacteria in Burkina Faso  
• Molecular surveillance of malaria coupled with mathematical modelling to assess asymptomatic infections in Kenya 
• Real-time prediction of insecticide resistance in Rwanda  
• Mechanistic and geospatial models to support genomic surveillance in elimination countries such as Senegal  
• Impact and risk of deployment of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Mozambique
• Biophysical Modelling of Malaria Parasite invasion of Red Blood Cells

Detailed topic descriptions

Topic 1 : Geospatial modeling of malaria hotspots in Benin

Malaria infections and morbidity are heterogeneously distributed across both time and space. Malaria elimination, and indeed more cost effective control, requires a more detailed description of this variation and an understanding of its drivers. The student will use mathematical models, spatial statistics and an epidemiological sampling framework to understand what drives hotspots of malaria transmission in endemic settings. 

It is expected at least two publications (one methodological and another one applied). Influence vector interventions measures through the existing mosquitos control programs in Africa.  Apply for funding in order to evaluate the benefit of control measures on the defined hotspot areas. 

This project will suit a student with a Master degree in Epidemiology, Bayesian statistics, biostatistics or ecological modelling. The student will develop a high level of skill in spatial epidemiology and computation. The successful completion of this PhD will provide the opportunity for the student to work in a wide range of academic, public and private health organizations world-wide NMCPs. 

Topic 2 : Enhancing malaria control by leveraging the use of routine surveillance through data science and mathematical modelling in Rwanda  

In Rwanda, tremendous efforts have been made over the past years and significant decreases in malaria burden have been achieved. These were due to prompt interventions such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS) and good case management starting from the community level. However, as malaria transmission decreases and becomes more heterogeneous, it is crucial to understand how the different interventions impact transmission and tailor them accordingly in a cost-effective way. The aim of the project is to develop a quantitative, model-based approach to support the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) of Rwanda for deciding on malaria control strategies, addressing the following objectives: 

• Using the routine data for understanding and characterizing the epidemiological situation in Rwanda, evaluating the routine surveillance system in Rwanda 
• Estimating the impact of deployed interventions over time 
• Estimating the impact of reducing or replacing IRS with other interventions given budget constraints 
• Estimating the effect of case management and identifying its cost-effective coverage as well as supporting human resource and commodities planning 

In this PhD, the candidate will dive deep into understanding the malaria routine surveillance system in Rwanda, specifically the different data collected, consisting of various indicators about malaria burden, intervention deployment, as well as geography-specific data (e.g., seasonality). First, using various statistical methods, the candidate will analyze the historical time series and quantify the effects of deployed interventions over time. The results of this analysis will be subsequently used to parameterize an individual model of malaria transmission reproducing the malaria transmission dynamics at various administrative resolutions across the country. This model will allow analysis of several scenarios investigating the potential impact of alternative control interventions. Specifically, the PhD will entail: 

• Using statistical methods to conduct descriptive analysis of the available routine epidemiological data to understand the evolution of the local malaria situation 
• Modelling malaria transmission and the effects of malaria control interventions in Rwanda and conducting scenario analysis to predict the impact of various potential intervention strategies 
• Communicating results of analyses and supporting the NMCP 

We expect from the candidate to have the following skills and qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree in epidemiology, any other public-health-related or quantitative topic with experience in working on infectious diseases 
• Curiosity about the PhD research topic, self-initiative in communicating with the different collaborators, and more specifically with the NMCP to ensure that the conducted analyses are supporting the country needs 
• Strong quantitative background (e.g., mathematics, computer science, physics, bioinformatics) with knowledge of statistics and data analysis (e.g., time series analysis) 
• Strong coding skills, experience with R or Python 
• Being familiar with version control (e.g., git)  
• Being familiar with using Unix systems (i.e., using the Unix console and scripting language) and with running analyses in a high-performance computing environment 

Topic 3 : Age-structured malaria intervention models with applications to seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Senegal  

Malaria interventions such as seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) or vaccination showed promising results from randomized control trials or pilot studies. Nevertheless, when implemented by the malaria programs at larger scale, evidence for population-level efficiency is difficult to establish owing to various sources of heterogeneity. 

In this project, the candidate will investigate heterogeneities related to age structures, which are particularly important for chemoprevention and vaccination. Using partial differential equations, we consider the age of infection (infectiousness to vectors), age of host (morbidity, mortality, immunity), age of intervention (time-dependent intervention efficacy). Concurrently with numerical simulations, the candidate will also explore physics-informed neural networks to approximate solutions in analytically intractable situations. 

In collaboration with public health specialists from Senegal, the candidate will apply the modeling framework to evaluate the impact of SMC in the past and how to best combine SMC with vaccination for future planning in terms of age targets and deployment schemes (cohort, catch-up, seasonal) at the subnational level. 

The candidate is required to have a firm quantitative undergraduate background (e.g. physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science) with basic knowledge about machine learning or dynamical systems. We require solid coding skills (e.g. C++, R, python, julia or Matlab) and familiarity with the challenges of high performance computing. Awareness for biological mechanisms and operational challenges, as well as efficient communication in a multidisciplinary environment are a plus. 

Topic 4 : Mapping sub-national risk to support tailored approaches to malaria control in Mozambique and Rwanda  

Despite significant declines in malaria burden and mortality, many endemic countries face the challenges of plateaued progress, pressures of external funding and the need to optimize limited resources in strategic and tailored approaches.  

Disease risk maps are an essential tool in the fight against malaria, supporting data-evidenced decision making by enabling better targeting of malaria interventions and can be a standardized resource to track progress and facilitate our understanding of seasonal profiles of malaria in national and sub-national levels. As countries improve their disease surveillance tools, it enables modelers to design and develop more novel statistical and mathematical approaches which incorporate multiple datasets at varied spatial and temporal scales. 

 The main goal of this research is to develop multi-metric geostatistical and mechanistic models tailored to specific operationally relevant questions prioritized by malaria endemic countries. This PhD would take the form of a) scoping a novel problem in collaboration with PNCM Mozambique and Rwanda and then b) solving that problem by developing new statistical methods building on existing work where appropriate. Relevant topics may include modelling spatio-temporal patterns of incidence and prevalence (and their relationship), urban malaria, outbreaks, malaria persistence, vector dynamic and species distribution, risk in special populations (pregnant women and infants) and malaria co-morbidity (with anemia, schistosomiasis/helminths, malnutrition). A successful candidate would be expected to spend time with the MAP team in Perth to learn advanced geostatistical techniques and will have access to MAPs comprehensive library of high-resolution environmental and demographic covariates to supplement their work. Additionally, dissemination of modelled outputs back to PNCM Mozambique and development of tools to embed into the current surveillance system is key. Successful candidate would also contribute to local capacity building to improve uptake of modelled work in decision making processes. 

Topic 5 : Understanding the impact of malaria interventions in northern Benin to inform future strategies in the country  

Despite increased funding towards the universal scale-up of malaria control prevention, mainly through insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), SMC and treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), progress has stalled in many countries in recent years. There need to be on track to achieving national and global targets for 2020 and 2025 as defined in the World Health Organization Global Technical Strategy. One of the causes is the need for more appropriate allocation of limited resources by the NMCPs from high malaria burden countries.  

To maximize progress in these countries, achieve malaria control and move toward its elimination, it is required for these countries to tailor the malaria interventions based on an adequate selection of intervention mixes for specific risk areas. This approach needs sub-national stratification of multiple malaria risk indicators from vector biology, parasite information, human behavior and routine health surveillance data, which could be combined into an overall malaria risk score per specific risk areas related to the local context in the country. This can be done with the use of mathematical modelling to predict the impact that different strategies might have. 

In Benin, from 2006 to 2010, 2011 to 2018 and from 2017 to 2021, NMCP defined several strategies related to the intensification of malaria control, which was based on the use of Long-lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) in all the country, indoor residual spraying (IRS) in some health district, intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women (IPTp-SP) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, and treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in all the country. Recently seasonal malaria chemoprevention has been implemented in the northern regions of Benin, where malaria transmission is highly seasonal. New policies are being introduced in the health system through an integrated national strategic plan oriented towards the elimination of HIV/aids, tuberculosis, malaria, viral hepatitis, IST and diseases with epidemic potential (2020-2024).  

In line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, Benin NMCP’s is now poised to define ways to maximize the future malaria control strategies impact, reduce inefficiencies and create a platform to sub-nationally target resources and monitor progress.  

During this PhD, the candidate will use more information than morbidity and mortality data, human, mosquito and parasite data, which reflect diverse transmission dynamics influenced by climate, environment and behavioral factors to accurately and reliably develop appropriate malaria risk stratification; The candidate will then use mathematical modeling to assess technical feasibility and determine which intervention mixes would maximize impact to meet the target and within the constraint of cost-effectiveness. 

Topic 6 : Building predictive models of malaria vector larval habitat locations for understanding the spatial determinants of malaria transmission in Mozambique  

Vector control remains the vital component of malaria control and elimination strategies. A potentially important target of vector control for malaria is the larva. It is well recognized that proper management of larval habitats in sub-Saharan countries, particularly during dry seasons, can help suppress vector densities and malaria transmission. However, our understanding of the ecology of malaria vector larvae is still limited. For example, in Mozambique little is known about the causes of spatial heterogeneity in the abundance and distribution of malaria vectors, as well as several larval habitats contributing to malaria vector abundance.

Mechanistic and predictive models that make use of landscape variables and account for seasonal variations in habitat probability based on accumulated precipitation are essential tools for investigating the links between larval habitat distribution and adult malaria vector distribution across a large landscape where manually mapping the larval habitats would be infeasible. Also, such models could be useful for malaria control programs, allowing decision-makers to focus their efforts to areas where larval habitats are most likely to occur.

Therefore, this project proposal intends to develop geospatial and mechanistic models tailored to answer the following objectives: (1) to characterize larval habitats of the malaria vector; (2) to investigate the spatial distribution of the malaria vector by determining the links between the distribution of larval habitats and the distribution of the adult vector of malaria in different geographic landscapes; (3) make use of the information generated to develop and test predictive models of larval habitat sites using landscape variables that predict the likelihood of water bodies, and taking into account the seasonal changes habitat probability based on accumulated rainfall; (4) then investigate how the distribution larval habitats is linked to the current spatial heterogeneity of malaria prevalence in the country.

The successful candidate would be based at Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), with secondments at Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), University of Johannesburg (UJ) and NMCP.   The candidate should have MSc in Mathematics/Statistics or any related field with strong mathematical/statistical background, with knowledge of programming and statistical software (preferably R), basic knowledge of relational database systems and SQL, knowledge of malaria epidemiology, effective communication and scientific writing skills, and good interpersonal and organization skills.

Topic 7 : Mathematical modeling and control of malaria transmission dynamics: Using sterile mosquito dissemination by Wolbachia bacteria in Burkina Faso  

Given that Anopheles mosquitoes are malaria vectors, one of the effective strategies to control malaria transmission relies on the use of insecticides. Accordingly, resistance to insecticides has emerged as a biological threat to malaria control and elimination efforts in endemic areas. Widespread insecticide resistance has increased the malaria burden in many malaria-endemic regions, challenging global malaria eradication. Thus, an effective alternative to insecticides is needed. Notably, the sterile insect technique, in particular the Wolbachia bacteria. The sterile insect technique consists in a massive releasing into the wild of sterilized males to mate with females in the aim to reduce the size of the insect population. It has been first studied by R. Bushland and E. Knipling  and experimented successfully in the early 1950’s by nearly eradicating screw-worm fly in North America. Since then, this technique has been studied on different pests and disease vectors. In particular, it is of interest for control of mosquito populations and has been modeled mathematically and studied in several papers. So, in the research project, we are interested in the development of a mathematical model of the dynamics of mosquito populations subject to human interventions by ODE’s (Ordinary differential equations). Our main goal is the elimination or the reduction of wild mosquitoes under a certain threshold in a targeted area by the release of sterilized males. In this case, it will be a question of establishing a relation between this critical threshold for the release of inseminated mosquitoes and the basic reproduction rate. Thus, our analysis will allow a better understanding of the effectiveness of this technique in the fight against malaria diseases. 

Numerical analysis and computer simulations will be undertaken to put theory and observation together to gain insight into the working biological systems, to estimate relevant parameters from data and validate the proposed models. Those numerical simulations will show the impact of sterile mosquitoes on malaria transmissions global behavior and reveal the effects of time on the persistence and extinction of the disease. 

A successful candidate would be expected to spend time TARGET Malaria team in Bobo Dioulasso to learn advanced biological techniques about virus Wolbachia and will have access to a comprehensive library to start their work.  

Successful candidate must have a good background in mathematical modeling and numerical simulation. 

Successful candidate would also contribute through his numerical simulations results to local capacity building to improve uptake of modelled work in decision making processes. 

Topic 8 : Molecular surveillance of malaria coupled with mathematical modelling to assess asymptomatic infections in Kenya  

In this PhD, the candidate will dive deep into understanding the molecular and sero- surveillance system for malaria in Kenya, specifically the different data collected, consisting of various indicators about malaria burden, intervention deployment, as well as geography-specific data (e.g., seasonality). First, using various statistical methods, the candidate will analyse the historical time series and quantify the effects of deployed interventions over time. The results of this analysis will be subsequently used to parameterise an individual-based model of malaria transmission reproducing the malaria transmission dynamics at various administrative levels across the country. This model will allow analysis of several scenarios investigating the potential impact of alternative control interventions. Specifically, the PhD will entail: 

• Using statistical methods to conduct descriptive analysis of the available molecular and sero-epidemiological data in order to understand the evolution of the local malaria situation. 
• Modelling malaria transmission and the effects of malaria control interventions in Kenya and conducting scenario analysis to predict reduction of asymptomatic infections 
• Communicating results of analyses and supporting the NMCP in formulating interventions. 
• Relate  and assess the developed  model with data from other African countries such as Rwanda and Benin.
• Master’s Degree in Molecular biology and Bioinformatics, epidemiology, immunology, or any other public-health-related or quantitative topic with experience in working on infectious diseases 

Topic 9 : Real-time prediction of insecticide resistance in Rwanda  

Successful malaria control depends on the use of insecticide products in long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying. Using these methods, Rwanda has successfully reduced the numbers of cases and deaths due to malaria. However, the effectiveness of these interventions is threatened by the rise and spread of insecticide resistance (IR), which has increased rapidly across malaria-endemic Africa over the past decade and risks undoing the significant gains in controlling malaria cases across the continent. Accurate monitoring and rapid response can enable mosquito control programs to adapt the use of insecticides to mitigate or even prevent the rise of resistance.    The project will develop a predictive modelling tool to pre-empt the development of insecticide resistance and enable the MOPDD, and other malaria control departments in Africa, to respond effectively to the threat of insecticide resistance. The candidate will work closely with the Rwandan National Malaria Control Program (Malaria & Other Parasitic Diseases Division; MOPDD), AIMS Rwanda, and the Malaria Atlas Project in Perth, Australia.  They will adapt and extend a cutting-edge mathematical and statistical model of phenotypic insecticide resistance, to enable spatio-temporal prediction of insecticide resistance levels in target vector species from genotypic (e.g., KDR marker) and phenotypic resistance, and resistance intensity bioassay data all held by MOPDD, along with environmental data on e.g., agricultural insecticide usage and climate. The model fitting process will elucidate the likely drivers of resistance in Rwanda. The insecticide resistance prediction maps produced will provide an evidence-base to inform MOPDD in switching between different intervention types. The model will also map uncertainty in predictions, enabling prioritization of future IR surveillance activities.  The candidate will develop computational code enabling this model to be rapidly re-run as new data is collected, and results uploaded to a dashboard to inform the Ministry of Health/MOPDD in real-time. This computer code will be packaged into a user-friendly research software application enabling the tool to be used in other countries, and beyond the end of the project.    Required: 

• MSc in either Mathematics/Statistics (or any related field with strong mathematical/statistical background) or in Biosciences but with experience in data analysis 
• Experience using statistical software, preferably R 
• Knowledge of malaria epidemiology or mosquito biology 
• Good communication and scientific writing skills 
• Good interpersonal and organisation skills 

Topic 10 : Mechanistic and geospatial models to support genomic surveillance in elimination countries such as Senegal  

In many elimination settings common surveillance datasets such as cross-sectional surveys lack the statistical power to inform sub nationally tailored intervention strategies, especially when trying to push the final frontier of malaria to zero. The integration of genomic/molecular surveillance into routine surveillance activities has the potential to increase the actionable intelligence for making programmatic decisions on optimal mixes of interventions for elimination by informing on drug and diagnostic resistance; identifying reservoirs of sustained transmission; quantifying importation risk and identifying local transmission foci whilst additionally supporting impact evaluations. 

This project would focus on the integration of novel streams of genomic data into geospatial and mechanistic approaches. A successful candidate would partner with current genomic experts to understand relevant data sources, hierarchical structures and how they inform current geospatial modelling frameworks, with a view to developing/using statistical and mathematical techniques synthesising genomic and other data to answer operationally relevant research questions as identified by a partner national program. This work would be in partnership with genomics researchers and national programs in Senegal. 

Topic 11 : Impact and risk of deployment of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Mozambique  

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is a highly effective community-based intervention for malaria prevention in areas where the malaria burden is high and seasonal transmission occurs. To date, mainly west African countries have been considered for implementation due to their strong seasonality of transmission. SMC had not been previously implemented in east and southern Africa due to concerns over parasite resistance to the antimalarials used in SMC. Mozambique contributes 4% of global malaria cases, and malaria represents one of the four major causes of death in the country.  

However, Mozambique has a very high number of malaria cases in some parts and it is believed that SMC would have a strong impact, due to its rainfall patterns concentrating malaria cases during well-defined periods. The High Burden to High Impact initiative launched in 2018 promotes the use of evidence to support national malaria strategies. In this light, dynamical modelling can serve as a useful tool to provide insight and simulate what would be the expected impact of SMC in untested areas. Based on recommendations in the midterm review of the Malaria Strategic Plan, Malaria Consortium, in partnership with the Mozambican National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), initiated a two-year SMC implementation evaluation in the northern province of Nampula. These studies showed high levels of effectiveness, while resistance was also high, but not negatively impacted by SMC. 

Often, the counter-arguments for using drug-based interventions include the risk of adding drug pressure and increasing the risk of emergence and spread of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. Indeed, it has been assumed until now that drug resistance would render the intervention ineffective but no real world evidence has been collected to date. So here again, modelling can help quantify what this risk could be expected to be given specific deployment and geographic characteristics. 

In order to explore all these aspects, the project would be articulated around the following objectives. 

• Simulate current epidemiology and burden of malaria in Mozambique  
• Explore the impact of SMC in different parts of the country and for different implementation regimens 
• Explore the effectiveness of SMC as a result of potential emerging resistance in Mozambique. 

Prior experience or study in at least one of the following will be required: 

• mathematical or statistical modelling (in any quantitative discipline) 
• quantitative analysis in infectious disease epidemiology 
• quantitative population ecology 

The following specific skills and experience are desirable: 

• programming skills in R 
• malaria chemoprevention 
• epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases 

Idealism, humility, and desire to see quantitative approaches make a difference in the world 

Topic12: Biophysical Modelling of Malaria Parasite invasion of Red Blood Cells

The asexual proliferation of merozoite (malaria parasite) inside human red blood cells (RBCs) has devastating effects on human health. When merozoites enter the bloodstream from the liver, they must invade RBCs within a few minutes to survive. Thus understanding the invasion mechanism is critical to fighting the disease.

The merozoite generates force using actin and myosin, but in a different way to other cells, using a ring structure unique to apicomplexa. Detailed positions of protein complexes involved are still not well established but from a physics perspective it is necessary that actin filaments and myosin motors are attached to a rigid structure, one in the RBC and one in the merozoite. This enables the myosin motors to push the merozoite, sliding it with respect to the RBC. To invade, the merozoite needs to get through the RBC spectrin network on the inside of its membrane.

In this project the candidate will be based at AIMS Ghana and will calculate the active propulsion force generated by the merozoite that is necessary for successful invasion. This will involve developing a simple model of the molecular components and calculating the energy required to make a hole in the RBC spectrin network by stretching and breaking bonds. We expect only a few filaments are required, meaning that the stochastic fluctuations inherent in the system will be important in determining whether or not a merozoite successfully invades. We will model the stochasticity of motor binding using master equations and disorder in the spectrin network using disordered polymer network theory. We will validate our model and test predictions with experimental images taken by our WACCBIP (University of Ghana) collaborators. This will enable us to determine the spatial arrangement, identities and numbers of cytoskeleton components and inform target choice for future antimalarial drugs or vaccines. Through regular meetings with the Ghanaian National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) team, we will tailor the development of the modelling work and target choice to best address the NMCP goals.

Requirements:

• Masters Level Degree (e.g. MSc) in Physics or Mathematics (or any related field with a strong mathematical background)
• Good interpersonal and organization skills 
• Experience in programming &/or using mathematical software 
• Some knowledge of cell or molecular biology is an advantage

PhD Students

Alfredo Zacarias Muxlhanga

Read More… from Mamodafrica Phd program

Fameno Rakotoniaina

Gabriel Michel Monteiro

Roland Christel Sonounameto

Timóteo Sambo

Download Call for Applications

Apply for Mamodafrica Phd program

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | AIMS 2024 |