Skoltech is an international graduate research-focused university that was founded by the group of world-renowned scientists in 2011. Skoltech's curriculum focuses on technology and innovation, offering Master's programs in 11 technological disciplines. Students receive rigorous theoretical and practical training, design their own research projects, participate in internships and gain entrepreneurial skills in English. The faculty is comprised of current researchers with international accreditation and achievements.

Ph.D. – Biomedical Science and Technology

1. OVERVIEW
The Biomedical Science and Technology (BMT) Ph.D. program at Skoltech was launched in the fall of 2014. Organizationally this four-year program includes:

  • Innovation workshop
  • A set of core courses and specialized electives (first semester)
  • Research under the supervision of one of Skoltech BMT faculty (three years)
  • Industry immersion experience (8 weeks, last semester)
  • Thesis preparation and defense (last semester)

2. GOALS/LEARNING OUTCOMES
Our curriculum aims to foster an ability to do top-level independent research in modern life sciences within specific areas of interest of Skoltech faculty and BMT CREIs. BMT CREIs (Centers for Research, Education and Innovations) focus on Stem Cell Research and Innovative Biomedical Therapies (RNAi Therapeutics & Infectious Diseases). Please consult Skoltech faculty profiles and BMT CREIs webpages for specific areas of interest.

FACULTY:

Anton Berns, Professor
Raul R. Gainetdinov, Professor
Philipp Khaitovich, Professor
Victor Kotelianki, Professor
Konstantin Severinov, Professor
Vasily Kantsler, Assistant Professor

A unique feature of Skoltech organization are international CREI’s (Centers for Research, Education and Innovations). Presently, two BMT centers, focused on Stem cells research (headed by Prof. Anton Berns) and Innovative Biomedical Therapies (RNAi Therapeutics & Infectious Diseases – headed by Prof. Victor Kotelianski) are operational. Within each CREI top international and Russian scientists (CREI PIs) work jointly providing a unique collaborative environment for research leading to Ph.D. from Skoltech.

CREI:

3. KEY ELEMENTS

3.1. COURSES:
The program starts with one semester of coursework taught by Skoltech professors and invited faculty. The inaugural fall 2014 program includes such courses as:

  • Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids
  • Genetic animal models and integrative physiology in drug discovery
  • Drug Discovery
  • Basic molecular biology techniques
  • Clinical Trials as an essential part of the innovation process in pharmeceutical development
  • Mathematical modeling in biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Bioinformatics, comparative genomics and systems biology
  • Stem Cells

Given multidisciplinary nature of Skoltech programs, students will have an opportunity to enroll in courses available through other programs at Skoltech, including Energy, Space, Advanced Manufacturing and IT.

3.2. RESEARCH:
During the first semester, each student selects a supervisor from within Skoltech BMT faculty. Given the present lack of laboratory facilities at Skoltech, a co-supervisor from partner institutions both within and outside Russia, including, but not limited to PIs of CREI participating laboratories, is selected. Upon successful defense of thesis proposal all students in good academic standing  perform research in their supervisors or co-supervisors laboratories for up to three years with full stipend provided by the program.

3.3. INDUSRTY IMMERSION: 
One 8-week long industry immersion project during the last semester that is spent at Skoltech provides real-world problem-solving and team management experience for each student. Industrial Immersion experiences in both large, established, companies and early stage, growing companies and start-ups are envisioned.

3.4. THESIS:
A Ph.D. thesis is written based on research and published work carried out during the three-year research period and defended in front of a Ph.D. committee composed of Skoltech BMT faculty, CREI PIs/co-supervisors and outside members.

Click to apply for Ph.D. Program