Research at the School of Medicine

Improving health and wellbeing through world-leading research, clinical partnerships and innovation

ninewells hospital building on rolling green hill

The School of Medicine brings clinicians, scientists and educators together to understand disease, develop new treatments and improve patient outcomes. Located within Ninewells Hospital, one of the UK’s largest teaching hospitals, we work closely with NHS Tayside to ensure research is translated rapidly and effectively into clinical practice.

Our research spans discovery science, clinical studies, data-driven health and educational scholarship. It is organised into six cross-cutting themes that connect expertise across divisions and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research themes

Six themes that unite our research strengths and drive innovation across disciplines.

Brain health

Understanding and improving brain health across the lifespan, including neurodegeneration, chronic pain, addiction, mood, cognition and resilience.

Explore brain health
Metabolic health

Investigating diabetes, cardiovascular, renal, liver and reproductive health to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Explore Metabolic health
Population and digital health

Using population data, digital technologies and informatics to create scalable health solutions and advance precision public health.

Explore population and digital health
Medical Education

Advancing how healthcare professionals are taught, assessed and supported through evidence-based educational research, simulation and innovative pedagogy.

Explore Medical Education
Research divisions

Our divisions provide specialist environments, facilities and disciplinary depth.

Research is delivered through:

Working closely with NHS Tayside and the Tayside Medical Science Centre (TASC), our divisions support high-quality clinical research, access to trials, innovative treatments and robust governance.

The Centre for Medical Education leads research into faculty development, technology-enhanced learning, wellbeing and evaluation methods.

 

Our approach to research

Connecting expertise across themes and divisions to deliver meaningful impact.

Our research approach combines interdisciplinary science, strong NHS partnerships, nationally recognised data resources, world-leading drug discovery and precision-medicine expertise, and a commitment to reducing health inequalities.
Research impact from the School of Medicine

Research excellence and partnerships

Global partnerships that accelerate discovery, innovation and clinical impact.

Key partners and facilities include NHS Tayside, TASC, HIC, SHARE, the DDU, the Scottish Safe Haven Network, industry partners, and major funders such as UKRI and NIHR.

Research training and education

Developing future clinicians, scientists and educators through research-led training.

We offer research-led training at every stage. From undergraduate and Masters research to PhD programmes, fellowships, postdoctoral development, and cross-school teaching. Ensuring students learn from active researchers shaping medical science.
PhD opportunities Masters by Research

School of Medicine
University of Dundee
Ninewells Hospital & Medical School
Dundee DD1 9SY

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