The overall aim of our research is to probe the fundamental areas of pluripotency, multipotency and differentiation to allow exploitation of stem cells in clinical applications and drug testing; the School includes world leaders in the use of ES cells as a model system to study epithelial-mesenchymal transition events, a process associated with epithelial tumour cell metastasis; flexibility is allowed within the parameters of the study to enable the research to evolve and instigate findings not envisaged at the outset of the work; this is complimented by a dedicated PhD training structure, which provides critical skills training, personal development and progression milestones; techniques students can expect to use during their studies include, but are not limited to: Stem cell culture; molecular biology; protein biochemistry; fluorescent activated cell sorting; confocal microscopy and small molecule design and testing; applications for both basic and applied research projects are welcome and specific experience in commercial enterprise can be provided; transferable skills training is provided, which provides training in research methodology, critical writing skills, intellectual property and research ethics; in addition, students attend journal clubs, research meetings and regular talks by invited external experts.