Hi all, just scrounging for a little advice regarding where to go for a PhD. Does anyone have advice regarding the pros/cons of independent institutes vs universities? My options are all University-linked but not actually within them. Obviously this can limit the chance for wider research exposure, teaching practice through demonstrating, etc. Is that (or indeed academic snobbery) an issue from your experience? And on the offchance... does anyone have experience of the Ness Foundation or Roslin institute?

Many thanks :)

I am at one of the BBSRC research institutes like Roslin and I enjoy it here. I am affiliated with a university but as of yet I have had nothing to do with the uni other than attend a few training courses. Being at an insitute usually sets you away from the 'uni-lifestyle' and it is more like being in a job. But that has its upsides as I feel I get treated more as a colleague rather than a student. There are options for me to undertake the demonstrating roles etc at the university if I want to and I would imagine that is the same at other institutes.

Thanks for that, it's really helpful :)
Given your insight could I breach all british codes and ask whether the funding is ok for those? Just wondering how practical it is to relocate to Edinburgh on what some schemes offer.

The funding for me is fine.. I am doing a CASE studentship so I get an enhanced stipend. The current BBSRC stipend is £12,300 tax free and then the CASE enhancements can be anything from £2,500 upwards on top of that.. Have you been offered something at Roslin?

I've got an interview there soon. Just weighing up options as I've had an offer elsewhere and still have another interview to go at another place. Rather hope I get this one but I know it'll be competitive.....we shall see! Thanks for the frank input, they didn't specify and I didn't like to push it but it's good to know the score.

Just out of interest what is the research project you are going for?

Don't tell me, you're actually a mole working undercover for Roslin?

Sorry, just joshing. Its a project on SOCS2, chronic inflammation and growth inhibition.

Haha no moles aren't my thing lol.. They just do some interesting stuff there so I was just wondering

They certainly do, I still remember watching the blue peter competition to design the first jumper made from Dolly's wool.....which probably makes me both very old and deeply sad, but such is life. Which institute are you based at?

I'm based at the insitute of food research.. but my industrial sponsor is up in Edinburgh.

Ah I see. Hmmm, Food research sounds rather appealing although I can imagine its far less fun than my Homer Simpson fantasy hehe

hehe no doughnuts and hotdogs for me.. I am looking at chicken intestinal health lol

Teek, just out of curiosity do you have any relevant work experience for the PhD you applied for or do you just have an Undergraduate degree?

Just wondering what it would take to get into a place like Roslin.

I did my honours degree and have been working in a diagnostics lab abroad for nine months since. The last interview I went to was at Dundee, there were ten applicants and I think everyone had some work experience and/or further study. It's not essential but it certainly helps to have done a bit more, whether it's summer work or a year in industry. Friends who went direct to PhD from Uni had all done an industrial year as part of their course.