About MorphoPHENAbout
MorphoPHEN
The “Human Diseases Models Morphological Phenotyping” (MorphoPHEN) master’s program combines the excellence and expertise of four leading European institutions: the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the University of Naples Federico II (UNINA), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), and the University of Lisbon (ULISBOA). They bring knowledge on the four main branches necessary to analyze the morphology of mouse disease models: Anatomy and Embryology, Pathology, Imaging and Deep learning. The main objectives of MorphoPHEN are:
1) to construct an integrated interdisciplinary education program on mouse morphological phenotyping.
2) to produce graduates with the skills that are needed to generate a positive impact on human disease models translatability.
3) to develop a European and global approach for teaching a new discipline that improves the analysis and understanding of human disease models.
The key role of the laboratory mouse as an animal model to develop new treatments against human diseases is well established, however its importance has been dramatically increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Large-scale experiments in “humanised” mice have been carried out to identify novel disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the efficiency of COVID-19 vaccines, the best option to beat the pandemic, were first tested in mice.
Despite this preeminent position of the mouse, the European and global scientific community currently lacks sufficient human resources and expertise in mouse phenotyping to effectively characterize and validate these animal models. In this scenario, no single European university has all the expertise, resources and personnel required to design and establish a strong educational program in mouse morphological phenotyping. For this reason, the MorphoPHEN partner universities have combined their expertise and resources to produce an educational program that can meet this need.
Why MorphoPHEN?
1) Because studying an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree offers a transformative educational experience. Students become prepared for global challenges, fostering cultural understanding, and significantly enhancing their academic and professional prospects.
2) Because students graduated in MorphoPHEN will obtain a joint diploma between the four leading European universities: the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the University of Naples Federico II (UNINA), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), and the University of Lisbon (ULISBOA).
3) Finally, because graduating in MorphoPHEN gives access to an official doctoral programme. PhD candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent (240 ECTS or more), and a Master’s degree, or equivalent (60 ECTS or more), provided they have completed at least 300 ECTS credits in the two types of programmes as a whole.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
Admitted students will be awarded an Erasmus Mundus scholarship. The scholarship is strictly linked to the full-time participation in the MorphoPHEN master for a period of 12 months.
Additionally, the awardee will be covered by the foreign student insurance policy of Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona for a duration of 14 months, included in the scholarship granted by the Erasmus Mundus program. The insurance policy covers medical expenses and private liability.
In accordance with the conditions of the Erasmus Mundus program of the European Commission, the scholarship will be managed by the MorphoPHEN Secretariat and includes two concepts:
- Enrollment in the master’s program and medical insurance, both paid by the MorphoPHEN Secretariat (EUR 10.200,00).
- Living allowance of up to EUR 16.800,00, transferred to the recipient monthly in 12 payments.
It is reminded that students who have already benefitted from an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) scholarship are not eligible to apply for an additional scholarship, but can participate as self-funded students.
Self-funded Students
After the decision of the selected Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders, non-selected students are given the opportunity to participate in MorphoPHEN as self-funded students. To be listed in the self-funded students list, applicants need to express their interest in participating without an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
The participation costs of MorphoPHEN are EUR 4.820,55 for Programme Countries candidates and EUR 5.519,89 for Partner Countries candidates according to the Category definitions in the Programme Guide for ERASMUS+. The tuition fees, the diploma fee and the compulsory Medical Insurance are included in these participation costs.
A non-extensive list of other funding opportunities for those students interested in participating as self-funded students can be found here.
Contributions for Special Needs
At MorphoPHEN, we take pride in our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment for all students. Recognizing the diverse needs of our student body, we place a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive support for those with special needs.
The universities within the consortium are dedicated to ensuring that students with special needs have the resources and assistance required to thrive academically.
Below, you will find links to the Special Needs Programs offered by each university: