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.