UCL-Birkbeck MRC Doctoral Training Programme across 4 strategic themes

The UCL-Birkbeck MRC Doctoral Training Programme provides state-of-the-art PhD training across four strategic themes.

Fundamental Mechanisms of Disease (FMD)

Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of disease has a huge translational impact and we are internationally recognised in this area. This theme spans a broad range of research areas, including molecular biology, developmental biology, stem cells and regenerative medicine, immunology, genetics, pharmacology, structural biology and biophysics.

Experimental and Translational Medicine (ETM)

Experimental and translational medicine drives the translation of discoveries from basic science and clinical medicine into benefits for human health, with a view to developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Research focuses on understanding pathophysiological mechanisms, identifying new drug targets, developing new models and new biomarkers of disease progression and treatment.

Neuroscience and Mental Health (NMH)

We are one of the world-leading institutions for neuroscience research. This theme provides research training in a wide range of neurosciences areas, including developmental, molecular, cellular, systems and behavioural neuroscience, all the way to investigating the bases of psychiatric and neurological disorders and devise new ways of treating such diseases.

Health of the Public- Using Population Data for Better Health (HP)

This theme harnesses the opportunities of the digital revolution to better understand complex public health challenges, address their multi-factorial drivers and design interventions. Transdisciplinary research spans a broad range of topics, including understanding the factors that determine health and disease in populations; measuring the burden of disease in populations; developing testing and measuring the impact of interventions and service improvement; and approaches to reducing inequalities in health status.

18 x 4-year studentships will be available across these themes to start October 2025

Studentships include tuition fees at the home rate and an annual maintenance stipend of no less than £21,237.

The programme comprises 1 year of rotations (3 in total), followed by a 3-year PhD project.

In addition to undertaking their research, students will engage in a range of training activities including:

• Enterprise/entrepreneurship
• Public engagement and knowledge transfer
• Research integrity and culture
• Experimental medicine (through our Clinical Research Facilities)
• Quantitative and in vivo skills training (MRC strategic priorities)

Applicants must hold undergraduate or Master’s degree (at least 2:1 or equivalent) and meet the eligibility requirement as detailed on the MRC website.

UK and international students (EU and non-EU) are eligible for all UKRI-funded postgraduate studentships. Please refer to further guidance from UKRI on changes to EU and International Eligibility for UKRI funded studentships.

All PhD students (UK, EU and non-EU) will be eligible for stipend and fees at the Home rate; UKRI funding will not cover international fees. A limited number of studentships will be offered to international students to cover the fee difference.

All applicants must apply online. Two references are also required per application and must be submitted by 6 January 2025 at 17.00.

Our programme strives with improving equality, diversity and inclusion in science.

Due to the cohort structure of our programme, we only accept students to start in October each year. Applications with other start dates may not be reviewed by the programme.

Applicants can apply for one of the four strategic themes plus one of the below iCASE studentships.

CLOSING DATE: 5pm, Monday 6^th January 2025

MRC CASE studentships

In addition to the four strategic themes, the UCL-Birkbeck MRC Doctoral Training Programme offers 4 iCASE studentships. These do not include rotations; training will be provided by the named academic supervisors and industrial partners.