Training and inspiring the next generation of translational researchers is one of our key aims. We hope to reach students at all stages of their research careers, from PhD students to Senior NHS Clinical Academics, helping them to realise their potential and bringing benefits to the people and communities of our region by delivering cutting-edge translational research.
Our PhD Studentship Programme is dedicated to identifying and nurturing exceptionally talented early career researchers by delivering outstanding mentored and supported research training. Students are embedded across our five core research themes, where they work in diverse research environments alongside world-leading academics and have access to state of the art facilities. All of our PhD students have access to a tailored training programme with wrap-around support and mentorship to help them reach their career potential.
Students are based in the University of Exeter’s Health and Life Sciences Faculty, which brings together academics and students across the spectrum of health, wellbeing and life sciences to create a holistic community with exciting synergies, dedicated to creating positive impact. Students also have the opportunity to work with local NHS Trusts and commercial partners.
Our students are immersed in a positive and inclusive research culture where they have access to our leading research development support, leadership training and development through the NIHR Academy and our University infrastructure.
After a competitive process we were delighted to appoint our first ever cohort of PhD students in September 2023. Six students are now carrying out Translational Research projects across our core research themes under the expert supervision of leading academics.
When and how to apply
We are excited to announce a call for project applications for a further round of NIHR Exeter BRC PhD Studentships. We will award studentships for a start date between November 2024 and January 2025. Full guidance on the call, including the scope, supervisory team eligibility, the selection process and timeline can be found in the below guidance document.
In brief, we are seeking applications from senior and emerging leaders of our BRC community across the partnership to who’s research aligns with one or more of the priority areas outlined below;
1. Data Science
2. Clinical Trials and Statistics
3. Patient and Public Engagement and Involvement (PPIE)
4. Diagnostics and Imaging
Projects in respiratory medicine, psychiatry/mental health, and surgery (BRC shadow themes) are also encouraged. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are welcome.
To apply, please complete the application form below and the subject areas for FindAPhD/Exeter and return this to NIHRExeterBRC@exeter.ac.uk by 10 am on Monday, 19th August 2024.
Should you have any questions related to this call, please contact Sophie Gould on the below email.
Prof Adilia Warris“We were delighted to welcome our first cohort of PhD students into the BRC family. The quality of applications was exceptional, and the future of translational research looks bright as our students set out on the next steps of their research journeys.”
![Image](/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Training_PhD-e1704893436995-1600x0-c-default.jpg)
From l to r: William Newton, Emily Plumpton, Martyn Frith, Ben Bowhay, Tania Atienzar, Suhel Ahmed
Our PhD students
William Newton
PhD Student
Emily Plumpton
PhD Student
Martyn Frith
PhD Student
Ben Bowhay
PhD Student
Tania Atienzar
PhD Student
Suhel Ahmed
PhD Student
Explore our PhD studentship projects
Emily Plumpton
Commensal Fungi in the Lung: Innocent Bystanders of Pathogenic Orchestrators of Severe Asthma?
Commensal Fungi in the Lung: Innocent Bystanders of Pathogenic Orchestrators of Severe Asthma?
Tania Atienzar
Identification of novel therapeutic targets for TDP-43 proteinopathies
Identification of novel therapeutic targets for TDP-43 proteinopathies
William Newton
‘A new link between microbial pathogenesis and dementia: establishing the role of fungal infection in potentiating Alzheimer’s Disease risk’
Establishing the role of fungal infection in potentiating Alzheimer’s Disease risk
Martyn Frith
Developing a Novel Genomic Biomarker for the Early Detection of Neurodegeneration
Developing a Novel Genomic Biomarker for the Early Detection of Neurodegeneration
Suhel Ahmed
Studying rare genetic types of diabetes to identify genes essential for survival of insulin-producing cells
Ben Bowhay
Personalised Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Harnessing the power of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
In the news
Read the news story announcing our first PhDs to get to know our students
Investing in the researchers of the future – first PhD projects announced.