These four-year studentships provide funding for fees and stipend at the rate set by the UKRI, as well as other research training and support costs, and are available to UK and International students.
About the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme
The partnership brings together the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff (lead), and Exeter to train, support and develop graduates with strong research, critical analysis, creative problem solving and translational skills, equipping them for careers in the UK and globally. Our vision aligns research and skills development with UK Government priorities for the life sciences sector, while nurturing contributions to improve health outcomes and the economy worldwide.
Students will have access to the combined research strengths, training expertise, and resources of the four research-intensive universities, with opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary science. GW4 BioMed has previously awarded over 100 studentships across 6 cohorts in its first phase, along with 99 students over 5 cohorts in its second phase. GW4 BioMed3 will be our third, starting in October 27.
This project is in competition for place with the projects across the MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Award studentships. There are a total of 18 studentships available across the partnership.
The 134 projects available for application, are aligned to the following themes;
- Cardiometabolic Disease
- Infection, Immunity, and Antimicrobial Resistance
- Neuroscience and Mental Health
- Population Health Sciences
Applications open on Wednesday 9th September and close at 5.00pm on Wednesday 21st October 2026. Please note that we may close the application process before the stated deadline if an unprecedented number of applications are received– check our website for details.
Studentships will be 4 years full time. Part-time study may also be available.
Project Information
Late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) risk is shaped by microglial genes, particularly the TREM2 signalling axis. The coding mutation TREM2 R47H increases disease risk, while the coding mutation in the downstream signalling molecule PLCG2 P522R appears protective. This inverse relationship provides a powerful genetic entry point to identify pathways that drive vulnerability or resilience genome wide. This project will use computational methods to discover molecular pathways showing opposite patterns across risk- and protective-variant human iPSC-derived microglia. The student will prioritise pathways, perturb candidate genes, and test whether these alter microglial effects on neuronal functions relevant to LOAD pathogenesis.
For further information or to apply click here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5943
Funding Notes
A GW4 BioMed3 MRC DTP studentship includes full UK tuition fees, a stipend at the minimum UKRI rate (£21,805 p.a for 2026/27 updated each year). Additional Research & Training Support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is also available. Funding arrangements will be adjusted pro-rata for part-time studentships.
