Fully funded PhD studentships at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Statistics and Operational Research in Partnership with Industry (STOR-i)

Lancaster University

If you would like to solve real-life problems using statistics and operational research to have positive impact on business, the economy or society, then consider applying to the STOR-i Centre for Doctoral Training to start in October 2026.

Joining STOR-i will enable you to:

• Make significant scientific and industrial impact with your research
  STOR-i has an internationally leading reputation, training skilled graduates through research projects that use industrial challenges as the catalyst for methodological advance.
• Work directly with leading industry partners
  Many of our PhD projects are developed and involve collaboration with our industrial partners. Projects provide a unique research and training experience and an exciting opportunity for you to develop mathematical innovation inspired by contemporary real-world challenges. We work with an extensive network of industrial partners including BT, Haleon and Tesco.
• Engage with our network of charitable partners
  Students have the opportunity to engage with our charitable partners: British Red Cross, Cancer Research UK, Fareshare, Home Start UK and Nesta. Mechanisms include extended data dives, charity-focussed career talks and collaborative research opportunities.
• Be mentored by internationally recognised research leaders
  Our cohort-based, 4-year scheme offers a distinctive PhD training experience. During this structured PhD programme, you will complete several modules to develop your research skills and will be mentored by internationally recognised academics. We also have successful collaborative partnerships with leading international universities.
• Be part of an exciting community of like-minded peers
  The programme builds on our experience of training over 100 PhD students in partnership with industry since 2010. Graduates from STOR-i have embarked on exciting careers in academia and industry, working with numerous partner companies and other organisations including British Airways, EDF Energy and the Williams Formula 1 Team.

Applications open for October 2026
We have fully funded studentships available for UK (including Republic of Ireland) and non-UK applicants to start in October 2025. Studentships include a generous tax-free stipend (£22, 780 in year 1), fees, and an allowance to support training and research related activities. Stipends increase up to £25,780 per year on successful progression to PhD at the end of the first year of the programme for students undertaking industry-funded PhD projects.

We are recruiting high-calibre students typically holding or expecting to hold a first-class honours degree, or its equivalent, in an undergraduate or master’s course with substantial mathematical content, e.g. mathematics, statistics, physics, management science, or computer science.

Early applications are encouraged, as candidates will be invited for interview on an ongoing basis.

How to Apply
In the first instance please send an email to stor-i@lancaster.ac.uk with:

• a current copy of your CV;
• a covering letter explaining your motivation for applying to the programme;
• an up-to-date copy of the degree courses you have studied including marks awarded;
• your current fee status (UK or non-UK),
• information on where you found out about the STOR-i programme

For further details about closing dates, studentships and eligibility criteria, see the website: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/stor-i/apply/