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
Why do some people remain cognitively healthy despite being at high genetic risk of dementia? This project will use cutting-edge genetic and molecular data from large human biobanks to identify molecular factors that help protect against dementia and co-occurring age-related conditions. The student will work at the intersection of dementia research, genetics, epidemiology and data science, gaining experience in the analysis of large-scale population datasets and molecular biomarkers. Findings from this project could reveal new targets for dementia prevention and provide insights into the biology of healthy ageing.
For further information or to apply click here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5947
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.
