We are pleased to advertise two four year PhD studentships that acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Professor Sir John Gurdon (1933 - 2025). John was a visionary scientist who pioneered cloning and stem cell research. His own PhD work on nuclear transfer in frogs demonstrated that genetic material is retained in the cell during differentiation, also showing that differentiated cells could be reprogrammed to a naïve identity. These experiments led to a lifelong interest in cell differentiation and reprogramming. Indeed, John was working at the bench in his 90s! John's experiments, coupled to his elegant framing of research questions, also paved the way for ground-breaking biomedical research, from mouse genetics to therapeutic cloning.
These studentships have been generously donated in memory of John's scientific achievements and his mentorship and teaching of the many scientists trained in his laboratory.
If you love developmental/regenerative biology, have an aptitude for study or research, and have gained, or are on course for, at least a good Upper Second-class degree (or overseas equivalent), we would very much like to hear from you.
We welcome and encourage applications from people from groups that are under-represented in postgraduate study, as well as students who may have faced an educational or socio-economic disadvantage.
Further details about the University's commitment to widening participation in postgraduate study are available below https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/widening-access
Research group leaders at the Gurdon Institute can be found here https://www.gurdon.cam.ac.uk/our-people/group-leaders/
A list of PDN supervisors offering PhD projects is available here https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/postgraduate/projects
Only projects that align with developmental or regenerative biology (interpreted broadly) will be eligible. Potential supervisors will be able to provide further guidance on the eligibility of individual projects.
These studentships cover fees at the 'Home' rate, an annual maintenance award at the UKRI rate (£21,805 in 2026/27), and a research allowance (£4.5K p.a.). We are unable to consider applications for these studentships from those who are classified as overseas in respect of fee status.
Full application instructions are provided at the further information document. Completed applications (with ALL supporting documentation and references) must be submitted by 23:59pm (midnight) UK time on Tuesday 8 December 2026 at the latest.
All eligible applicants for these studentships will also be considered for University of Cambridge Postgraduate Funding opportunities from multiple sources, providing they have applied for University admission by 23:59 UK time on Tuesday 8 December 2026 and selected 'yes - I wish to be considered for funding' option in the 'Funding your study' section of the portal application.
Applicants should have gained, or be on course for, at least a good Upper Second-class degree from a UK university. If your degree is not from the UK, please check equivalence guidelines, which are available below. https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/international-qualifications
Minimum English requirements apply.
Please quote reference PR51559 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.