New Wellcome Trust Four-year PhD Programmes

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Purpose

This scheme is now closed. The details here are for information only.

To support new, innovative PhD studentship programmes training biomedical scientists.

Do you have a plan for a new PhD programme that reaches across the traditional boundaries of medical research? Could you train scientists in a clinical context; bring maths, chemistry, physics or engineering to bear on a biomedical problem; or link academic with commercial or health policy research?

The Trust wants to support up to four new Four-year PhD Programmes in the UK or Republic of Ireland, which will give scientists the training and experience needed to drive discovery and translation in research areas inspired by our strategic challenges:

Note: If you are a potential PhD student looking for information about the 27 programmes that are currently running, please visit this page.

What's included

Funding for up to five students per annum for a five year period, comprising:

four-years' stipend
university fees at home student rates
contribution towards laboratory expenses in the first year
research expenses for years two to four
a contribution towards travel
a contribution towards transferable skills training.

Eligibility

This scheme is now closed. The details here are for information only.

The programme should be based in an eligible institution in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

The principal applicant should be the proposed director of the Programme who should be a recognised international leader in their field with a strong track record in postgraduate research training.

These new programmes are intended for the support of basic scientists rather than clinicians.

Additional information

1. Can an institution submit more than one application ?

The Trust is willing to consider multiple applications from the same institution where there is the potential to propose more than one distinct PhD programme. However, in light of the relatively low number of awards to be made and the likely very high demand, the Trust would encourage institutions to consider the justification for submitting multiple preliminary applications very carefully.

2. Multi-centre programmes

Multi-centre programmes may be considered if scientific justification and added value can be shown.In such applications, the institution in which the Director is based would be expected to act as the administrating host institution for the Programme.

3. Can an existing PhD programme apply ?

The Trust would not expect applications for the scheme to provide additional studentships for an existing PhD Programme. However, we would be willing to consider an preliminary application if the proposed programme could be seen novel, unique and distinct from that already in existence.

Application process

This scheme is now closed. The details here are for information only.

a) Preliminary application
An electronic copy of the preliminary application [Word 96KB] should be sent to 4yrphd@wellcome.ac.uk by 11 May 2010. Note: this scheme is now closed – see ‘Deadlines’ for details.

Enquiries regarding this competition should be directed to 4yrphd@wellcome.ac.uk .

b) Full application
Guidelines on submitting a full application will be provided if the preliminary application is approved.

Deadlines

This scheme is now closed. Details on successful applicants will be announced shortly.

Contacts

In the first instance enquiries regarding this competition should be directed to: 4yrphd@wellcome.ac.uk