Funding

Funding is often secured through Wellcome Trust or MRC DTP Fellowships. Further information about this and specific projects studying under the supervision of Departmental supervisors who have obtained funding are advertised below.

For up-to-date information on tuition fees, please refer to the College's Fees and Funding pages. It should be noted that supervisors may charge an additional ‘bench fee’ from sponsors to cover the costs of laboratory expenses (consumables and equipment) for postgraduate research projects.‌‌

Antigenic Evolution of Neuraminidase in H5Nx Clade 2.3.4.4b Avian Influenza Viruses and its Impact on Viral Fitness in Avian and Mammalian Species

This project tackles the global threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5Nx viruses, which continue to pose significant risks to domestic and wild birds while raising serious pandemic concerns due to increasing spillover into mammals. The dominant H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b has undergone multiple genetic changes in the haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) along with the genetic reassortment with different NA subtypes complicating control efforts.

The research focuses on unravelling the role of molecular changes in the HA and NA glycoproteins on viral evolution, antigenic diversity, fitness and adaptation across avian and mammalian species. Compared to the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein, NA evolves more slowly but plays a critical role in the viral lifecycle, making it a promising target for next-generation vaccines. By integrating advanced techniques in molecular virology, immunology, vaccinology, bioinformatics, and modelling, the project aims to:

• Identify molecular factors of NA driving viral evolution and adaptation.
• Develop improved NA-based vaccines that offer longer-lasting and more effective protection.

This research will pave the way for innovative strategies to control influenza viruses, safeguarding both animal and human health.

Award

• Full funding for home student fees
• A stipend of £19,237 per annum for 3.5 years plus a cost of living allowance of £2,200 per annum

• Highly subsidised Pirbright Institute student housing will be offered.

Eligibility

• This studentship is open to science graduates with, or who anticipate obtaining, at least a 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant biological subject in an undergraduate degree, or with a Masters degree - subject to university regulations. Other first degrees, e.g. veterinary science, will be considered. You should be looking for a challenging, interdisciplinary research training environment and have an active interest in the control of infectious diseases.
• This is a 3.5 year fully funded studentship open to UK nationals. International applicants may apply, however funding for this studentship includes university tuition fees at the Home rate only - see funding information below.
• Students without English as a first language must provide evidence that they meet the English language requirement, e.g. with an average IELTS score of 7.0, with no lower than 7.0 in listening/reading and no lower than 6.5 in speaking/writing.

Application

• Find more information on how to apply on The Pirbright Institute website
• You must include in your application an application form, CV and two references sent directly by your referees. 
• Please email your application to studentship@pirbright.ac.uk by the closing date.
• The closing date for applications is 10 February 2025.

Characterisation of the viral and host factors contributing to HTLV-1 transmission

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 is a retrovirus which causes a range of diseases: malignancy (adult T-cell leukaemia); multi-system inflammation (with the most notable impact being inflammation of the spinal cord) and adverse impacts from co-infections. An estimated 10 million persons are infected worldwide, with ~ 10% developing over disease, whilst there is also evidence of subclinical impact which includes a 57% increase in adjusted mortality. Transmission from mother-to-child contributes approximately 20% of infections and is strongly associated with adult T-cell leukaemia. Blood and organ transmission are associated with rapid onset of myelopathy but contribute relatively few cases.  Sexual transmission causes ~80% of infections and is associated with inflammatory disease. Little is known about the factors that contribute to vertical and horizontal transmission other than limited data on proviral load.

The goals of this PhD project will be to:

1. Characterise HTLV-1 infected cells in milk and genital track secretions.
2. Evaluate the impact of HTLV-1 infection in immune components in milk and genital track secretions.
3. Understand immunological and virological factors associated with risk of HTLV-1 sexual and vertical transmission.

During this project you will gain expertise in method development, immunology and virology.

Award

• Full funding for home student fees
• A stipend of £21,237 per annum for 3 years

   

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold a First Class or an Upper Second-Class undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology or other related field. 
• A Masters degree is desirable but not essential.
• Applicants must also meet Imperial College’s English language requirements – further details can be found at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/requirements/english/. All Imperial College London PhD entry requirements must be met.

Application

• Please send your CV and a covering letter describing why you are suitable for the studentship and interested in the project and lab, along with details of two referees to Dr Carolina Rosadas, c.rosadas-de-oliveira@imperial.ac.uk, by the 31 January 2025.
• Applications without a CV and clear expression of interest cannot be considered.
• The successful applicant will subsequently need to apply online.

The David Holden PhD Studentship in Bacterial Pathogenesis

Applications are now open for the inaugural David Holden PhD Studentship in Bacterial Pathogenesis, based in the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London.

This prestigious studentship celebrates the scientific impact of Emeritus Professor David Holden FRS, the first Regius Professor of Infectious Disease in the UK and a pioneer in bacterial pathogenesis. The Holden lab at Imperial developed groundbreaking techniques, such as 'signature-tagged mutagenesis,' to understand the molecular mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens cause disease. This PhD studentship aims to continue this tradition, providing world-class training in bacterial pathogenesis.

 The Department of Infectious Disease is at the forefront of research into bacterial pathogenesis. Our work ranges from deciphering the molecular mechanisms bacteria use to cause disease and exploring how the immune system and microbiome defend against infections, to developing innovative solutions to antimicrobial resistance. (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/infectious-disease/research/). The department offers excellent training and a strong community network for PhD students. Students receive cutting-edge training in bacterial pathogenesis and infection biology, within an open, friendly, and supportive environment.

Award

• Full funding for home student fees
• A stipend of £21,237 per annum for 3.5 years

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold a First Class or an Upper Second-Class degree in a relevant scientific discipline. 
• We would normally expect successful applicants to hold or be on course too achieve a Master's degree in a related field.
• Applicants must also meet Imperial College’s English language requirements – further details can be found at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/requirements/english/. All Imperial College London PhD entry requirements must be met.

Application

• Please send your CV and a covering letter describing your suitability for the studentship, your areas of interest in bacterial pathogenesis, and potential labs you would like to work in. Include the details of two referees and send your application to Dr Thomas Clarke at thomas.clarke@imperial.ac.uk.
• Shortlisted candidates will be given a list of available projects and invited to interview at Imperial. During the interview, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their research interests and speak to potential supervisors.
• The deadline for application is 31/01/25 and the proposed start date is October 2025.
• The successful applicant will subsequently need to apply online.

The President’s PhD Scholarship

Award

• Full funding for tuition fees
• A stipend of £25,150 per annum to assist with living costs 
• A consumables fund of £2,000 per annum for the first 3 years of study
• A programme of bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the Graduate School

Eligibility

• Includes First Class UK degree or equivalent. If a Master's is held, it must be awarded with Distinction
• The scheme is only open to new PhD applications. Current registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible to be considered for a President's PhD Scholarship
• The Department will only be considering applicants with a Home fee status for this year.

• Prior to applying - Applicants must have made contact with a supervisor who has agreed to supervise their research project. Supervisors are limited to supervise one student at any time. Once you have a supervisor who has agreed to support you, please email Khalil Afzal k.afzal@imperial.ac.uk so your PhD scholarship application can be prioritised for review and shortlisting.

Application

• There is not a specific scholarship application form. You should submit your application for admission to study at Imperial through the online admissions system and the department will put you forward for the scholarship based on academic merit and potential. Queries about the online admissions system should be referred to the relevant Admissions team.
• Prior to applying applicants must have made contact with a supervisor who has agreed to supervise their research project. Supervisors are limited to supervise one student at any time.
• Full details are available on The President’s PhD Scholarship application section.

Read more about our current PhD funding opportunities

Imperial College’s Scholarships Search Tool

Other scholarships may be available for students with particular track records and nationalities, and it is advised that this tool is used to help search for available scholarships.