NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre

The NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is a partnership between the University of Leicester, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Loughborough University and the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group. It has been funded £26.1 million to carry out pioneering research into medical advancements within these six themes:

• Cardiovascular
• Respiratory and Infection
• Lifestyle
• Personalised Cancer Prevention and Treatment
• Environment
• Data Innovation for Multiple Long-Term Conditions and Ethnic Health

Our overall purpose is to translate scientific breakthroughs in these areas into diagnostic tests, preventions and life-saving treatments. We do this by creating a collaborative workspace that allows scientists and clinicians to share their findings and deliver research that is relevant to patients, the professionals who treat them and the general public.

Over the next 5 years the NIHR Leicester BRC will:

• Undertake innovative, inclusive experimental research to reduce the burden of Long-Term Conditions (LTCs) / Multiple Long-Term Conditions (MLTCs) by supporting better prevention, diagnosis, management and rehabilitation through provision of the right treatment (drug, device, and/or lifestyle therapy) to the right individual at the right time.
• Undertake discovery science using experimental, genetic, multi-omic and imaging studies, generating novel hypotheses and insight into LTCs/MLTCs across the life-course (onset, accumulation, and progression), particularly within ethnic minority and other underrepresented groups.
• Work with underserved communities, combining excellent research expertise, infrastructure and data integration, to develop a translational evidence-base to support the NHS challenge of managing and preventing LTCs/MLTCs into the future.

Within the NIHR Leicester BRC, we have a strategic commitment to nurture the next generation of researchers to become world-leaders in their field. To support this mission, we have a number of PhD studentships for our 2024 cohort that span all of our research themes.

The programme will offer

• Tuition fees at UK/home rates for 3 years*
• Annual stipend at UKRI rates. Currently £19,237pa for 2024/25 entry
• Access to a Research Training Support Grant of up to £1,500 per annum for three years, to cover the cost of related training and development opportunities (e.g. conference attendance, fieldwork, language training, overseas research visits, internships or placements with a non-academic partner).
• Bench fees of £5,000 per annum for three years for laboratory-based studies.

*The scholarships cover the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (home) rate. Applications from international students are welcome but applicants will have to source alternative funding for the difference between the UK (home) rate and the overseas rate. This will be £18,864 per year for 2024/25 entry.

To apply

• Please refer to the project information below
• Follow the application guidelines below under How to Apply and use the application link at the bottom of the webpage. Apply for September 2024 entry.
• Complete the widening participation form (docx., 49kb) and upload it to the Proposal Section of your application.
• in the funding section add BRC studentship