The University of Surrey, in partnership with the University of Sussex, University of Exeter, and leading UK research institutes, is offering 18 fully funded PhD studentships starting October 2026 as part of the BBSRC-funded Wessex One Health Doctoral Programme. This interdisciplinary programme focuses on Infection Biosciences, addressing major challenges such as emerging infections, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food insecurity, with a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

Students will have access to a wide range of research projects across multiple institutions, with cross-institutional supervisory teams and opportunities for training in genomics, bioinformatics, and applied AI. The programme includes cohort-building activities, industrial placements, and CASE studentships. Research themes include detection, prevention and intervention, microbial evolution and drug resistance, understanding disease spread, and infection and cellular biology.

Supervisors include Professor Rachel Simmonds (University of Surrey), Professor Javier Salguero-Bodes (UKHSA), Dr Jorge Gutierrez-Merino (University of Surrey), Dr Paul Beales (APHA), Dr Matthew Siggins (University of Surrey), and Dr Amin Asfor (APHA). Projects range from host-pathogen interactions in skin infections to the use of beehive microbiomes as sentinels for plant and animal pathogens, and the development of next-generation bacterial vaccines against antimicrobial resistance.

All studentships provide a UKRI stipend (£20,780 per annum), UK tuition fees, and research costs for four years. A limited number of international fee waivers are available. Some projects require UK residency and security clearance, particularly those involving high-containment laboratories. Applicants must ensure they meet all residency and eligibility criteria by the application deadline.

Applicants should have or expect to obtain an MSc and/or a first or upper second honours degree in a relevant subject. Laboratory experience is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided. The programme welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those returning after a career break, and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

To apply, submit the application form and complete the EDI survey via the programme website. Prospective students should select and rank four projects of interest and, if shortlisted, contact supervisors ahead of the interview. The application deadline is 23 January 2026. For further information, email [email protected].