Fully Funded PhD in Circular Business Models for Sustainable Healthcare Systems University of Exeter in United Kingdom

Fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Exeter in circular economy, healthcare innovation, MedTech, and business model innovation.

The project, Enabling Circular Business Models for a more Sustainable Healthcare System, is funded by the NHS Scotland Circular Economy Programme (Scottish Government) and the University of Exeter Business School. It investigates how redesign, reuse, repair, recovery, and remanufacture can transform the medical technology sector and improve resilience, while reducing waste and delivering economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Supervision is by Professor Fiona Charnley and Dr Enes Ünal at the University of Exeter. The research is based in the Department of Management / Exeter Business School, with collaboration and fieldwork across NHS Scotland and MedTech partners in the UK and Europe.

This PhD is suitable for candidates with a strong interest in sustainable innovation, circular business models, healthcare systems, and applied mixed-methods research. The project will use qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate current business models, review NHS procurement systems, and assess the economic, environmental, and social performance of potential circular models across MedTech devices and scenarios.

Funding: Home/UK tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 3.5 years full-time (or pro rata for part-time study).

Eligibility: Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate area. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers. Experience with mixed methods and stakeholder engagement is desirable.

Deadline: 8 June 2026 (midday). Interviews are expected in the week commencing 22 June 2026.

How to apply: Use the university application portal, upload the required documents, and ensure all materials are submitted in English. Referees can send references directly to [email protected] with reference number 5861.