Fully Funded PhD in Human Performance and Wellbeing in Space Explorations University of Leicester in United Kingdom

Fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Leicester through the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space.

This project focuses on human performance and wellbeing in space explorations, with interests spanning human factors, organisational behaviour, organisational psychology, management studies, cognitive processes, and user-centred design. The project invites proposals on how people adapt, cooperate, and perform in isolated, confined, and hostile space environments, including the role of integrated technology, psychosocial concerns, stress, fatigue, trust, and support systems.

The PhD is co-supervised by Professor Ana Cristina Costa (University of Leicester School of Business) and Dr Genovefa Kefalidou (School of Computer Science). The Centre is based at Space Park Leicester and is part of a wider interdisciplinary programme linking arts, humanities, social sciences, and space-related research.

Funding: 4 years of full tuition fees plus a 4-year UKRI-rate stipend. For 2026/27, the stipend is £21,805 per year paid monthly.

Eligibility: UK and international applicants may apply. Applicants should have a UK 2:1 bachelor’s degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject and a master’s degree. University of Leicester English language requirements apply.

Deadline: 2 July 2026. Start date: 21 September 2026.

How to apply: Apply via the University of Leicester portal, select September 2026, complete the Research Proposal Form, and upload your CV, personal statement, transcripts, degree certificates, English evidence if needed, referee details/letters, and proposal form. Use the funding reference SoB Costa Leverhulme.