PhD Studentship in One Health and Public Health History (Neglected Tropical Diseases, West Africa) University College Dublin in Ireland

The UCD School of History at University College Dublin, Ireland, is offering a generously funded PhD studentship in One Health and public health history, with a focus on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in West Africa from approximately 1850 to 2000. The position is supervised by Dr. Oluwaseun Otosede Williams, Assistant Professor in One Health and Ad Astra Fellow at the School of History. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research community and benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with UCD’s research centres and international partners.

The research project should investigate the history of NTDs in Anglophone West Africa, focusing on diseases such as schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and human African trypanosomiasis. Proposals that take a comparative approach between different West African colonies or countries are especially encouraged. The project is ideal for candidates interested in the intersection of history, public health, and medical science, and those who wish to explore the broader impacts of disease and health policy in colonial and postcolonial contexts.

The studentship is open to both EU and non-EU candidates and is renewable for up to four years, subject to satisfactory progress. The award includes a full tuition fee waiver, a competitive stipend of €25,000 per annum, and an annual research budget of €4,000 for archival research in relevant collections abroad or related research expenses. The anticipated start date is September 2026.

Applicants should submit a personal statement and CV (as one document), a writing sample (such as an essay or section of an MA dissertation), two academic references, and a research proposal (1000-1500 words plus indicative bibliography). Interdisciplinary work is welcomed, and candidates from all relevant areas of West African studies are encouraged to apply. The selection panel will shortlist candidates for interview in the last week of May, and successful applicants will be notified by email.

This opportunity is ideal for those interested in One Health, public health history, and the study of neglected tropical diseases in a historical and comparative context. For more information, see the supervisor’s academic page or contact Dr. Williams directly.