Richard Conn

University of Exeter is advertising a funded PhD studentship titled “Feedback conversations that improve prescribing practices: a sociomaterial study in the UK and Australia” . This project sits in Public Health , Medical Science , and Education , with strong links to healthcare communication, patient safety, prescribing practices, and sociomaterial/qualitative research. The student will join the Department of Health & Community Sciences at the University of Exeter Medical School and work with an international supervisory team across the UK, Australia, and Canada. Supervisors include Professor Karen Mattick (University of Exeter), Dr Daniele Carrieri (University of Exeter), Associate Professor Christy Noble (The University of Queensland), Professor Rola Ajjawi (University of British Columbia), and Dr Richard Conn (Ulster University). The project investigates how feedback conversations about prescribing can be better supported by changing the materials and processes used in clinical practice. The research uses mixed methods and co-design approaches across two phases: tracing materials in prescribing processes through patient journeys in the UK and Australia, then working with stakeholders to design new materials that embed feedback conversations into everyday practice. Funding : for eligible home-fee students, the award covers full Home tuition fees plus a tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 per year for 3 years full-time. International students may apply on academic merit, but only part of the international tuition fee is covered and no living stipend is included; they must fund visa, health surcharge, and relocation costs themselves. Eligibility : applicants should normally hold, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant social or biomedical science. Healthcare research or practice experience is an advantage. English language proficiency is required where applicable. Deadline : 1 August 2026 . Interviews are expected in mid-August or early September 2026. Applicants should apply through the Exeter funding page and upload the required documents: CV, letter of application, transcripts, and two references. This is a strong opportunity for candidates interested in prescribing, patient safety, medical education, qualitative research, and international health systems comparison.