ERC LEAD Project 2026

The ERC LEAD Project is an ERC-funded research project based at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. According to the referenced posting, it offers fully funded PhD studentships in Political and Social Philosophy, with a thematic focus on migration, borders, displacement, and refugee-led approaches to displacement justice.

The opportunity sits within Bristol's Department of Philosophy and involves joining an active research environment connected to the LEAD Project. Students are expected to pursue doctoral work relevant to political philosophy, social epistemology, or migration studies, under project supervision. The scheme is open to both UK and international applicants, including EU students.

Funding in the referenced opportunity is comprehensive. It includes a tuition fee bursary at the Home rate, and for international students a fee discount to the Home rate so that tuition is fully covered. It also provides a full maintenance stipend of £21,805 per year, rising in line with UKRI rates, for a period of four years.

Applicants are typically expected to have a strong academic background in philosophy or political theory, although candidates from other relevant disciplines may also be considered. A completed Master's degree, or being on track to complete one by the required date, is normally expected. The posting also notes that candidates with lived or professional experience of forced migration are especially encouraged to apply.

As this appears to be a project-specific doctoral studentship rather than a broad standalone scholarship programme, applicants should usually apply through the University of Bristol's PhD application process or the specific project call when advertised. Prospective candidates should check the relevant Bristol department or project announcement for the latest guidance on supervision, documentation, and timelines.