University of Exeter
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PhD Studentship: Severe mental illness, inflammation and cardiometabolic health University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Inflammation
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 21, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
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About this position
The University of Exeter is offering a PhD Studentship on severe mental illness, inflammation and cardiometabolic health through the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme. This is a competitive, MRC-funded doctoral studentship within a wider cohort of up to 18 projects across biomedical disciplines, with a start date of October 2027.
The project explores how severe mental illness is linked to adverse metabolic outcomes such as obesity and broader cardiometabolic health problems. The research addresses an important unanswered question: why are people with severe mental illness at higher risk of metabolic disease? Preliminary work from the supervisory team suggests that inflammation may be a key factor, and the PhD will test this hypothesis using novel genetic epidemiological methods and large global biobanks.
The studentship offers training across three world-leading centres and is designed to build strong interdisciplinary skills. The successful candidate will gain experience in immunology, statistics, and genetic epidemiology, with a particular emphasis on big-data analysis and biomedical research methods. This makes the opportunity especially suitable for students interested in the interface between mental health, inflammation, genetics, and population-level health outcomes.
Funding is available for four years and includes UK tuition fees plus a doctoral stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (listed as £21,805 per annum for 2026/27, updated annually). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per year is also available. The position is open to UK and international students, although the tuition fee support specified is for UK/Home fees.
This studentship is part of a larger competitive award scheme, so applicants should note that the project is being considered alongside other BioMed3 studentships. The application deadline is 21 October 2026.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a relevant background suitable for doctoral research in biomedical sciences. The project particularly suits candidates interested in immunology, statistics, genetics, and genetic epidemiology, and those comfortable working with big data and large biobank datasets. The studentship is available to UK and International students, although funding includes UK/Home tuition fees.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Exeter funding application link. Submit your application by 21 October 2026 and ensure it is considered within the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme competition. Review the project information carefully before applying.
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