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University of Exeter

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PhD Studentship: Understanding how GLP-1 (Ozempic-type) medications may shape everyday social and economic decisions University of Exeter in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Data Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Oct 21, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Exeter

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Keywords

Data Science
Behavioral Economics
Psychology
Meta-analysis
Biology
Health Economics
Medical Science
Salud Pública
Economics
Statistics
Risk-taking Behavior

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About this position

[Four-year MRC-funded studentship with UK/Home tuition fees, a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 per annum for 2026/27, updated each year), and up to £5,000 per annum in additional research training and support funding.]

The University of Exeter is advertising a PhD studentship within the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme, funded by the MRC, with a planned start date of October 2027.

This project explores an emerging and important question: how GLP-1 receptor agonist medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro (semaglutide and tirzepatide) may influence everyday social and economic decisions. These medicines were originally developed for diabetes and are now widely used for weight loss. The project argues that, because GLP-1 drugs act on the brain’s reward system, they may affect behaviour in ways that matter for work, money, and society. The study therefore sits at the intersection of economics, psychology, and health science.

The studentship is part of a wider competition for up to 18 MRC-funded places across the GW4 BioMed3 partnership. Funding includes UK/Home tuition fees, a doctoral stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 per annum for 2026/27, updated annually), and additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per year. The opportunity is available to UK and international students, and lasts four years.

Research training in the project includes behavioural experiments, data science, meta-analysis, and online experiments. These methods suggest a strong empirical focus and offer useful preparation for a research career across behavioural science, medical research, and policy-relevant health research.

Applicants should note that this is a competitive studentship within the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Award scheme, so the project is competing against other funded PhD topics across the partnership. The application deadline is 21 October 2026. Interested candidates should use the Exeter funding page to apply and ensure their materials are submitted before the closing date.

Overall, this is a highly interdisciplinary PhD opportunity for students interested in how medication, cognition, and behaviour intersect, especially in the context of social and economic decision-making.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Available to UK and International students. The project is part of a competitive GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme studentship competition. Applicants should be interested in behavioural experiments, data science, health research, meta-analysis, and online experiments; no specific degree class, GPA, or language-test requirement is stated in the advert.

How to apply

Apply through the University of Exeter funding page using the application link provided. Submit by 21 October 2026. This project competes with other GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Award projects, so complete the application carefully and on time.

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