Summary
Applications are invited for the CREATE PhD training programme in global health, commencing in September 2027. This exciting consortium of 5 UK Universities and 6 partner research institutions in Africa and Asia, funded by Wellcome, aims to train high-calibre health professionals for a PhD as a first step towards a clinical academic career. Fellows will register their PhD at one of the 5 UK institutions and conduct research, spending extended periods (minimum 18 months) at a partner institution in Africa/Asia.
Designation
PhD Programme Fellow
Participating Institutions
| UK Universities | Africa/Asia Partner Institutions |
|---|---|
| London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) | Aga Khan University, Pakistan (AKU) |
| Brighton and Sussex Medical School at the University of Sussex (BSMS) | University of Ghana (UoG) |
| University of Sheffield (Ush) | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits) |
| University of Bristol (UoB) | The Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Zimbabwe (BRTI) |
| University of Southampton (UoSo) | MRC The Gambia (MRCG) |
| MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit (MRCU) |
Research Area
Global Health Research, focusing on health problems pertinent to the countries/regions where the fellow will conduct their research. Projects must fulfil Wellcome’s criteria for Discovery Research, covering studies that lead to new knowledge of life, health, and wellbeing. This includes research ranging from the fundamentals of biology to the development of new methods, tools, and technologies, as well as population health studies exploring social, ethical, cultural, political, economic, and historical contexts of human health. Inter-disciplinary research ideas are encouraged.
Location
PhD registration at one of the 5 UK institutions, with research conducted and extended periods (minimum 18 months) spent at one of the Programme’s Africa/Asia partner institutions in Zimbabwe, Ghana, Pakistan, South Africa, The Gambia, and Uganda.
Eligibility/Qualification
- Applicants must be practicing healthcare professionals and registered with a national professional regulatory body in the UK/Republic of Ireland (e.g., General Medical Council, Health and Care Professions Council). Provisional registration or pre-registration stage applicants are not eligible.
- Minimum of two years of clinical experience post-qualification.
- Medical graduates must be registered on a UK/Republic of Ireland training programme or be a registered GP. Those on a training programme must have a minimum of 12 months left to complete their CCT in their chosen specialty by the time the PhD is awarded.
- Nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) must hold a Master’s Degree in a relevant field.
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be eligible for UK/home fees.
- Interest in global health research and a commitment to a clinical academic career.
Scholarship Description
The CREATE PhD Programme supports doctoral fellowships for health professionals from all disciplines, including doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals (pharmacists, healthcare scientists), and those in veterinary medicine, dentistry, and all sub-specialties within medicine and surgery. The programme provides a structured and mentored training environment to develop global health leaders.
Support is for three years and includes:
- Salary (matched to current salary plus London allowance if applicable; NMAHP salaries matched to Agenda For Change scale).
- Research expenses.
- Home rate tuition fees.
- Training and travel costs.
On completion of their PhD, fellows will receive individually tailored support for career development.
How to Apply
The application is a two-stage process:
- Stage 1 (Online Application Form): Submit an online application form assessing suitability, motivation for doctoral research, and vision for PhD research and career. Adhere strictly to word limits. Do not upload a CV.
- Equal Opportunities Form: Submit an Equal Opportunities form alongside the application to Nunzia.limongelli@lshtm.ac.uk, quoting reference ITD-CRD-2026-24.
Approximately 15-20 applicants will be selected from Stage 1 to develop a full Stage 2 application, comprising a competitive PhD proposal with a detailed budget and finding relevant supervisors. Up to five applicants will be selected for funding following external peer review and interview in May 2027.
Apply online via: http://jobs.lshtm.ac.uk/
For questions regarding the application process, email create-phd@lshtm.ac.uk.
Further information on the Programme is available at: PROGRAMME | CREATE PhD Programme
Last Date for Apply
Sunday 8th November 2026 (until 23:59 for online applications).
