The NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship 2026‑27 gives outstanding researchers the chance to pursue a fully funded PhD at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in London. This award enables you to develop specialised research skills in syphilis and sexually transmitted infection (STI) control, combining academic study, data analysis, and health economics to help shape innovative public health responses in the UK and beyond. Successful candidates receive financial support throughout their doctoral training, allowing them to focus fully on scientific discovery and impact.

About the NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship

The NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship supports a three‑year, full‑time PhD studentship at LSHTM starting in September 2026. The fellowship forms part of a broader research effort funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to tackle increasing syphilis rates in the UK by advancing evidence‑based strategies to control infection and reduce health burdens. Students work under expert supervision and join multidisciplinary research teams focused on qualitative methods, health economics, and mathematical modelling of STI dynamics.

Why Choose The NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship?

This scholarship gives you full financial backing for a doctoral degree while you contribute to important public health research on syphilis — a persistent and growing health challenge. You will build advanced skills in research design, health economic evaluation, epidemiological modelling, and qualitative analysis, work alongside leading faculty, engage with policy‑relevant questions, and gain experience essential for careers in academia, global health research, and public health policy. The training environment at LSHTM fosters cross‑disciplinary collaboration, professional growth, and networking with experts in infectious disease research.

NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: United Kingdom
  • Host Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
  • Scholarship Name: NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship 2026‑27
  • Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
  • Project Focus: Syphilis control research with qualitative and health economic methods
  • Coverage: Tuition fees at Home rate, tax‑free living stipend (UKRI rate), research and travel support allowance
  • Programme Start: September 2026
  • Application Deadline: 23:59 (BST) on 11 May 2026
  • Eligible Applicants: Students with strong academic and research potential who meet LSHTM Home fee eligibility and PhD entry requirements

Scholarship Benefits

  • Full tuition fee coverage at the LSHTM Home rate for the duration of the PhD.
  • A tax‑free stipend at the UKRI doctoral rate to support cost of living while studying in the UK.
  • Funding for research‑related activities, including travel and fieldwork, is under NIHR support.
  • Opportunity to develop high‑impact research skills relevant to infectious disease control and public health.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

  • Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in public health, health economics, epidemiology, or a related field (or demonstrate equivalent research experience).
  • Demonstrate basic statistical and software skills (e.g., Stata or R) for health economic and modelling work.
  • Show strong academic achievement and research potential relevant to syphilis/STI research.
  • Meet LSHTM’s Home fee eligibility criteria (see LSHTM fee assessment policy).
  • Present evidence of effective communication skills and ability to work independently as part of a research team.

Required Documents

Prepare the following for your application:

  • Academic transcripts from all previous degrees.
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your academic and research experience.
  • A research proposal (up to 2 pages) outlining your intended PhD focus on syphilis research.
  • At least two academic references.
  • A personal statement explaining your interest in the scholarship and your research motivation.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Contact potential supervisors (e.g., Professor Michael Marks) for informal discussion and guidance before applying.
  2. Complete and submit the full research degree application via the LSHTM admissions portal, including proposal and supporting documents.
  3. In the admissions portal’s funding section, write “NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship” to indicate your interest.
  4. Ensure your application and all documents are submitted by 23:59 (BST) on 11 May 2026.
  5. Shortlisted applicants may attend an interview (likely via video call).
  6. Receive funding decisions from the scholarship committee and follow admission instructions.