The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in the United Kingdom has opened applications for the 2026 NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship for qualified international applicants.
The NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity that covers full tuition fees, research and travel expenses, and a tax-free stipend of £23,805 per year for candidates pursuing a PhD degree in the United Kingdom.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £23,805 Stipend per year | Travel & Research Costs
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: May 11, 2026
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Scholarship Details
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is inviting applications for a three-year full-time PhD studentship scheduled to begin in September 2026. The studentship is funded through a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) project that focuses on strengthening syphilis control strategies in the United Kingdom.
Successful candidates will join a dynamic research team working on innovative approaches aimed at reducing the burden of illness caused by syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The research group conducts a wide range of studies that explore effective interventions, public health strategies, and economic analyses that can improve disease control and prevention.
Scholars will work in a collaborative academic environment, gaining access to experienced researchers and participating in projects designed to generate impactful insights into public health and infectious disease control.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship, applicants must:
- Meet the minimum entry requirements of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline such as:
- Health economics
- Public health with an economics focus
- Economics with a health-related Master’s degree
- Possess basic statistical skills and experience using analytical software such as:
- STATA
- R
- Demonstrate strong organisational and time-management skills
- Show the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a research team
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to analyse complex problems and propose sound solutions
- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Be able to engage with community partners and individuals affected by syphilis to support research development and dissemination
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage (LSHTM Home fee rate)
- Tax-free stipend of £23,805 per year (UKRI studentship rate for 2026–2027)
- Funding for travel, conferences, and research activities
- Opportunities to network with researchers, academic staff, and fellow students at LSHTM
During the studentship, scholars will also develop valuable research skills, including:
- Health economic analysis and costing methods
- Mathematical modelling techniques
- Collaboration with epidemiologists, qualitative researchers, and modelling experts
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Academic transcripts
- Official transcripts for completed studies
- Interim transcripts for ongoing programmes
- Two-page Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal (maximum of two A4 pages) including:
- A clear research question or hypothesis
- Background information with up to five key references
- Proposed research methodology
- References
- Personal statement explaining:
- Your interest in the research area
- Why you are suited for a PhD at LSHTM
How to Apply
To apply for the NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship 2026:
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the primary supervisor, Michael Marks, for an informal discussion before applying
- Submit a completed research degree application online through the LSHTM application portal before the deadline
- Ensure all required documents are uploaded as specified on the LSHTM “before you apply” page
- In the Funding section of the admissions portal, clearly indicate your interest in the scholarship by writing “NIHR UK Syphilis Research Scholarship.”
Applications must be submitted no later than 23:59 (BST) on May 11, 2026.
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