Key information
To support: Experienced researchers to recruit outstanding science graduates to study for a PhD in the field of diabetes-related research.
Career level: Applications must be from potential supervisors only
Funding period: Three-year studentships
Deadline: Applications open in March each year and have an annual deadline of the last Friday in August.
![[15:47] Mikayla Hu Our PhD Studentships help people step into their careers in diabetes and research. 56% of our former PhD students over the past 15 years are engaged in research. 31% of them are conducting diabetes research. And 37% are involved in work related to diabetes. These non-research roles are in these sectors: education, science communication and publishing, and clinical trials.](https://diabetes-resources-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/resources-s3/public/styles/small_ckeditor/public/2024-06/DUK%20Career%20impact%201%20-%20V3.png?VersionId=N4xuwx0xbizeYX8wG7m9JmOSgYLGwugv&itok=mr_l_As2)
Our PhD studentships…
- Bring new talent into diabetes research;
- Initiate and fuel peoples' careers in diabetes research;
- Serve as a launchpad into interesting careers in diabetes and/or research.
Our recent career impact evaluation looked at what former PhD students who received this grant over the past 15 years have gone on to do. Results show that many pursued a career relevant to diabetes, in research, or specifically in diabetes research.
Eligibility
Applications must be from potential supervisors only. Applications from potential students will not be accepted
All applications must have one lead and one co-supervisor who are located at the host institute
Applications from junior researchers should include a senior supervisor based at a the same UK institute as the principal applicant, with a track record in PhD supervision, on the application
Supervisors will have a tenured post or be able to demonstrate that they will have a salary for the lifetime of the grant
The research must take place at an established research institution in the UK
The student must be recruited by the host institute.
Awards are made to projects that have clear relevance to the aims of our research strategy and provide training in diabetes research within a supportive environment.
Supervisors who have applied for the Black Leaders in Diabetes PhD Studentship scheme, their applications will not be considered as part of the standard PhD Studentship scheme.
Financial support
The stipend offered for studentships is currently:
Tuition fees for UK students at Home rate only. International students may apply, however international fees must be self-funded or supported by the institute.
A research allowance of £10,000 per year to cover all materials, consumables, equipment and animal costs.
Applicants may request a maximum of £2,500 for conferences across the duration of the award to cover registration, travel and accommodation. These must be reasonable and fully justified and will be agreed by the Review Panel.
Training costs of up to £1,500 relevant to the project may also be requested.
How to apply
To apply, please:
- read the general guidelines for grant applicants and tips for writing a grant application
- log on to the Diabetes UK online grants management system
- complete all sections of the online application form.
Administrative processes
Applications are sent to a panel largely comprised of members of the Diabetes UK Research Committee as well as other established researchers. The panel is reviewed each year to reflect the application portfolio. PhD Studentship applications are not externally peer reviewed.
The panel assesses applications and the top scoring applications are discussed at a teleconference before recommendations for funding are made.
Assessment criteria
Applications are judged on the following criteria:
- Relevance of project to diabetes.
- Supervisor’s training record.
- Suitability of project for PhD training.
- Scientific quality of proposed project.
Funding decisions
Final funding decisions will be made in November.
Feedback letters will be sent to all lead applicants within one month of the Research Committee Sub-Panel teleconference. Funded applicants will have two weeks to respond to comments raised by the Panel. Funded applicants should expect to receive an award letter within two months of the Research Committee Sub-Panel teleconference.
Resubmissions
Diabetes UK policy is to only accept resubmissions which have been invited by the Research Committee Sub-Panel. You will be informed in your feedback letter if you have been invited for a resubmission. When resubmitting an application, please include a cover letter indicating how the application has addressed the Panel's comments.
Student recruitment post-award
Awarded supervisors should begin recruiting for the studentship after it has been awarded. The CV of potential students must be submitted to Diabetes UK for approval before an appointment is made and students are expected to hold a relevant degree (classification minimum 2:1) or equivalent.
Please contact research@diabetes.org.uk if you require any further information.
