CREATE PhD Programme Fellow in Global Health (x5)
A funded PhD programme for healthcare professionals to conduct interdisciplinary research in Africa and Asia under Wellcome’s Discovery Research framework.
Best for:Best for healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals) with at least two years of clinical experience seeking to combine research with clinical practice in global health settings.
Overview
The CREATE PhD Programme offers five fully funded doctoral fellowships for healthcare professionals aiming to transition into clinical academic careers. Hosted by a consortium of five UK universities (including London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine) and six partner institutions in Africa and Asia, this programme supports research addressing health challenges in low- and middle-income countries. Fellows will spend at least 18 months conducting fieldwork abroad while receiving mentorship from supervisors in both the UK and their host country. The programme prioritises interdisciplinary approaches, equitable research, and career development, with tailored support post-PhD. Applicants must be practicing healthcare professionals with relevant clinical experience and registration.
What you'll do
- Conduct original research addressing health problems relevant to Africa or Asia, aligned with Wellcome’s Discovery Research criteria.
- Spend a minimum of 18 months conducting fieldwork at a partner institution in Zimbabwe, Ghana, Pakistan, South Africa, The Gambia, or Uganda.
- Develop and implement a structured PhD research proposal with input from UK and international supervisors.
- Maintain clinical practice (if applicable) while pursuing doctoral studies.
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across health, social, and biomedical sciences.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Participate in career development workshops and mentorship programmes post-PhD.
- Adhere to ethical research standards and regulatory requirements in both UK and host countries.
Requirements
Degree required: Registration as a practicing healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, pharmacist, allied health professional) with a 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. Nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research, supervision, and publication (no formal test score specified).
Instruction: English
- Proven clinical experience in healthcare (minimum 2 years).
- Registration with a national professional regulatory body in the UK/Republic of Ireland.
- Ability to conduct research in interdisciplinary health sciences.
- Commitment to a clinical academic career.
- Fluency in English for research communication and documentation.
- Experience with ethical research practices and regulatory compliance.
- Must be a practicing healthcare professional registered with a UK/Republic of Ireland regulatory body (e.g., General Medical Council, Health and Care Professions Council).
- Medical graduates must have a minimum of 12 months remaining to complete their CCT by the time the PhD is awarded.
- Nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals 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.
- Provisional registration or pre-registration status is not eligible.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-08
Applications are submitted in two stages via an online portal. Stage 1 requires completing an application form addressing motivation, research vision, and career goals. Shortlisted candidates (15-20) will proceed to Stage 2, where they develop a full PhD proposal with a detailed budget and identify supervisors. Up to five applicants will be selected after peer review and interviews in May 2027. Applicants must submit an Equal Opportunities form to Nunzia.limongelli@lshtm.ac.uk and quote reference ITD-CRD-2026-24.
- Stage 1 application form (online)
- Equal Opportunities form (emailed separately)
- Proof of clinical registration and eligibility (if not embedded in application)
Contact
Nunzia Limongelli· CREATE PhD Programme Administrator
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