Fully Funded CRUK Convergence Science Centre PhD Studentships 2026
Organization: Imperial College London & The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)
Host country: United Kingdom
Degree level: Doctoral
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Fields of study: Convergence Science, Cancer Research, Bioengineering, Clinical Medicine, Chemistry, Data Science, Materials Science
The Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre is a strategic partnership between Imperial College London and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The Centre offers fully funded PhD studentships that bring together researchers from different disciplines—such as engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, and medicine—to develop innovative ways to address challenges in cancer research. Students benefit from cross-institutional training, world-class infrastructure, and a unique interdisciplinary environment aimed at translating novel cancer technologies and therapeutics to the clinic.
Benefits
Full funding for Home/Overseas tuition fees for up to 3.5 to 4 years
An annual tax-free living stipend paid at the Cancer Research UK rate (£24,219 per year)
A dedicated consumables and travel fund (e.g., £1,000 per annum for the first three years) for lab supplies and conferences
Access to world-class research facilities and training infrastructure across both Imperial College London and the ICR
Eligibility
Must hold or achieve a Master's degree in addition to a Bachelor's degree with at least a UK Upper Second Class Honours Level (or overseas equivalent)
Must demonstrate a strong background in a relevant scientific, engineering, or medical discipline
Open to UK/Home students and a limited number of exceptional international students
Must meet the English language entry requirements of Imperial College London or the ICR
Requirements
Strong interdisciplinary research interest combining physical sciences/engineering with cancer biology/medicine
Prior contact with a prospective supervisor in the Department who has agreed to supervise the research project (highly recommended for specific departmental applications)
Demonstrated aptitude for rigorous experimental work or computational data analysis
Required Documents
Complete online application form via Imperial College London or ICR portal
Official academic transcripts and degree certificates
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
Personal statement / Motivation letter detailing interdisciplinary interests
Two academic or professional references
Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
Programs of Study
PhD in Convergence Science
PhD in Clinical Medicine
PhD in Bioengineering
PhD in Materials Science
Application Process
Review the available fully-funded PhD projects on the CRUK Convergence Science Centre or Imperial/ICR websites
Contact the primary supervisor of the project you are interested in to discuss the research and your suitability
Complete the online application portal through Imperial College London or the ICR depending on the primary host site of the project
Submit all required supporting documents and ensure referee details are provided before the specific project deadline
Await shortlisting notification for the panel interview stage
How to Apply
Ensure you explicitly highlight your interdisciplinary skills and how they apply to cancer research in your personal statement
International applicants should apply as early as possible due to the highly competitive and limited number of overseas funding spots
Treat the preliminary contact with potential supervisors as an informal interview to gauge alignment on the research vision
Selection Process
Applications are initially reviewed by the project supervisors and the Centre's academic committee to form a shortlist
Shortlisted candidates are invited for panel interviews, typically held virtually or in London, where they may be asked to present past research
Candidates may also undergo one-to-one interviews with the supervisory team before a final offer is made
Selection is based entirely on academic excellence, research potential, and fit for the convergence science mission