PhD Studentships and Clinical Fellowships

Supporting future researchers

With 61 PhD students and fellows currently engaged in groundbreaking research, our programme provides a platform for individuals to pursue advanced study and make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields. Recruited in two cohorts (2023 and 2024), these researchers are integral to Manchester BRC’s mission.

Collaborative and Theme-driven research 

Some of our students are core-funded, enabling them to lead research projects across multiple Manchester BRC Themes. Others are deeply embedded within specific Themes, ensuring their work aligns closely with key areas of focus and impact.

Discover the journey of our PhD students

PhDs in Focus

Our Manchester BRC PhD students are leading the way in pioneering research, exploring innovative solutions to advance healthcare. Through their blogs, they share insights into their groundbreaking projects, their aspirations, and the impact they hope to make during their studies.

Gain a behind-the-scenes look at their journey and the exciting work shaping the future of healthcare research.

Read the blogs in the PhDs in Focus series.

PhD Showcase Events

We have proudly hosted 2 PhD Showcase Events, highlighting the innovative research and progress of our talented Manchester BRC PhD students. These events were inspiring opportunities to celebrate the achievements of our students and strengthen connections across the research community. The events also brought together representatives from other Northern BRCs, creating a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration and knowledge exchange.

PhD Student Representatives

We have 2 PhD Student Representatives who act as a key liaison between the student body and the Capacity Building team at Manchester BRC, playing a leadership role that directly enhances the experience, development and visibility of BRC PhD students and fellows.

The PhD Student Representatives are Katie Dixon (pictured left) from the Advanced Radiotherapy Theme and Artemis Bouzaki (pictured right) from the Living With and Beyond Cancer Theme.

Katie said: “I am particularly interested in increasing the visibility of Manchester BRC students/fellows and have a particular interest in supporting development opportunities. After having personally benefited from some of the excellent opportunities provided through Manchester BRC, I wanted to participate in making these available, inclusive, and relevant to all members, allowing for equal career advancements.”

PhD Buddy Scheme

Manchester BRC offers a PhD Buddy Scheme, providing PhD students and fellows a valuable opportunity to build connections, share experiences, and develop a supportive research community.

Tabitha John, PhD student in the Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Theme, said: “The PhD buddy scheme has been a valuable part of the first year of my PhD.  It has been great to have someone to talk to outside my immediate research area as it has helped me gain perspective and not feel isolated.  It is very easy to get caught up in your own project, but this has helped me understand the importance of collaboration and support whilst undertaking a PhD.”

Holly Cassell, PhD student in the Cancer Precision Medicine Theme, said: “I think it helps most with the social aspect of the PhD getting a chance to know someone in the same situation as you but who you wouldn’t usually come across because we work in two completely different places. It is also cool to speak to someone who works in a completely different discipline than myself.”

If you’re a Manchester BRC PhD student or fellow and interested in joining the scheme, please contact Lisa Murray, Education and Training Lead, at lisa.murray@mft.nhs.uk for more details.