Future Leaders in Biomedical Sciences Scholarships

The Crick Future Leaders in Biomedical Sciences scholarships are aimed at students of Black or mixed Black heritage, with backgrounds in biological or biomedical sciences, physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics or computer science, and who wish to undertake a PhD in biological or biomedical sciences.

Candidates of Black or mixed Black heritage may also choose to apply separately to the PhD positions advertised via our 2027 PhD student recruitment programme, if they would like to do so.

What we offer

We offer successful applicants a place on the Crick PhD programme, and a PhD studentship that covers:

• £27,715 tax-free student stipend (living allowance) per year for four years
• Tuition fees
• If applicable, reimbursement of the student visa application fee and immigration health surcharge

In addition to the training, support and guidance provided via the PhD Programme, the Future Leaders in Biomedical Sciences scholarship recipients will also be provided with additional mentoring and networking opportunities.

Eligibility and academic entry criteria

The Future Leaders in Biomedical Sciences scholarships are open to candidates of all nationalities who are from a Black heritage background, including a mixed background, for example: Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black backgrounds).

Candidates who are not from a Black heritage background should apply to the Crick PhD programme via our 2027 PhD student recruitment programme.

In addition, the standard Crick academic eligibility criteria apply:

• A first/upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent from a non-UK university) in a relevant subject.
• Appropriate research experience as part of, or outside of, a university degree course, or a master's degree in a relevant subject.

English skills

Applicants do not need to submit information relating to English language skills during the application process. If you are offered a Crick PhD studentship we will provide you with information on our English language requirements.

Applications

As part of your application, you will be asked to identify up to three participating Group Leaders that you are interested in being matched with if you are invited to interview. If you are awarded the scholarship, it is the Group Leader that you are finally matched with that will be your PhD supervisor.

• Your application must be submitted by the deadline: 12:00 midday GMT, Wednesday 4 November 2026.
• We will not accept late applications. 
• We should receive your references by 12:00 midday GMT, Wednesday 11 November 2026.

After the reference deadline:

• Your application will be reviewed first by members of the Crick’s Academic Training team (junior researchers), who will check that you meet the Crick PhD programme academic entry criteria and check that the application form has been completed in full and as directed in the candidate instructions.
• After this eligibility check, your application will be made available to a Future Leaders in Biomedical Sciences application shortlisting panel which will include Crick Group Leaders and the Head of Academic Programmes. 
• Following application review by the Future Leaders in Biomedical Sciences shortlisting panel and the Group Leader supervisors, up to 12 candidates will be invited to the formal interview programme.

As articulated in our Inclusion and Discovery without Boundaries strategies, diversity is critical to our success, and equality, diversity and inclusion remain key priorities for the Crick, our Board and our founders. Theme 1 of our Inclusion Strategy focuses on recruitment and progression, noting the under-representation and attrition of some groups through the career pipeline. 

To address the underrepresentation of students of Black heritage undertaking PhDs in STEM, including at the Crick, the Crick Future Leaders in Biomedical Sciences scholarships are aimed at students from Black heritage backgrounds who wish to undertake a PhD in biological or biomedical sciences.