Fully Funded University of Cambridge PhD Studentship 2027 in Vaccine Policy and Health Economics (UK) @Unknown

Applications Open for a Fully Funded PhD at the University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a prestigious fully funded PhD studentship focused on evaluating the United Kingdom’s vaccine programme through a holistic decision-making framework. This exciting three-year doctoral research opportunity is based within the Department of Veterinary Medicine and forms part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Vaccines and Immunisation.

The project offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in public health, infectious disease epidemiology, vaccine policy, health economics, and mathematical modelling. Successful candidates will work alongside leading experts from some of the United Kingdom’s most respected public health and academic institutions.

About the Research Project

The PhD project is embedded within the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Vaccines and Immunisation, a major collaboration involving:

• The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
• The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
• University College London (UCL)
• The University of Cambridge

The successful student will be based at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Professor Caroline Trotter and will collaborate closely with researchers and public health experts across the HPRU partnership.

Research Focus

Vaccination programmes are often evaluated based on individual vaccines or specific diseases. However, vaccine decision-making can have broader implications for an entire national immunisation programme.

This PhD seeks to develop a comprehensive framework that enables policymakers to assess vaccine decisions more holistically by considering impacts across the wider immunisation system.

The research will involve:

1. Developing a decision-making framework for vaccine policy.
2. Applying the framework to real-world vaccine case studies.
3. Assessing how policy decisions may change when broader programme impacts are considered.
4. Refining the framework based on evidence and practical application.
5. Contributing new insights to vaccine policy and public health decision-making.

The project aims to strengthen the evidence base for future vaccination strategies while helping policymakers make more informed and effective decisions.

Skills and Experience You Will Gain

The PhD provides extensive interdisciplinary training and professional development opportunities.

Successful candidates will develop expertise in:

Infectious Disease Epidemiology

• Understanding disease transmission dynamics
• Evaluating vaccination programme impacts
• Population-level health analysis

Mathematical Modelling

• Modelling vaccine-preventable diseases
• Predicting health outcomes
• Assessing intervention effectiveness

Health Economics

• Economic evaluation of vaccination programmes
• Cost-effectiveness analysis
• Health policy decision-making

Public Engagement and Involvement

A unique aspect of this project is its emphasis on public participation.

The successful candidate will:

• Design a public involvement strategy
• Engage communities in vaccine research discussions
• Incorporate public perspectives into vaccine policy research
• Develop communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Funding and Financial Support

This studentship provides substantial financial support for the duration of the PhD.

Funding includes:

• Full tuition fees at the UK Home Fee Rate
• Tax-free maintenance stipend starting at £20,199 per year
• Funding for three years
• Research costs covered through the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Immunisation

This financial package allows students to focus on high-impact research while receiving comprehensive academic and professional support.

Why Apply?

This opportunity offers several unique advantages:

Study at a World-Leading University

The University of Cambridge is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities and is internationally recognized for excellence in research and innovation.

Work with Leading Experts

Students will collaborate with experts from:

• University of Cambridge
• UK Health Security Agency
• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
• University College London

Influence Future Vaccine Policy

Research findings could contribute directly to the development of vaccination policies and public health strategies in the UK and beyond.

Build High-Demand Skills

Graduates will gain expertise highly valued in:

• Public health agencies
• Government institutions
• International health organizations
• Academic research institutions
• Healthcare policy organizations

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should:

• Hold or expect to obtain at least a UK 2:1 Honours Degree or equivalent
• Have an academic background relevant to the project
• Demonstrate strong research potential
• Show interest in vaccine policy, epidemiology, modelling, or health economics
• Be willing to engage with interdisciplinary teams and public stakeholders

Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the project supervisor before submitting a formal application.

Required Steps

1. Contact Professor Caroline Trotter to discuss the project.
2. Review the University of Cambridge postgraduate application guidance.
3. Submit a formal application through the University of Cambridge system.
4. Include reference number PP49859 in all correspondence and applications.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 10 July 2026
• Interview Period: Before the end of July 2026
• PhD Start Date: January 2027

Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

The University of Cambridge actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of society.

How to Apply

Applicants should contact the project supervisor before applying and review the detailed application guidance provided by the Department of Veterinary Medicine.

For additional information, visit the University of Cambridge Department of Veterinary Medicine postgraduate admissions page and prepare your application before the deadline of 10 July 2026.

This is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring researchers seeking to contribute to the future of vaccine policy, public health decision-making, and health protection research while studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

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