MRC 4-Year PhD Programme (LMS)

MRC 4-Year PhD Programme (LMS) is sponsored by MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences. This fully-funded 4-year PhD programme focuses on interdisciplinary biomedical research, with a strong emphasis on advancing understanding of fundamental biology and its relevance to human health. It welcomes applications from various scientific backgrounds.

Studentships and PhD training Introduction to student life at the LMS Have you just completed your first degree? Or perhaps a Masters? Congratulations on your achievements!

Are you considering a PhD? If so – consider an LMS PhD. Introduction to our PhD programmes For all general enquiries about our PhD training programmes please contact the Postgraduate Coordinator on The LMS offers three tailored PhD programmes – a core PhD programme , a transdisciplinary PhD programme and a Team Science PhD programme , designed to inspire, challenge and nurture the next generation of research leaders.

Our students work at the forefront of science in o ur state-of-the- art West London facility, gaining hands-on experience wi th cutting-e dge technologies and benefiting from close mentorship by internationally recognised Group Heads.

Our PhD students are enrolled through Imperial College London’s Faculty of Medicine, giving them access to the Graduate School’s extensive training resources, student benefits, and a dynamic postgraduate community. Join us to grow as a scie ntist , co llaborate across disciplines and make discoveries that can transform lives .

W e ’re committed to fostering an inclu sive and diverse research environment where all PhD students feel valued and supported. To find out more visit our dedicated equality, diversity and inclusion pag e .

Our c ore PhD p rogramme offers an exceptional training environment for talented and ambitious graduate students who are eager to explore bold, innovative approaches to biomedical research and push the boundaries of scientific discovery. Designed to nurture future scientific leaders, the programme encourages creative thinking, critical analysis, and empowers students to tackle complex biological challenges.

With access to world-class facilities, expert mentorship, and a vibrant, collaborative research community, this programme provides the perfect environment for students aspiring to make transformative c ontributions to science and medicine. In addition, all students benefit from a wide range of professional development opportunities, reflecting our strong commitment to the personal development of our students .

Transdisciplinary PhD programme Our tran sdis cipli n ary PhD programme offers an out standi ng tr aining en vironment that closely mirrors our core p rogr amme but places a stronger emphasis on t ransdisciplinary research.

T his initiative brings together s cientists from th e LMS, lead ing global academic institutions, and industry to tackle global and societal challenge s, as well as core biological problems wit h direct r elevan ce to hu man healt h. Th is programme aims to attract students from diverse and non-traditional academic backgrounds , including mathematics, physical sciences and engineering .

The p rogramme’s transdisciplinary nature fosters an environment where ideas flow freely, collaborations thrive, and pioneering research has the potential to ac hieve hig h-impact research . By integrating knowledge ac ross fiel ds, the p rogramme inspires students to innovate and develop holistic solutions to key biological and clinical challenges helping to advance healthcare and improve lives.

Team Science PhD programme Our Team Science PhD programme is a newly launched initiative that tackles major challenges in human health by fostering collaboration across disciplines, institutions and industry . These s tudents join a dynamic environment that values individual expertise while amplifying it through shared infrastructure, collectiv e ambiti on and interdisciplinary innovation.

Team Science PhD students will work within one of two challenge areas : Nucleic acid sensors in ageing-associated inflammation and Reproductive health and fertility: ageing, sex and the environment. Each team will consist of three postdoctoral researchers and three PhD students working across multiple LMS research groups , as well as with external academic and industrial partners.

Our PhD programmes offer students a generous, tax-free stipend of £26,500 per year, for four years and cover the cost of student tuition fees as well as necessary research consumables. Visa costs are covered for overseas students. Recruitment for our 2026 PhD programmes is now closed.

Information about our 2027 PhD programmes and the application timeline will be released in September 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Postgraduate Coordinator at . What to expect as an LMS PhD Student Students are supported by a dedicated team of two co-supervisors, two assessors and a mentor.

C o-supervisors offer expert guidance and teaching throughout the PhD, ensuring strong academic development. Assessors provide structured support through regular progress reviews and tailor ed career and professional development advice , while m entors offer continuous wellbeing support and guidance , fostering a positive, nurturing environment for both personal and academic growth.

Click through the carousel below to find out more about what it’s like to be an LMS PhD student. “Throughout my PhD, the core facilities at the LMS have provided me with the opportunity to learn a wide range of techniques in a highly supportive environment.

The collaborative and open culture here means that whenever I’ve wanted to explore a specific area or technique, there has always been someone with relevant experience willing to help. ” Jane Bennett, PhD student, Cellular Stress group Our PhD students participate in a three-week induction course during the first month of their programme.

The induction includes lectures, practical demonstrations, facility tours, as well as sessions on science and society, good scientific practice and science communication. Developing transferable skills As registered students of Imperial College London, our PhD students have access to a wide range of courses including training in Intellectual Property, Python and R, Career Progression and many more.

In addition, the LMS offers its own training initiatives, including a Computational Biology course featuring hands-on workshops that teach students how to use key software and refine their analytical skills and a Presentation Skills workshop to help students communicate their research effectively to diverse audiences.

Our PhD Student Committee fosters a supportive research environment by ensuring student voices are heard by Institute leadership. Our PhD Student Committee also works closely with our postgraduate student coordinator and attends biannual feedback meetings with the Directors of Postgraduate Studies.

The Committee President(s) also contribute to the Postgraduate Training Advisory Group, reviewing proposed programme changes before implementation. The LMS has a bustling social calendar, featuring international food events, games nights, and occasional “After Hours” evenings.

Our vibrant PhD Student Committee brings the student community together through a mix of academic and social events, including journal clubs, career talks, guest lectures, group dinners, trips and the annual PhD Retreat. 11 New Fully Funded LMS 4-Year Studentships 11 New Fully Funded LMS 4-Year Studentships Published October 11, 2024 Congratulations!

LMS Celebrates Graduation of PhD Students at Royal Albert Hall Ceremony Congratulations! LMS Celebrates Graduation of PhD Students at Royal Albert Hall Ceremony Speck lab receives prestigious Discovery Programme Award Speck lab receives prestigious Discovery Programme Award