Postgraduate research

The UK Human Functional Genomics Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) brings together leading UK universities, NHS organisations, industry partners and national research infrastructure to train the next generation of researchers.

Whether your interests lie in genetics, computational biology, AI, bioinformatics, molecular biology or translational medicine, you’ll join a collaborative national community tackling major challenges in human health.

Why Choose the DLA?

Choosing a PhD is about more than selecting a project. It is about joining a national, collaborative research community that will support, challenge and inspire you. The FGx-DLA combines fully funded doctoral training (subject to award terms), interdisciplinary supervision, cohort activities, access to world-class facilities, AI and data science training, professional development and opportunities to engage with NHS and industry partners. You will get the opportunity to undertake training across our institutions and become part of an expanding network of functional genomics scientists.

About the Programme

The UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative is a national collaboration accelerating discoveries that improve human health. The FGx-DLA has been created to develop future research leaders through outstanding PhD projects, shared training and collaboration across institutions.

Why Functional Genomics?

Functional genomics seeks to understand how genes work, how they interact, and how changes in their function contribute to health and disease. By combining laboratory science with computational approaches, artificial intelligence, genome editing, single-cell technologies and large-scale biological data, researchers can uncover the biological mechanisms that drive disease and identify new opportunities for diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

Functional genomics is central to the UK’s future health and research ambitions. The Government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England highlights genomics, data and AI as key technologies for delivering more predictive, preventative and personalised healthcare, while the UK Industrial Strategy identifies life sciences as a priority sector for driving innovation, economic growth and improving patient outcomes.

The FGx-DLA has been designed to develop the next generation of researchers who can respond to evolving health challenges and drive innovation across the UK’s life sciences ecosystem. Through interdisciplinary training, collaboration with academia, the NHS and industry, and access to world-leading expertise, graduates will be equipped for impactful careers across research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, data science and beyond.

Eligibility

Applicants will hold, or be predicted to obtain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Funding is expected to follow UKRI Home fee eligibility guidance. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process with reasonable adjustments where required.

How to apply

Applications will open on 19th October 2026.

Training

Students will benefit from cohort-based training covering functional genomics, statistics, bioinformatics, AI and machine learning, research integrity, leadership, public engagement and career development, alongside networking and annual scientific meetings.