Apply Now: Psoriasis UK PhD Studentship Program

Deadline: 07-Dec-2026

Psoriasis UK is inviting applications from UK-based research institutions and established academic or scientific investigators for PhD studentships supporting innovative research into the causes, nature, treatment, and cure of psoriasis. The scheme aims to develop the next generation of psoriasis researchers while funding high-quality projects that can deliver meaningful benefits for people living with psoriatic disease. Proposed research must address at least one of the Psoriasis Priority Setting Partnership’s Top 10 Research Priorities and demonstrate strong scientific quality, feasibility, patient relevance, and value for money.

About the Psoriasis UK PhD Studentship Scheme

The PhD Studentship scheme was established by Psoriasis UK to support emerging researchers working to understand and address psoriasis and psoriatic disease. The programme combines research funding with structured training, helping PhD students develop the scientific expertise needed for future research careers.

Funded projects are expected to:

- Address important unanswered questions about psoriasis. - Generate meaningful benefits for people living with psoriasis. - Follow rigorous and appropriate research methodologies. - Be achievable within a three-year PhD timeframe. - Demonstrate good value for money. - Involve patients and consider their priorities throughout the research process. - Provide a strong training environment for the PhD student. What Research Does the Studentship Support? The scheme supports PhD-level research focused on psoriasis, including research into: - The causes of psoriasis. - The nature and mechanisms of psoriatic disease. - Treatments for psoriasis. - Potential approaches to curing psoriasis. - Other research questions aligned with the Psoriasis Priority Setting Partnership Top 10 Research Priorities. Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed project addresses one or more of the identified research priorities and why the research is relevant to people affected by psoriasis. Research Quality and Feasibility Psoriasis UK places strong emphasis on methodological rigour and the feasibility of proposed research. Projects should have a clear and achievable research plan that can be completed within the three-year PhD period.

Applications should demonstrate:

- A well-defined research question. - Appropriate research methodology. - A realistic work plan. - Feasibility within three years. - Potential scientific and patient impact. - Effective use of the available funding. - A suitable training environment for the student. Patient Relevance and Involvement The studentship scheme places importance on ensuring that research responds to the needs of people living with psoriasis. Applicants should demonstrate the relevance of their research to patients and explain how patient perspectives or involvement will be incorporated into the research process where appropriate. This helps ensure that funded projects address meaningful questions rather than focusing only on scientific interest. Funding Information The maximum total award available is £137,000.

Funding can cover:

- Student stipend: UKRI rate plus a 3% annual uplift, with London weighting where applicable.

- Home tuition fees: Full home tuition fees at the host institution.

- Research costs: Up to £10,000 per year.

- Training: Up to £1,500.

- Conference travel: Up to £2,000.

The award is designed to provide comprehensive financial support for a three-year PhD research project. Funding Restrictions Applicants should carefully plan the project within the available studentship award because: - No extensions are available. - No top-up funding is available. - The studentship must begin within 12 months of the award. - Research must be feasible within the three-year studentship period. Who Can Apply? Applications are restricted to UK-based research institutions. The application must be submitted by an established academic or scientific investigator proposing a PhD-level research project focused on psoriasis. Eligible applicants should have the appropriate academic and research environment to supervise and support the proposed PhD project. Can Prospective PhD Students Apply Directly? No. Prospective PhD students cannot apply directly for the Psoriasis UK PhD Studentship. Applications must be submitted through an eligible UK-based research institution by an established academic or scientific investigator. The investigator will propose the research project and provide the appropriate supervisory and training environment for the PhD student. Lead Applicant Limits Each Lead Applicant may submit only one application per round. In addition, a Lead Applicant may not hold more than two active Psoriasis UK Studentships simultaneously. Applicants should therefore consider their existing Psoriasis UK studentship commitments before submitting a proposal. What Makes a Strong Proposal? A competitive proposal should clearly demonstrate: - Alignment with one or more of the Top 10 Psoriasis Research Priorities. - A significant and clearly defined research question. - Scientific innovation and methodological quality. - Feasibility within three years. - Potential benefits for people living with psoriasis. - Meaningful patient relevance and involvement. - A strong training environment for the PhD student. - Appropriate supervision and institutional support. - A realistic and well-justified budget. - Strong value for money. Why Apply for the Psoriasis UK PhD Studentship? The studentship provides an opportunity to combine doctoral training with research addressing important unanswered questions in psoriasis. The funding can cover the student’s stipend and tuition fees while also providing dedicated support for research, training, and conference participation. For host institutions and investigators, the programme can also contribute to developing the next generation of researchers specializing in psoriatic disease. Frequently Asked Questions