AZ-UoC Collaborative Non-Clinical PhD Programme 2027

AZ-UoC Collaborative Non-Clinical PhD Programme (2027 intake)  

Remit: The aim of this programme is to fund 4year Non-Clinical PhD studentships at the University of Cambridge (UoC) for talented graduates in research areas which align with the strategic interests of AstraZeneca (AZ). The three broad areas of research interests are 

• Innovative Technologies and Platforms 
• Novel Biological and Chemistry Research 
• Data, Science and AI for Drug Discovery and Development

Research topics aligning to these three broad areas can be found in the guidance document here.

Eligibility Criteria: Principal Investigators employed by the University of Cambridge and AstraZeneca are eligible to apply in partnership. Individual investigators applying without an AstraZeneca / Cambridge partner must be willing to collaborate with a co-investigator from the partner organisation. The programme management team can assist with the identification of a suitable partner. The form to assist in identifying a suitable partner is available here and should be completed by 1st June’26.

All applications should be submitted as a partnership between supervisors employed by the UoC and AZ. The University of Cambridge supervisor will be the lead investigator for this studentship should it be awarded. Support for the proposal will be required from the relevant University of Cambridge Head of Department prior to submission.   

Submissions must align with one or more of the research themes and are limited to one per Principle Investigator. Projects must be truly collaborative with AZ participation throughout advertisement, recruitment and delivery of the project. PIs who have not had an AZ funded studentship in previous call will be prioritised. Projects need to be advertised via the university jobs and CATS website as AstraZeneca funded projects.  

Funding

Programme funding for non-clinical PhD studentships covers student stipend, tuition fees (at Home fee level only) and an allocation towards project consumables and training. Once studentships have been awarded, each University of Cambridge department will be responsible for the student recruitment in collaboration with the AZ supervisor. 

Please note, the AstraZeneca funded non-clinical studentship program covers academic fees for UK/home students only. Any additional funding required for the recruitment of overseas students will not be covered and will have to be met by the University department or other sources. 

Application Process:  

University of Cambridge PI’s will require a RAVEN account to download the application form and complete the application process. The application and submission forms can be found here and will be available on the CATS website from 28th April 2025 to download. Once completed, the form can thereafter be uploaded directly on CATS website. The forms should be fully completed and signed before uploading to CATS website.

Contact and Reporting

The main point of contact will be the University of Cambridge Programme Manager, Dr Meghana Patel, Executive Manager at Cambridge Academy of Therapeutic Sciences (azphdstudentships@admin.cam.ac.uk). It is required that the programme manager is kept updated on the progress and any changes in circumstances regarding the AZ-funded non clinical studentships. Further details on how changes are managed can be found in the programme handbook, once the studentship is awarded.

Non-confidential progress reports will be requested for submission to the Programme Management Group (PMG). It is mandatory for students funded through this programme to present and discuss the findings of their PhD projects at annual AZ-PhD Symposium.

Review

Proposals will be reviewed by the PMG which includes representation from AstraZeneca and the University of Cambridge. The PMG will be responsible for annual allocation of studentships based on proposal fit to strategic remit, the enhanced collaborative potential of the proposal, and available budgets. 

Deadline  

The deadline for receipt of full proposals is 03rd July 2026. 

As timelines are quite tight, PIs are strongly encouraged to seek a collaborative partner as soon as possible (and prior to 01st June 2026 if they require support from Programme Managers) so that applications can be made to the PMG by the specified deadline.

Contact details  

All proposals should be uploaded on the CATS website. If you have any queries or are unable to download or upload the form, please email the programme team at AZPhDStudentships@admin.cam.ac.uk.