AZ Funded Non Clinical PhD Studentship 2026

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 

Eligibility and 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 will be available online from 7th April’25 and should be completed by 23rd May’25.

The partnering form is now closed. 

All applications should be submitted as a partnership between identified Principle investigators employed by the UoC and AZ. The University of Cambridge Principal Investigator 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: Each funded studentship covers

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.

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

The deadline for receipt of full proposals is Friday, 20th June 2025.  As timelines are quite tight, PIs are strongly encouraged to seek a collaborative partner as soon as possible (and prior to 23rd May 2025) so that full submissions can be made to the selection committee by the specified deadline.   

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.