The London Interdisciplinary Biosciences Consortium (LIDo) is an immensely successful and established collaborative partnership offering world-class interdisciplinary PhD studentships. LIDo trains PhD students to address complex questions in Bioscience and Biotechnology using methods spanning biological, physical, chemical, engineering, and computational sciences. There is emphasis on combining experimental approaches with computational methods including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data science, and mathematical modelling.

LIDo provides a truly remarkable and unparalleled opportunity for innovative cutting-edge research in the heart of one of the world's most vibrant and scientifically stimulating cities.

For September 2025 LIDo is offering 35 fully funded studentships across our DTP and iCASE routes of entry; these include tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of at least £21,237. A maximum of 7 of these positions can be offered to students eligible for overseas fee rates, where LIDo will cover the full fee amount.

DTP Route

In the first year of the programme, DTP students will undertake two 4-month research projects in different partner institutions, selecting from a catalogue of over 200 topics. The choice of PhD topic is finalised after the second rotation project.

Research opportunities are available across the breadth of BBSRC remit.

All DTP students undertake a compulsory 3-month internship (PIPS) during their PhD to gain experience and context for careers where the transferable skills developed during their PhD programme can be usefully employed.

iCASE Route

Industrial collaborative (iCASE) students begin working on their named project from the start of the course. These projects represent genuine partnerships between academics within the LIDo consortium and industrial colleagues, allowing students to experience both distinctive environments in a mutually productive and supportive team and an extended placement of 3-18 months with their non-academic partner.

Training and Cohort Building

During the first-year, students will receive advanced training in fundamental and advanced mathematical, computational, and statistical skills for interdisciplinary and systems biology research including data science, machine learning, and AI. Expert in-house training in biological concepts and exposure to the history, trends and structure of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries make up the remaining first year teaching. In the second year, students will be trained in a comprehensive set of research and transferable skills to enhance their professional development.

The extraordinary LIDo teaching and research-intensive environment sits within a framework of robust and established cohort building activities, culminating each year in an academic retreat for the students.

Application

We enthusiastically invite applications from all highly motivated students from a wide range of academic backgrounds including biological, physical, computational, engineering or mathematical disciplines.

LIDo has a strong record of recruiting and supporting students from under-represented or disadvantaged backgrounds. We are also eager to invite applications from students of all demographic backgrounds to join our diverse cohorts.

For details on how to apply, guidance on the application process, and the link to our online application form please go to: www.lido-dtp.ac.uk/apply

The application window will close on Wednesday 11th December 2024 at 5pm (UK time).