HDR UK Midlands is pleased to share an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in improving maternal health outcomes and tackling health inequalities across the UK.
The NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium (MDC) has launched applications for up to 13 fully funded PhD studentships, offering researchers the chance to contribute to ground-breaking work focused on reducing inequalities before, during and after pregnancy.
Supporting Research to Reduce Maternity Inequalities
The NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium is a UK-wide collaboration involving universities, NHS trusts, councils, charities and industry partners. The consortium’s mission is to improve outcomes for women and babies through inclusive, evidence-based research that addresses persistent disparities in maternity care.
As part of its capacity development programme, the consortium is investing in the next generation of researchers who can deliver meaningful change in maternal health and help shape future healthcare policy and practice.
PhD Studentships Focused on Methodological Innovation
The funded PhD studentships will help strengthen research capacity in areas where expertise is currently limited. Projects are available at universities across the consortium and may focus on:
- Health economics
- Statistics
- Trial design
- Digital research
- Data science
- Implementation science
- Co-production methods
Researchers from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply and contribute their expertise to addressing maternal health inequalities.
What Funding Is Available?
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full home tuition fees covered (at 2026/27 UK rates)
- Tax-free annual stipend at UKRI rates (£21,805/£23,805 outside London/ inside London from 1st October 2026).
- £5,000 (per award) contribution towards research, travel, training and consumables.
- International students are welcome to apply but must secure alternative funding for the difference between UK and Overseas tuition fees.
The studentships will begin in January 2027 and are available as full-time or part-time awards, depending on the project. International applicants are welcome, subject to meeting additional funding requirements for overseas tuition fees.
All students will be expected to be based at their host university and meet the individual university PhD studentship regulations. Please check individual university postgraduate admissions.
Duration: Up to 3 years (Full-Time) or 4 years at 0.8WTE (Part-Time). Some projects might be full time only, this will be indicated on individual project page.
Building an Inclusive Research Community
The consortium is committed to diversity and inclusion and particularly welcomes applications from people from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions, and candidates with a broad range of methodological expertise and lived experiences.
Apply for a NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium PhD Studentship
These funded PhD studentships represent a unique opportunity to conduct impactful research that could help reduce inequalities in maternity care and improve outcomes for women and babies across the UK.
Application deadline: Monday 7 September 2026 at 5pm
To explore the available projects and submit an application, click here.
