PhD Funding Programme

The Society offers two awards in support of prospective PhD candidates, focused on creating the next generation of pharmacologists and therapeutic innovators.

 

Sir David Jack PhD Scholarship

Following a generous donation by the family of revered pharmacologist, Sir David Jack, from 2026 the Society will support up to four PhD students each year (and approximately 40 students over the next 10 years) to carry out research in pharmacology and/or therapeutic innovation.

AJ Clark Studentship

Awarded since 1987, the AJ Clark Studentship enables one student each year to carry out research in pharmacology, leading to the degree of PhD.

How the awards work

Both the AJ Clark Studentship and Sir David Jack Scholarship follow the same application and awards process. Applicants only need to submit a single application. The BPS will award successful applicants either the AJ Clark Studentship or Sir David Jack Scholarship.

The awards support three-year PhDs in the following way.

Stipend 2025/26

  • Studying outside London – £20,780

  • Studying in London – £22,780

Other costs:

  • Research costs - up to £10,000 per year;

  • Up to £1,500 per year to support attendance at non-Society meetings;

  • Course fees paid at the rate applicable to 'Home' students.

Eligibility

  • The candidate will have a degree in pharmacology or a related discipline and be intending to carry out research in pharmacology and/or therapeutic innovation leading to the degree of PhD in a recognised institute in the UK or Ireland

  • The primary supervisor is expected to be/or become a Society member

  • The award cannot ‘top-up’ funding for PhDs that have already started and/or are incompletely funded. This includes cases where students are or will be in any way self-funded.

Criteria

  • Motivation for applying

  • Academic record

  • Quality of the project proposal

  • Pharmacological and/or therapeutic relevance of the project

Application

The deadline to apply for 2025 awards is 31 October 2025. Please download and complete the application form and upload your document via the link below.

Apply now

Published: 09 Jul 2025 in