These three and a half year awards encourage the development of talented and highly-motivated young scientists in the field of spinal cord repair, in both clinical and basic science research environments.
The PhD degree must be awarded from a UK university and a high priority is given to collaborative proposals between more than one laboratory or institution. The PhD student is recruited to a team that is already established in the field of spinal cord injury research, where they will receive an excellent quality of training and support.
As well as obligations within their own institution, all students are encouraged to attend and present their data at our own Network Meeting in September each year, and at other research conferences.
To date, we have funded over 50 student awards under this grant.
2025 Spinal Research PhD Studentship Awards
Spinal Research is now accepting applications from PhD supervisors for the 2025 Studentship Awards. We are seeking proposals from supervisors with outstanding training environments who are committed to advancing research aimed at restoring function after spinal cord injury. Multidisciplinary and collaborative projects are strongly encouraged.
Key details
- Annual Stipend: £22,780 (London) / £20,780 (outside London) + 3.5% yearly uplift
- Fully Funded: Includes tuition fees, research costs, travel, and laptop
- Eligibility: UK-based students only (co-supervisor may be overseas)
- Start Date: October 2026
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Deadline: Apply by 23:59 BST on 26 September 2025
Any questions? Get in touch by emailing us here.

“This studentship with Spinal Research will enable me to gain exposure to ground-breaking research techniques. I’m excited by the opportunity to collaborate with top researchers in the UK and abroad, which will provide invaluable experiences I can utilise as I progress through my PhD and into a career in research” Dan Hodgkiss