EPSRC CDT in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT) at University of Oxford and University of York

About the Position

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT) offers a fully-funded four-year PhD programme delivered jointly by the Universities of Oxford and York. The programme trains the next generation of synthetic chemists to address global challenges in Human Health, Energy & Materials, and Food Security. Next deadline: 13 November 2026.

Opportunity	EPSRC CDT in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT) at University of Oxford and University of York
Host	University of Oxford
Location	Oxford, United Kingdom
Study Level	PhD
Funding	Fully Funded, stipend provided, tuition covered
Stipend	GBP 21,805 per year (2026/27 UKRI rate, tax-free)
Application Deadline	13 November 2026, 12:00 GMT
Apply	Official application page ↗

EPSRC CDT in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT) Overview

The Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet Centre for Doctoral Training (CSHP CDT) is a new EPSRC-funded centre focused on training the next generation of synthetic chemists, developing a sustainable, innovative chemistry culture that equips students to address major emerging and future global challenges in Human Health, Energy & Materials, and Food Security.

Programme Structure

We offer a fully-funded four year PhD programme, delivered jointly by the Universities of Oxford and York, comprised of taught courses and a substantive research project. Student cohorts will work together in a 4-month training period at both Oxford and York, before embarking on their main PhD projects. These substantive projects can be industry co-supervised, and based at either the Department of Chemistry in Oxford, or the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at York.

Training Programme

CDT students join as a cohort and initially work together in a 4-month training period, based predominantly in Oxford, which will equip students with the contemporary tools and knowledge in sustainable chemical innovation that will be needed for substantive research projects. Training modules, alongside team-building challenges and personal development activities, will provide training to appreciate the links between synthetic chemistry and the physical, ecological and human systems of the planet, nurturing the capacity to think and work across discipline boundaries. The entire cohort will also spend two weeks at the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York, to receive bespoke expert training in 'Sustainability in Synthesis'. After the taught course, the students join the research groups for their substantive projects, which they choose during the application process. These can focus on any of the three global challenges of Human Health, Food Security, and Energy and Materials. During all four years of the course, students also receive a tailored programme designed to broaden their research and professional skills, including an industrial placement opportunity.

Research Projects

Students in the CSHP CDT undertake a 44-month substantive research project following the taught course. A list of projects available for the 2026 cohort, along with a brief summary of what these will involve, and the contact details of the supervisory team can be found on our website. CDT applicants are encouraged to read through the available projects and list their three preferred projects in order of preference in their application form.

Partners

Our CDT brings together over forty academics across two universities, ten industrial partners that have been substantially involved in the design of the programme and are able to co-develop and co-supervise PhD projects, and ten SMEs who will offer complementary expertise and training opportunities.

Funding

Sixteen fully-funded four-year studentships are available each year (12/13 in Oxford and 3/4 in York), for applicants with related science degrees and/or relevant experience. These CDT studentships provide 100% home fees, a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate), and a research training support grant of £20,000. The programme accepts applications from international students and is able to offer full funding within the limits set by UKRI (up to 30% of funded places can be allocated to international students).

Application Deadlines

• Upcoming application deadline for 2027-28 entry: 12:00 midday UK time on Friday 13 November 2026
• Expected start date: October 2027

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants need to apply directly to the host institution of their preferred projects. The CSHP CDT is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or career pathway to date. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Contact

• Email: cshp-cdt@chem.ox.ac.uk

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.

Important Notes

• Application deadline: 13 November 2026, 12:00 GMT - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
• Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
• Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

About University of Oxford

University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education across medicine, science, engineering, humanities and social sciences. Its departments, colleges and research institutes support scholarship and international collaboration, providing opportunities for students and researchers to investigate questions across many academic fields.

Official website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/

How to Apply

Application check-list for University of Oxford:

1. Visit the Admissions Website for more information on the course, including the Entry Requirements.
2. If you are unsure about your fit for the CDT, e-mail your CV to the CSHP CDT Programme Manager (cshp-cdt@chem.ox.ac.uk) to assess your suitability for the course before submitting a full application.
3. Read the University of Oxford's Application Guide.
4. Prepare all the required supporting documents:

• Online application form
• 1000-word personal statement, focusing on your interest and experience in your proposed field of research
• Clearly state your 1-2-3 choice of substantive research projects chosen from our list at the end of your personal statement
• Transcripts detailing your university-level qualifications and marks to date
• Three Academic/Professional References
• Under course enter Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (EPSRC CDT) and course code enter R31_1
• Leave college choice open on the application

Application check-list for University of York:

1. Visit the Admissions Website for more information on the course, including the Entry Requirements.
2. If you are unsure about your fit for the CDT, e-mail your CV to the Chemistry Department Post Graduate team.

Application guides

• How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
• How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps
• UK Student Visa Application: CAS, Documents and Financial Evidence

Official Link

https://cshp-cdt.chem.ox.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply.html