Diabetes UK PhD Studentship Programme

Windsor Fellowship is working in partnership with Diabetes UK to provide a studentship to support science graduates from Black backgrounds to undertake a PhD within the field of diabetes in the UK and to encourage them to consider a career in scientific research. The studentship will be aimed at science graduates who would like to study for a PhD in the field of diabetes.

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About Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK’s Diabetes Research Steering Groups (DRSGs) have identified inequalities in research practice and that the research community in the UK is not representative of the general population highlighting a lack of representation of researchers from Black ethnic groups. To address this inequality in diabetes research and to foster next generation of Black leaders in diabetes research we have launched two new funding schemes for students from Black backgrounds in the UK as a positive action initiative. This initiative aims to encourage a diverse postgraduate research community and help to develop a more inclusive pipeline for future academics and university leaders.

About the Studentship Programme

Windsor Fellowship is working in partnership with Diabetes UK to provide a studentship to support science graduates from Black backgrounds to undertake a PhD within the field of diabetes in the UK and to encourage them to consider a career in scientific research. The studentship is aimed at science graduates who would like to study for a PhD in the field of diabetes.

Benefits of the Studentship Programme

Each studentship offers a comprehensive funding and support package designed to enable students to succeed in their PhD programme and advance their career, including:

Students stipend for three years
Student tuition fees at standard home student rate
Student funding support of up to £2,500 p.a. to attend conference(s)
Student training costs of up to £1,500 p.a. relevant to the specific project
Students will have access to a mentorship programme provided by Windsor Fellowship 
Networking opportunities with other Diabetes UK students
A research allowance of £10,000 per year to cover all materials, consumables, equipment, any other relevant resources and animal costs.

Eligibility

Students must have UK nationality and have ‘Home’ tuition fee status.
Students must be UK domiciled who self-identify as being from a Black background, including a mixed background, for example: Black British, Black Welsh, Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other and Mixed Black background.
Applicants must meet the academic qualifications required by the host institution.

How to apply

Applications open on Diabetes UK webpage
Application deadline on 23 January 2026

For more details, please find the Black Leaders in Diabetes PhD Studentship Scheme Job Pack.

If you have any questions, please contact research@diabetes.org.uk

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