Request for Applications: PhD Studentship Grants (UK)
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The Psoriasis Association is inviting applications for its PhD Studentship Grants, continuing its commitment to support the next generation of psoriasis researchers.
The Psoriasis Association will consider applications that have a clear relevance to their aim (to promote and fund research into the causes, nature, treatments and care of psoriasis and to publish and disseminate the results of that research) and contain a rigorous research focus. Applications that also address one or more of the Psoriasis PSP Top 10 research priorities will be looked on favourably and providing the applications are of high scientific quality and good value for money, they expect to fund at least one PhD Studentship that meets these criteria. The Psoriasis Association’s Medical and Research Committee use the following criteria when reviewing applications: Value to patients with psoriasis, Relevance to patients with psoriasis, Relevance to the Psoriasis Top 10 research priorities, Scientific quality, Value for money and appropriate costing, Training environment, Record of Principal Investigator with previous Psoriasis Association research grants.
The Psoriasis Association PhD Studentship Grant is open to any UK-based research institution undertaking psoriasis research at a PhD level. Prospective students cannot apply directly, and applications must come from research institutions. The grant provides a fixed amount of £100,000 over three years, with annual installments. A travel bursary of up to £1000 per successful student may be requested to cover costs associated with presenting research at conferences. Only one application can be submitted per principal applicant in each round, and each applicant may hold a maximum of two Psoriasis Association Studentships at any one time.
The studentship must be completed within three years, with activation required within 12 months of the award letter. Annual reviews are conducted through scientific and lay reports to ensure satisfactory progress. Acknowledgement of the Psoriasis Association’s support is mandatory in publications and presentations, and a bound copy of the completed thesis must be submitted to the Association. Research outputs will also be recorded and reported annually via Research Fish for the duration of the grant and five years afterward.
Applications will be evaluated by the Medical and Research Committee with input from external peer reviewers and the Experts by Experience Committee, which is composed of individuals living with psoriasis. Recommendations will be made to the Trustees, who will make final funding decisions in March or April 2026.
The Psoriasis Association emphasizes the importance of public involvement in research. Projects must be technically feasible within the three-year period and should demonstrate both the quality of the training environment and the relevance of the research to people with psoriasis. Applications will only be accepted on the official Psoriasis Association PhD application form, submitted in Word format, with clarity and precision prioritized.
The closing date for submissions is 8th December 2025, and applications must be received by 23.59 on that date. Late submissions or additional documents after submission will not be accepted. Successful projects will be publicly announced, including the title, institution, and lead applicant’s name, to highlight the research supported by the Psoriasis Association.
