PhD in Health Analytics and Modelling: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Imperial College London & UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are currently recruiting two fully funded PhD studentships in the areas of Health Analytics and Epidemic Modelling.
These positions are based in the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) and would commence in either April or September 2026. The program focuses on infectious disease modelling, data science, and public health decision-making.
This is a unique opportunity to train at the intersection of academia and public health practice under the supervision of top experts across the three joint institutions.
Why Pursue a PhD Studentship In Health Analytics and Modelling?
Selected candidates will:
- Financial support: Applicants will receive financial support that cover the tuition fee and transport expenses for national & international conferences. In addition, the program offers an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780.
- Mentorship and Collaboration: Work under the Joint supervision of experts across LSHTM, Imperial & UKHSA
- Cutting-edge Environment and resources: Access to world-leading public health data & research centres
- Hands-on Training: Advanced training in analytics, modelling & epidemic response
- Career Development and Professional Networking: This program offers the opportunity for career development & strong networking across academia and public health
Program Description – PhD Studentships in Health Analytics and Modelling
The PhD students will be recruited into the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) research environment and participate in training, collaborate in the research projects, and engage in other activities under the mentorship of their team supervisor.
The research students will receive training in analytics, mathematical modelling, and epidemiology, alongside opportunities to engage with public health professionals and policymakers.
However, the PhD projects’ research topics include the following:
1. Improving Infectious Disease Forecasting through Novel Data Integration and Ensemble Methods
Supervisors:
- Sebastian Funk, LSHTM
- Anne Cori, Imperial College, London
- Edwin van Leeuwen, UKHSA
Project Focus:
The goal of this initiative is to improve the forecasting of infectious diseases by:
- Transcending static presumptions (such as steady reproduction numbers)
- Combining many data sources, including mobility, genetics, wastewater surveillance, and healthcare-seeking behaviour
- Integrating ML/AI techniques with mechanistic models
- Creating evaluation measures that are decision-focused, such as peak time, magnitude, and thresholds
Note: Case studies of COVID-19, influenza, Mpox, and other infectious diseases will be used as the selection criteria, with a focus on practical public health applications.
2. Real-Time Analysis of Household Transmission Studies for Epidemic Preparedness
Supervisors:
- Sebastian Funk, LSHTM
- Anne Cori, Imperial College London
- Christopher Overton, UKHSA
Project Focus:
This project will create analytical techniques for real-time extraction of important epidemiological parameters from household transmission investigations, such as:
- Rates of secondary attacks
- Distributions of delays (serial interval, incubation duration)
- Transmission chains and reproduction numbers
Note that the research will remove biases in real-time analysis, evaluate approaches on simulated and historical COVID-19 data, and apply them prospectively to new multi-pathogen home studies.
Qualifications for PhD Studentships in Health Analytics and Modelling at LSHTM
- Strong academic grades and a relevant Master’s degree, either completed or on the horizon, or comparable credentials and experience
- Ideal candidates must have a solid background in quantitative fields like computer science, physics, biostatistics, mathematics, statistics, bioinformatics, or epidemiology
- Applicants must also know coding (e.g., R, Julia, or comparable languages)
- According to LSHTM and UK government laws, applicants must be qualified for UK home-fee status.
Application Process for PhD Studentships in Health Analytics and Modelling at LSHTM
Apply for the research degree via the online portal. Click here
Write the following in the funding section: “PhD Studentships Health Analytics and Modelling HPRU.” Make it clear and indicate which project or projects you are applying for.
In addition to this, send in a research statement (not more than two pages) summarizing your background and motivation, the suggested approach, and how you would tackle the selected research project
Deadline and Contact Information
Application Deadline: Application closes January 12, 2026.
Start date: April or September 2026
For more information about the PhD Studentships in Health Analytics and Modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), visit: check out here, or contact the project supervisors via their respective handles.