STFC (UKRI)
Doctoral Focal Awards in Data-Intensive Sciences
4pm UK time
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The STFC Doctoral Focal Awards fund cohort-based doctoral training programmes in data-intensive sciences (astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics) over seven years, covering full student stipends, fees, and research costs plus annual programme management. Eligible applicants are UK research organisations, including single-institution or multi-institution consortia, that commit to mandatory 6-month industry or public-sector placements and maintain an industrial or public-sector partner on the management board. This is a one-off call closing 16 September 2026, with the first cohort starting October 2027.
Details
| Funder | STFC (UKRI) |
| Budget | Per notional studentship: ~£21,805 stipend + £5,238 fees + £1,000 RTSG + other costs p.a.; £10,000 programme management per DFA per year |
| Deadline | 16 September 2026 |
| Duration | 7 years (first cohort October 2027) |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage — application via UKRI Funding Service, submitted by research office |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Open to UK research organisations (not STFC facilities as lead). Funds cohort-based doctoral training in data-intensive sciences (astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics etc.) with mandatory 6-month industry/public-sector placements. Industrial partner representation on management board required. Single-institution or multi-institution consortium permitted; project lead must host ≥1 student per intake year.
Who Should Apply
- •UK research organisations (universities, research institutes) not acting as STFC facilities
- •Institutions able to host at least one doctoral student per year across the 7-year duration
- •Single institutions or multi-institution consortia with active industry or public-sector partners
- •Programmes in astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics, or related data-intensive sciences
- •Organisations committed to embedding 6-month placements in industry or public sector within each PhD
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 16 September 2026, 4pm UK time
- •Single-stage application submitted via UKRI Funding Service by your research office
- •First cohort intake: October 2027; programme runs for seven years
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Industrial or public-sector partner must have a seat on your management board; securing a signed letter of commitment early strengthens the application.
- ✓Emphasis is on data skills and sector-ready graduates; structure your curriculum and placement pipeline to reflect training in data analysis, software engineering, or equivalent transferable skills.
- ✓Multi-institution consortia must clearly assign the lead (which must host students) and outline governance; vague leadership structures are a common rejection point in STFC training calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the STFC Doctoral Focal Award funding cover?
The award covers per-student stipends (~£21,805 annually), tuition fees (~£5,238 annually), research training support grants (£1,000 annually), and annual programme management costs (£10,000 per DFA per year).
Who is eligible to apply for the STFC Doctoral Focal Award?
UK research organisations (universities and research institutes), either as a single institution or as part of a multi-institution consortium, provided they are not STFC-managed facilities acting as the lead.
Is the 6-month industry placement mandatory in the STFC Doctoral Focal Award?
Yes, all doctoral students funded under this award must undertake a mandatory 6-month placement in industry or the public sector as part of their PhD.
Can a multi-institution consortium apply for the STFC Doctoral Focal Award?
Yes, multi-institution consortia are permitted, provided the lead institution hosts at least one student per intake year and an industrial or public-sector partner holds a seat on the management board.
When does the first cohort start for the STFC Doctoral Focal Award?
The first cohort starts in October 2027, with the full programme running for seven years.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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