Doctoral Focal Award - Chemical Threat Reduction

Overview

This opportunity will fund a doctoral focal award to train the next generation of researchers and innovators. Doctoral focal awards provide support for areas that require a concentration of studentships in combination with a highly tailored training programme. 

Developing sovereign chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) capability requires a specialised pipeline of research scientists trained to doctoral level. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified the need to strengthen national capacity by increasing trained CRN specialists to respond effectively to hazardous incidents. The Strategic Defence Review 2025 highlights that sovereign skills in chemical and biological defence are essential and urgent and calls for dedicated partnerships with universities to develop this talent. 

We are looking to fund a dedicated Chemical Threat Reduction DFA in this area to invest in sovereign expertise, sustain capability and support future rapid national response.