University of Aberdeen - Boehringer Ingelheim PhD Scholarships

Boehringer Ingelheim PhD Scholarship at the University of Aberdeen

For your PhD in basic biomedical research at the University of Aberdeen, you will receive a monthly stipend. A scholarship is a regular maintenance grant. The Boehringer Ingelheim Fund (BIF), a charitable foundation for biomedical research based in Mainz, will pay this scholarship for two years and may extend it by up to 12 months. In addition to this financial support, the Aberdeen Graduate School will cover your tuition fees for UK/EU nationals. Provided your research progresses well, you will also receive an annual allowance of £1,000 for laboratory materials. Furthermore, you will be reimbursed for travel expenses to scientific conferences and seminars, as well as receiving communication training. You will become part of a global network of BIF scholarship holders and alumni. If you have children, you can apply for up to 500 EUR extra per month, as well as 200 EUR per month for a partner.

Who can apply

• Degree stage: You are just starting a PhD programme and obtained your most recent degree (BSc, MSc, Diplom or equivalent) before commencing the PhD programme.
• Field: Your project involves experimental basic research into fundamental biological questions relating to human life. Applied work such as diagnostics, drug development or clinical trials is not included.
• Where you study: Your PhD programme will take place at the Aberdeen campus.
• Subject background: You have a background in the natural sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine or pharmacy.
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality are welcome to apply. EU citizens may undertake their PhD in Europe or abroad; non-EU citizens must undertake their PhD in Europe.
• Timing: It has been no more than 8 years (96 months) since you obtained your first higher education qualification, and you are applying within 6 months of starting your PhD programme.

How to apply

Before applying, contact a potential supervisor in Aberdeen to develop your project and obtain prior approval for the additional funding. You should then apply online to the BIF in English, submitting a research proposal that you have written yourself. There are three application deadlines: 1 February, 1 June and 1 October. If you are shortlisted, you will attend an interview approximately five months after the deadline.

How realistic are your chances?

Competition is very fierce. Fewer than 10% of the applicants across the entire BIF programme are awarded a scholarship, and the selection process takes equal account of your academic achievements, the quality of your project and the reputation of your laboratory. The route via Aberdeen narrows the field to strong candidates who are already working at that site. If you can demonstrate outstanding results and have a truly original, ambitious project, your prospects improve. A supervisor who supports your application at an early stage makes a crucial difference.