Up to 16 fully funded four-year studentships available every year. Applications for entry in Oct 2026 are now OPEN!
The EPSRC CDT in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT) is a new EPSRC-funded centre focused on training the next generation of synthetic chemists, developing a sustainable, innovative chemistry culture that equips students to address major emerging and future global challenges in Human Health, Energy & Materials, and Food Security.
We offer a fully-funded four year PhD programme, delivered jointly by the Universities of Oxford and York, comprised of taught courses and a substantive research project. These projects can be industry co-supervised, and based at the Departments of Chemistry in Oxford or York.
Training Programme: CDT students join as a cohort and initially work together in a 4-month training period, based predominantly in Oxford, which will equip students with the contemporary tools and knowledge in sustainable chemical innovation that will be needed for substantive research projects. Training modules, alongside team-building challenges and personal development activities will provide training to appreciate the links between synthetic chemistry and the physical, ecological and human systems of the planet, nurturing the capacity to think and work across discipline boundaries. The entire cohort will also spend two weeks at the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York, to receive bespoke expert training in ‘Sustainability in Synthesis’.
After the taught course, the students join the research groups for their substantive projects, which they choose during the application process. These can focus on any of the three global challenges of Human Health, Food Security, and Energy and Materials. During all four years of the course students also receive a tailored programme designed to broaden their research and professional skills, including an industrial placement opportunity.
Research Projects: Students in the CSHP CDT undertake a 44-month substantive research project following the taught course. A list of projects available for the 2026 cohort, along with a brief summary of what these will involve and the contact details of the supervisory team can be found on our website. CDT applicants are encouraged to read through the available projects and list their three preferred projects in order of preference in their application form.
Applications: We encourage applications from postgraduate candidates with an interest in sustainable organic synthesis. The CSHP CDT is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills. Apply now!
Open Days: Join our Graduate Open Days on w/c 20th Oct to learn more about the programme including how to apply and meeting supervisors. There will be talks from CDT Directors, followed by Q&A sessions with the CDT team and students. Students will also have a chance to join online meetings with supervisors of interest. Register here!
The course is now open to applications for entry in October 2026. The first deadline is 14th November 2025. The second application deadline is 8th January 2026. For further information, visit our website.
