Up to four fully funded Oxford DPhil studentships available in child and adolescent mental health research The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research (OCEMR) has announced up to four fully funded DPhil (PhD) studentships for candidates beginning their research projects in October 2027. The studentships are supported by funding from the Paul Foundation and will provide successful candidates with a stipend and tuition fees at the UK Home rate for three years. The funded projects must be completed by October 2030. The opportunity is aimed at ambitious researchers interested in areas including child and adolescent mental health, neurodiversity, strengths-based approaches, psychology, social science and related interdisciplinary fields. The initial expression of interest deadline is 12:00 noon UK time on 22 September 2026. About the Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research is jointly hosted by the University of Oxford’s Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry. The Centre conducts research with children and young people, with a focus on improving understanding and acceptance of individual differences while promoting positive mental health and early intervention. Its research and training activities seek to: Embed the voices and experiences of children, young people and families in research. Recognise and build on individual strengths and differences. Understand mechanisms that influence mental health. Work with policymakers, practitioners, educators and community organisations. Translate research findings into practical benefits for young people and society. Fully funded DPhil opportunities at Oxford The OCEMR studentships offer an opportunity for researchers to undertake doctoral-level study within an international and interdisciplinary research environment. Up to four studentships will be available from October 2027. Each studentship will provide: A three-year stipend. Tuition fees at the UK Home rate. Academic supervision and research training. The opportunity to undertake a DPhil project aligned with OCEMR’s research priorities. Applicants should note that the funding described in the call covers fees at the Home UK rate. Candidates should therefore carefully review Oxford’s current fee and funding information if they would be classified as international students. Research areas The potential DPhil projects will contribute to the Centre’s broader research programme. One research theme focuses on understanding how children’s and young people’s strengths, aptitudes and interests can be identified and used to promote positive mental health and development. Another theme focuses on identifying the mechanisms underpinning mental health in children and young people and determining how these mechanisms can be targeted to promote wellbeing and prevent or treat emerging mental health difficulties. Applicants will be able to indicate their preferred project or projects as part of the expression of interest process. Who can apply? The programme is seeking ambitious candidates with a strong academic and research background. Applicants should have: At least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent. A relevant Master’s degree, where applicable, in Psychology or another discipline relevant to the proposed research. Experience conducting high-quality independent research. Strong communication and collaboration skills. An interest in interdisciplinary research. An interest in collaborative research involving young people and stakeholders. Previous experience as a research assistant or in a clinical setting is desirable but is not stated as an absolute requirement. The Centre particularly welcomes candidates from backgrounds that are currently under-represented at the University of Oxford. What applicants need to submit For the first stage, candidates are required to submit only three documents. These are: CV Supporting statement of up to 750 words University transcripts, including undergraduate and postgraduate grades obtained to date The CV should be no more than two pages and should include research publications, research experience and the names, roles and institutions of two potential academic referees. Supporting statement requirements The 750-word supporting statement should address three main areas. The first section should explain why the applicant wants to undertake a DPhil and why they are a suitable candidate, using no more than 300 words. The second section, also limited to 300 words, should identify the applicant’s preferred project or projects, explain what interests them about the research and demonstrate their suitability for the selected project. The final section allows applicants to provide relevant information concerning equality, diversity and inclusion, with a maximum of 150 words. Applicants are required to provide the final word count for each section. Application timeline The OCEMR recruitment process will take place in two main stages. Stage 1 – Expression of Interest The deadline for submitting the initial expression of interest is 22 September 2026 at 12:00 noon UK time. Between 22 September and 29 October, potential supervisors and the OCEMR team will review applications and may contact eligible candidates for informal discussions about available DPhil projects. By 29 October 2026, candidates will be informed whether their preferred supervisor can support progression of their DPhil application. Stage 2 – Departmental application Selected candidates will work with supervisors during November 2026 to develop their research proposal and prepare for the University’s graduate admissions process. Final applications and proposals must be submitted by 2 December 2026. The departmental Graduate Admissions Panel is expected to review applications and interview candidates, where applicable, in January 2027. Successful candidates will be notified in spring 2027, with DPhil projects beginning in October 2027. Key dates Expression of interest deadline: 22 September 2026 Time: 12:00 noon UK time Supervisor review: 22 September–29 October 2026 Supervisor decision: By 29 October 2026 Project preparation: November 2026 Final departmental application: 2 December 2026 Admissions review/interviews: January 2027 Outcome: Spring 2027 DPhil start: October 2027 Funding duration: Three years How to apply Interested candidates should prepare their two-page CV, 750-word supporting statement and academic transcripts and submit the documents by email to ocemr@psy.ox.ac.uk by the Stage 1 deadline. Applicants should carefully review the available DPhil project descriptions and identify the project or projects that best match their research interests and experience. Candidates should also note Oxford’s policy concerning the use of generative AI in research applications. The call states that substantive original writing generated by AI, including verbatim or closely paraphrased AI content, is not permissible. Applicants who use AI tools must comply with the relevant Oxford policy and include the required statement confirming compliance. Why this opportunity stands out The OCEMR studentships offer doctoral researchers the opportunity to join an interdisciplinary research centre focused on important questions surrounding children’s mental health, wellbeing, neurodiversity and development. The programme also emphasises collaboration with young people, families, policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders, making it particularly relevant to researchers interested in translating academic research into real-world impact. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organisation offering these studentships. The opportunity is administered through the Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research at the University of Oxford. Applicants should consult the official call and University of Oxford admissions information to confirm eligibility, fee status, funding arrangements, project availability and application requirements before applying. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW