BHF-NC3Rs Joint PhD Studentship Awards
Funds PhD projects that develop or apply innovative alternatives to animal use in cardiovascular research, promoting measurable impact in the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement).
Funder: British Heart Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026 (Full application deadline, projected) | March 2027 (Outline submission deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to £100,000 per studentship for 3 years; up to two awards per cycle; covers stipend, fees, and research costs.
Summary: Supports PhD projects advancing the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement of animal use) in cardiovascular research, promoting innovative and humane scientific approaches.
Key Information: Minimum five years' postdoctoral experience required for lead applicants; only UK-based research organisations eligible.
Description
These awards, jointly funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), support PhD studentships that advance the 3Rs in cardiovascular research. Projects should focus on developing or applying methods that replace, reduce, or refine animal use, and demonstrate clear, measurable 3Rs impact within cardiovascular science. Interdisciplinary approaches and industrial partnerships are encouraged, as are innovative non-animal technologies such as complex tissue models and computational tools. The scheme aims to build research capacity in humane and effective alternatives to animal use.
