Applications are invited for the Wellcome Trust funded ENHANCE Doctoral Programme for healthcare professionals, commencing September 2027. Led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in partnership with King’s College London and Queen Mary University of London, the programme combines expertise in the development and application of artificial intelligence and digital tools in healthcare.
ENHANCE focuses on discovery research (as defined by the Wellcome Trust) to improve the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in healthcare, advancing equitable care through data science approaches in diverse national and global populations.
The programme supports UK-registered health professionals seeking research training. Funding includes three years of salary, research expenses, home-rate tuition fees, and training and travel costs.
Applicants must be accepted onto the pre-application bootcamp before applying for a fellowship.
The application process has three stages:
- Apply for a training bootcamp place – deadline 16 November 2026
- Attend bootcamp and submit written application – January to February 2027
- Interview – May 2027
Selection will be based on aptitude and potential.
Pre-Application Bootcamp
We will provide a bridge for those with clinical excellence to gain key AI and data science skills through a three-block dedicated data bootcamp. Bootcamps will be held on 25th – 27th January 2027, 1st – 3rd February 2027, and 22nd – 24th February 2027. They will consist of conceptual training of data science and AI, PPIE, and research methodology. Applicants will develop their PhD fellowship application with supervisors from two institutions. Each year, four applicants will receive the Fellowship after interview in May.
Applicant Description
Applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree, be practicing healthcare professionals and registered with a national professional regulatory body in the UK/Republic of Ireland (e.g. General Medical Council, Health and Care Professions Council). Applicants should maintain clinical skills (up to a maximum 20% of their time, or 40% for craft specialities).
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment located at the institution of their primary supervisor. Appointments will be made to match an appointee’s current salary plus London allowance if applicable. Doctors who have completed their specialist training (GPs and Consultants) should contact the Programme Director for a discussion about their salary scale.
If successful, fellows will start in September 2027
Bootcamp Application Process
Applicants must apply for a place on the bootcamps via the program webpage ENHANCE Home - ENHANCE Doctoral Programme by 11.59pm on Monday 16th November.
As part of the application, you will be required to:
- Provide a CV that includes your clinical and research experience, publications, posters and presentations.
- Provide evidence of a minimum of 10 hours in AI training, e.g., a certificate from an online course such as https://www.rcsi.com/online/find-a-course/cpd/a/i/ai-in-healthcare or equivalent.
- 1 page outline for your planned PhD (including aim, objectives, rationale and motivation)
25 shortlisted applicants will then be supported via the bootcamp to prepare their PhD application and interview.
Shortlisting results will be communicated by 11th December.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We believe that when people feel respected and included, they can be more creative, successful, and happier at work. While we have more work to do, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace, a community that everyone feels a part of, which is safe, respectful, supportive and enables all to reach their full potential.
