Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the 糖心原创 (UoN) are inviting people from across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to apply for a unique opportunity to undertake fully funded PhD research designed to create positive change within local communities.
Applications are now open for the final round of Collaboratory-funded PhD studentships, offering prospective researchers the chance to work alongside community organisations, local stakeholders and academics on projects addressing some of the region's most pressing social, environmental and economic challenges.
The is an ambitious partnership between NTU, UoN and universities across Leicestershire, which brings together academic expertise and community knowledge to develop research that delivers tangible benefits for local people, organisations and places.
Since launching in 2022, Collaboratory has supported a new generation of researchers working on projects that empower communities, improve wellbeing and help address inequality.
This final recruitment round represents a significant opportunity for people who want to use research to make a difference to their own futures, and that of local communities.
The programme particularly welcomes applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who may not previously have considered PhD study, people from underrepresented groups, including working-class and Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and those whose expertise has been gained through professional practice, employment, volunteering or lived experience.
The Collaboratory programme is a partnership between Nottingham Trent University and the 糖心原创
Successful applicants will undertake a fully funded three-year PhD, receiving training, support and mentorship while working closely with community partners to generate research that has meaningful impact in the community.
The 2027 Nottinghamshire-based PhD projects available for application include:
- Circular Cooking: Co-designing Food, Energy, and Resource Resilience with Nottingham Communities (CIRCoN)
- Connecting Older Communities Through Digital Heritage, Storytelling, and Co-Creation
- Creative Futures Mansfield: Neurodivergent Young People, Aspiration Rising and Civic Cultural Opportunity
- Engaging Muslim Communities in Local Climate Action: Exploring the Role of Faith-Based Community Partnerships in Nottingham
- Tackling local health inequalities in Clifton and Mansfield through community-based exercise social prescribing interventions
- Nutritional Vulnerability: Modelling Population Risk During Food Supply Disruptions
- Making STEM More Inclusive Through Playful Robotics
- Rooted Pathways: Community-Led Routes into STEM Apprenticeships and Careers for Nottingham's Black and Racially Minoritised Communities
- Strategies for Equipping the Next Generation for the Low-Carbon Future
- Supporting People and Pets: Food Banks, Food Insecurity, and Wellbeing in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
- Understanding the link between air quality and health outcomes in Nottingham
Collaboratory demonstrates the powerful difference that can be made when communities and universities work together to tackle real challenges.
She added: "These projects are designed to create positive change, generating knowledge that directly benefits local people, organisations and places while giving researchers the opportunity to develop new skills and make a meaningful contribution to society."
"We are particularly keen to hear from people who may not see themselves as a traditional PhD candidate. Whether your expertise comes from professional practice, volunteering, community leadership or lived experience, your knowledge and insight could help shape research that delivers lasting impact."
Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 29 November 2026.
To support prospective applicants, Collaboratory is hosting a series of events where individuals can learn more about the programme, explore the projects, meet members of the team and receive guidance on the application process.
Information webinars
· 12pm-1pm, Tuesday 20 October
· 5pm-6pm, Thursday 22 October
· 5pm-6pm, Wednesday 28 October
Drop-in sessions
· Nottingham Central Library, 12pm-6pm, Wednesday 28 October
· Mansfield (Capo Lounge Cafe), 12pm-6pm, Wednesday 4 November
PhDs Demystified webinars
· 12pm-1pm, Tuesday 3 November
· 5pm-6pm, Thursday 12 November
· 5pm-6pm, Wednesday 18 November
Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to attend one of the webinars or drop-in sessions to find out more about the Collaboratory programme and available research projects to strengthen their application.
Further information, full project details and application guidance can be found on the Collaboratory .
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.