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Note: Applications Closed
Introduction:
The BBSRC DFA in Advanced AI for Multi-modal Spatial Biology will support three cohorts of PhD students: 12 students beginning in October 2026, followed by nine students in each of the 2027 and 2028 cohorts. Each successful applicant will receive a four-year studentship.
The programme welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive and supportive environment. Candidates are selected based on their application and interview performance, with particular consideration given to their potential to contribute to and support the next generation of world-leading research in AI for bioscience. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, who are currently underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The application process consists of two stages, both of which must be completed by the application deadline to be considered.
In Stage One, applicants must complete a Queen Mary University of London MySIS application form. This form collects personal information and enables the Admissions Team to verify qualifications and determine fee status.
In Stage Two, applicants are required to complete a separate application form specific to the BBSRC DFA in Advanced AI for Multi-modal Spatial Biology. This form is anonymised before review, with all personal identifying information removed. The remaining responses are assessed by the shortlisting panel to determine progression to interview. The panel does not have access to MySIS applications, or any identifying information provided in the DFA application form.
Applicants should review all guidance and information on this page before applying.
Eligibility:
The programme is intended for highly motivated individuals with a strong interest in advancing bioscience through the application of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and data science techniques.
Applicants should normally hold a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Research (MRes) degree, awarded at Merit or Distinction level, or have gained equivalent experience, in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemistry, or a related field. Applicants with a first-class Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree who do not hold an MSc or MRes may also be considered, provided they can demonstrate equivalent research experience, industry experience, or specialist training.
Programming skills are highly desirable. Applicants should have experience in data analysis and data wrangling using programming languages such as Python, R, or C++, or be able to demonstrate the capacity to develop these skills to the required level.
Alongside meeting the academic entry requirements, all students must also meet the minimum English language entry requirements for their chosen programme in order to study at Queen Mary University of London. Visit the Queen Mary University of London English Language Requirements webpage for more information.
Overseas Fee Status Guidance:
Overseas applicants are advised that the awarded funding does not cover visa-related costs or the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Overseas students are required to meet these costs in full prior to the commencement of their studentship. Please see the Queen Mary University of London CAS & Visa webpage for more information.
All applicants’ fee status will be assessed by the Queen Mary University of London Admissions Team. If you are unsure of your fee status, please refer to the Know the Basics guidance on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
The DFA team is unable to advise on fee status or visa-related queries. All enquiries should be directed to the Admissions Team.
Stage One:
To start your application for the BBSRC DFA in Advanced AI for Multi-modal Spatial Biology (2027 entry), please click the link below and follow the instructions provided.
Application Link Published October 2026
1. Select the course “Published October 2026” (Course Code: Published October 2026).
2. Log in to your existing QMUL MySIS account or create a new one.
3. Complete the personal, contact, qualifications, and experience sections.
4. In the personal statement section, select No when asked to upload a statement, then type: “Personal Statement to be included in BBSRC DFA Stage Two Application.”
5. In the research proposal section, enter:
- Proposed supervisor: Published November 2026
- Supervisor contact: Published November 2026
- Project/Studentship title: Published November 2026
- Research group: Published November 2026
- Start date: Published November 2026
- No uploads required
6. In the Other Information – Funding section:
- Select: “I am a QMUL PG research Studentship applicant”
- Select Yes for applying to a Doctoral Training Programme
- Choose BBSRC DFA
- Confirm Yes for completing the external application form
7. Complete all remaining sections and submit your application.
8. In your confirmation email, note your 9-digit online application reference number.
9. Proceed to Stage Two of the Application process.
Stage Two:
Only one Stage Two application per applicant will be considered. Submitting multiple applications will result in disqualification.
To support preparation, we have provided a Microsoft Word template of the Stage Two application form which is available here: Link Published in November 2026
We recommend you download and complete the template to draft your responses offline. Once you are satisfied with your answers, open the Stage Two application form and paste in your responses from your prepared draft.
Important: To complete your Stage Two application, you must first submit a Stage One application and have your 9-digit online application reference number ready to enter.
Link Published in November 2026
Timeline:
The DFA will adhere to the timeline set out for 2027 entry's recruitment cycle.
| Application Webinar | Tuesday 1 December 2026 (12:00-13:00 UK Time) |
| Application Opens | Tuesday 1 December 2026 |
| Application Deadline | Tuesday 19 January 2027 |
| Shortlisting | Late-January / Early-February 2027 |
| Invitations to Interview Sent * | Mid-February 2027 |
| Interview Clinic | Mid-February 2027 (Date TBC) |
| Interviews | Thursday 18 February & Friday 19 February 2027 |
| Interview Outcomes ** | From Late-February 2027 |
| PhD Start Date | Mid September / Early October 2027 |
* If you have not received a response regarding your application by Date TBC, please contact the DFA Team. Please do not contact us regarding the outcome of your application before this date.
** If you have not received a response regarding your interview by Date TBC, please contact the DFA Team. Please do not contact us regarding the outcome of your application before this date.
Application Webinar:
Thinking about applying to the BBSRC DFA in Advanced AI for Multi-modal Spatial Biology?
We’re holding an online application clinic in early-December 2026 (Date TBC).
During the session, we’ll give an overview of the programme and walk through the application process, followed by an open Q&A where you can ask anything about applying. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are keen to connect with prospective applicants - do join us and bring your questions.
BBSRC DFA - Application Webinar
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Sign Up: Linked Published November 2026
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where can I find the list of projects available?
Answer: All available PhD Projects for 2027 October Entry will be available to view here: Projects and Partners - Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
- Can I submit more than one application?
Answer: No, only your initial submission will be reviewed; any duplicate applications will result in disqualification.
- Can I use Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist with my application?
Answer: QMUL recognises that generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT or Copilot) can support tasks like understanding concepts, organising ideas, and summarising information. However, they should only assist your application - not replace your own thinking or responses. We recommend applicants review Using AI at Queen Mary: What You Need to Know published by the QMUL Students’ Union.
Further Information:
- Queen Mary University of London Privacy Notice: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/privacy/
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at QMUL: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/about/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/
- Student Guide to Generative AI https://www.qmul.ac.uk/library/academic-skills/student-guide-to-generative-ai/
- Jot Form Privacy Policy (Platform for Stage Two Application): https://www.jotform.com/privacy/?msockid=3b66cdedf71765a3317adab3f6e364a1
Enquiries:
If you have questions about the application process, please view the Frequently Asked Questions. If your question is not covered, you can contact us via spatialai-dfa@qmul.ac.uk