The SSA will run new funding schemes as part of the UK Government’s Addiction Healthcare Goals flagship research leadership programme.

In September 2025, the UK Government announced that the SSA would lead a programme to develop the next generation of leaders in addiction science – “providing funding for academic and career development programmes tailored to the specific demands of the addiction research field”. The SSA can now share that the flagship research leadership programme will include:

  • Master’s bursaries
  • Pre-doctoral support
  • PhD studentships
  • Post-doctoral support
  • Fellowships
  • Leadership training bursaries

“The harms from addiction affect individuals, families, and communities. Investment in research is not just welcome, but is essential. The SSA is delighted to take a leading role in developing the next generation of addiction researchers.”

Professor Owen Bowden-Jones CBE, President of the SSA

In line with the broader Addiction Healthcare Goals programme, all funding through the flagship research leadership programme will support people and projects that drive innovative responses to addiction to illicit drugs and alcohol. Topics such as nicotine, tobacco, and behavioural addictions will continue to be supported through other SSA funding schemes.

The immediate focus for the programme will be promoting applications for PhD studentships and fellowships, so that candidates can start their three-year programmes by October 2026. Applications for both will open on 3 November 2025 and close on 15 January 2026. The SSA will invite a second round of applications in April 2026 if awards remain unallocated.

“The SSA is the leading organisation in the UK supporting researchers in addiction. Its excellent reputation and existing schemes to support development of researchers made it an ideal partner for Addiction Healthcare Goals.”

Professor Anne Lingford-Hughes, Chair of Addiction Healthcare Goals

The expected timeline for the flagship research leadership programme in 2025/2026 is:

  • November 2025: Open the first round of applications for PhD studentships and fellowships
  • February 2026: Open applications for pre- and post-doctoral transitional support schemes
  • April 2026: Open applications for master’s bursaries
  • April 2026: Open a second round of applications for PhD studentships and fellowships if awards remain unallocated

Next steps

by Natalie Davies

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