The SSA is offering fully-funded PhD studentships and fellowships through the Addiction Healthcare Goals flagship research leadership programme. Applications close at 17:00 GMT on 15 January 2026.
The Addiction Healthcare Goals flagship research leadership programme will include up to £10 million of funding towards training, qualifications, and projects for researchers in addiction science. The SSA will lead the programme, delivering:
- Master’s bursaries
- Pre-doctoral support
- PhD studentships
- Post-doctoral support
- Fellowships
- Leadership training bursaries
The first round of funding is for PhD studentships and fellowships. All applications must meet the criteria of the flagship programme. The research should focus on addiction to illicit drugs or alcohol; it should be innovative (in terms of subject, treatment approach etc.); it should foster links with organisations; and it should include input from people with lived experience.
What does a PhD involve? The purpose of a PhD is to advance knowledge within a specific field. During the course of a PhD, you will design and conduct your own research, write a thesis, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and ultimately become a subject-matter expert. SSA-funded studentships through the flagship research leadership programme will include a stipend (living allowance) and tuition fees in line with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) levels, as well as research and training costs of up to £5,000 over three years.
Find out how to apply for a PhD studentship.
What does a fellowship involve? The purpose of a fellowship is to shape your own research agenda. During the course of a fellowship, you will lead a programme of research, lead grant applications, and supervise junior researchers. SSA-funded fellowships through the flagship research leadership programme will include salary costs (typically in the range of £35–50K), and research costs of up to £30,000 over three years.
Find out how to apply for a fellowship.
If you have any questions, please use the enquiry form.
