PhD case study: Ben Scher

SSA-funded PhD student Ben Scher researched different national approaches to drug policy and public health responses. This body of work led to a full-time teaching and research position at Princeton University. Ben spoke to Fiona Hughes about his experience of conducting a PhD and his advice to prospective students. 

Dr Ben Scher is a Lecturer and Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Global Health Programme at Princeton University. His research focuses on addiction policy, harm reduction, and the intersection of public health and social policy.

Ben was supported by a PhD studentship from the SSA while he completed his PhD at the University of Oxford. The funding played a transformative role in his doctoral journey, enabling him to fully focus on his research.

“Receiving the SSA studentship really changed the course of my PhD. It allowed me to concentrate on the research and gave me a support network that made the whole experience much more positive.”

Ben’s PhD examined harm reduction approaches across the UK, Canada and Greece. He explored how governments and services support people who use drugs who may not be seeking abstinence or formal treatment but still need support to reduce harms such as the transmission of blood-borne viruses and the risk of overdose.

The project ultimately included three case studies – Vancouver, Birmingham and Athens – reflecting different national approaches to drug policy and public health responses. During his research, Ben worked closely with community members and people with lived experience of drug use through participatory research methods.

“This approach meant engaging people who use drugs as advisors in the research process. It’s a powerful way to ensure research reflects real experiences, but it can be difficult to implement without funding to compensate participants. The SSA’s support made that possible.”

Professional opportunities

As well as financial support, the SSA also opened a wide range of professional opportunities: Ben attended international conferences, conducted fieldwork abroad, and joined the team behind the Addiction Audio podcast. Working on the podcast gave Ben the opportunity to interview leading researchers about newly published studies in addiction science – an experience that was not just fascinating but helped him build connections across the field.

“The SSA gave me access to researchers and policymakers I wouldn’t otherwise have been able to connect with. That kind of networking is incredibly valuable early in your career.”

During his PhD, Ben was also invited to present his SSA-funded research at the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, sharing insights from his international study of harm reduction policy.

Ben completed his PhD in May 2025 before moving to Princeton University later that year. In his current role he combines teaching with research in global health.

His work now focuses on the intersection between addiction, global health policy, and public health interventions. Current projects include evaluating New Jersey’s rollout of mobile harm reduction services and collaborating with UNICEF on research into illicit alcohol consumption among teenagers in Nairobi.

“I didn’t originally come from a global health background, but there are clear links between addiction and issues like HIV, hepatitis C, and public health policy worldwide. I’m particularly interested in low-cost interventions that can work in resource-limited settings.”

Advice for prospective PhD students

For students thinking about applying for SSA funding, Ben recommends reaching out to current or former SSA students for advice during the application process.

“The PhD journey can be challenging academically, logistically and financially. Having an organisation like the SSA in your corner makes a huge difference. The level of support, flexibility, and personal engagement they offer is something I didn’t see elsewhere.”

by Fiona Hughes