Darwin Trust Of Edinburgh

The Darwin Trust of Edinburgh, established in 1983 by Professor Kenneth Murray, is an independent Scottish charitable body dedicated to advancing education and research in the natural sciences, with a sharp focus on biological and biomedical sciences. Closely aligned with the University of Edinburgh while retaining autonomous governance, it embodies values of intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and nurturing future scientific leaders. Its distinctive approach prioritizes enabling talented individuals to pursue rigorous, world-class research, fostering long-term innovation and capacity-building in the life sciences.

The Trust exclusively funds four-year PhD studentships for non-UK nationals undertaking advanced research at UK universities—primarily the University of Edinburgh, with linked programs at institutions like King's College London—covering tuition fees, maintenance stipends, and research costs. It also supports conference attendance, advanced training, and select undergraduate scholarships to broaden early-career researchers' expertise and networks. Beneficiaries are exceptional aspiring postgraduate researchers in the life sciences, with funded students often contributing to high-impact scientific outputs and advancing to leadership roles in academia and industry.

Eligibility is tightly defined: only individual non-UK nationals apply via host university admissions systems, indicating Darwin Trust funding with scheme codes during annual windows; no applications from organizations or UK nationals. Typical awards exceed £90,000 per PhD studentship (£18,000–£23,500 annual stipend at UKRI/Wellcome rates), with decisions made annually. Unsolicited applications are not accepted, and it excludes project, core, capital, or unrestricted organizational funding, setting it apart as a specialized supporter of international postgraduate talent in UK life sciences research. Next deadline: 7 January 2026 (Edinburgh).