MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Exposome Immunology

Gain world-class research training, collaborate across institutions, and tackle global health challenges with the Medical Research Centre (MRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) in Exposome Immunology.

The MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology is a pioneering research programme that explores how environmental exposures at mucosal barriers shape the immune system and drive inflammation.

Our changing global environment has increased exposure to infectious agents and pollution, contributing to a worldwide rise in chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs) including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

This fully funded four year PhD programme brings together the Medical Research Council (MRC), The University of Manchester and University of Oxford to understand how environmental exposures regulate the immune system and to prevent and treat CIDs.

The programme combines world-leading expertise in lung and gut barrier immunity, exposome science, and immunological mechanisms, with access to outstanding facilities, bespoke training, and a supportive research culture at Manchester and Oxford.

You’ll have the freedom to explore your own interests and shape your research journey, supported by world-class supervisors from both institutions in a collaborative cohort of researchers addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges.

Applications for the MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology are now open until 23 November (Manchester) and 1 December (Oxford).

Find out more - Manchester

Find out more - Oxford

Why apply for the MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology?

• Fully funded studentship: Receive a fully funded studentship covering tuition fees at home or international rate and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate for four years.
• Shape your project: Choose your preferred research theme and supervisors when applying, then co-develop your project aims when you begin the programme.
• Comprehensive training: Receive bespoke training including a year one training programme which equips you with skills and knowledge in environmental science, barrier immunology and a range of wet and dry-lab techniques, and MRC training in leadership, entrepreneurship and careers, and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE).
• Cohort of researchers: Join a cohort of postgraduate researchers at Manchester and Oxford and build networks and share expertise throughout your training and research.
• Cross-institution collaboration: Benefit from guidance by supervisors at both Manchester and Oxford, fostering unique collaborations and access to expertise across institutions.
• Placement opportunities: Undertake an optional Silo Switch, where you can undertake placements in related professional environments, such as local government, policy makers, industry, or medical communications.

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Browse supervisors

Who is eligible?

Competition for studentships is expected to be high.

These studentships are available to UK and international applicants, and provide funding for tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate.

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area.

Next steps

1.     Check you’re eligible

2.     Choose your host institution; Manchester or Oxford

3.     Find your research theme and supervisor

4.     Apply online

5.     Panel assessment and interview offer

6.     Interview

For further details about the MRC CoRE in Exposome Immunology, including full details on how to apply please each institutions website:

Find out more – Manchester

Find out more – Oxford

Key dates

Manchester:

Application deadline: Monday, 23 November

Interviews take place: Week commencing 25 January 2027

Oxford:

Application deadline: Tuesday, 1 December 2026

Interviews take place: Thursday, 14 January 2027