High-Stipend Doctoral Training and International Master’s Programs

Fully Funded PhD & MSc Opportunities in AMR, One Health and Crop Protection

Fully funded PhD and MSc programs in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), One Health, and Crop Protection. Apply for fellowships at the University of Reading, Zurich, Göttingen, and Glasgow. High-stipend doctoral training and international master’s programs are currently open.

Global Research Excellence: PhD and MSc Opportunities in AMR, One Health and Crop Protection

The year 2026 marks a significant milestone in the global effort to combat some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the stability of our One Health ecosystems, and the sustainability of Crop Protection. As pathogens evolve and climate change shifts the geographic boundaries of disease, the demand for specialized researchers is at an all-time high.

1. The FoodBioSystems Doctoral Training Partnership (UK)

One of the most robust opportunities available for 2026 is the FoodBioSystems Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), this program is designed to create a new generation of scientists capable of transforming the food system from “farm to fork.”

Program Overview and Salaried Projects

The DTP is currently advertising 40 salaried PhD projects. While the partnership covers a vast range of topics, a minimum of 19 salaried studentships will be awarded through a highly competitive process. These studentships are four-year, full-time commitments starting in the autumn of 2026.

Targeted Research Areas

Candidates from diverse scientific backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those interested in:

• Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance: Researching novel ways to reduce antibiotic dependency in livestock and food production.

• One Health Strategies: Understanding the interconnectedness of soil, plant, animal, and human health.

• Sustainable Agricultural Systems: Developing low-input, high-output farming models.

• Precision Agriculture: Utilizing smart technologies and genomics to optimize food safety and nutrition.

Funding and Stipend Information

The FoodBioSystems studentship is financially substantial, designed to allow researchers to focus entirely on their studies without the burden of external employment.

• Tax-Free Stipend: For the 2025/2026 period, the stipend is set at £20,780 per year. For students based at Brunel University, this is increased to £22,780 to account for London living costs.

• Tuition and Costs: The funding covers all tuition fees at the standard Home/ROI rate and provides a budget for research costs.

• Duration: 4 years of guaranteed funding.

Participating Universities

Studentship opportunities are distributed across several world-leading UK institutions:

• University of Reading

• Cranfield University

• Queen’s University Belfast

• University of Surrey

• Aberystwyth University

• Brunel University

• University of Lincoln

Application Timeline

• Online Application System Opens: 16 December 2025

• Closing Date for Applications: 26 January 2026 (10:00 GMT)

• Interview Window: 27 February – 13 March 2026

• Final Result Notification: By 31 March 2026

2. PhD in Geospatial Modelling of AMR (University of Zurich, Switzerland)

For researchers with a background in data science, geography, or epidemiology, the University of Zurich offers a unique PhD position focused on the Geospatial Modelling of AMR in Animals.

Project Scope

This project aims to map the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in animals with a specific focus on Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Using a One Health framework, the researcher will develop models to predict hotspots of resistance, helping global health organizations target interventions more effectively.

Candidate Profile

The laboratory is seeking candidates with:

• Experience in spatial statistics or machine learning.

• An interest in veterinary medicine and global health policy.

• Strong programming skills (R or Python).

Application Status

This is a rolling application process. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified, making early application a strategic advantage.

 

3. MSc Crop Protection (University of Göttingen, Germany)

Germany remains a global leader in agricultural sciences. The University of Göttingen offers an International Master Program in Crop Protection that is both research-oriented and multidisciplinary.

Programme Highlights

• Focus: Sustainable crop production, integrated pest management (IPM), and phytopathology.

• International Career Basis: The program includes an internship in private agro-industry or research institutions, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world.

• Language: The entire program is taught in English.

• Duration: 4 semesters (2 years).

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

• Non-EU/EEA Applicants: 01 December to 01 March 2026.

• EU/EEA Applicants: 15 April to 15 June 2026.

• Academic Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Biology, or a related field with at least 60 credits in plant sciences.

4. One Health and Infectious Disease (University of Glasgow, UK)

The University of Glasgow provides two distinct Master’s pathways for students looking to specialize in zoonotic diseases and resistance epidemiology.

MSc One Health & Infectious Disease

This program focuses on the One Health framework, teaching students how to manage infectious diseases that jump between species. It is ideal for those looking to work in public health policy or veterinary diagnostics.

MSc Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases & AMR

This pathway is more quantitative, focusing on disease ecology and the mathematical modeling of how antimicrobial resistance spreads through populations. It provides a strong foundation for those intending to pursue a PhD in epidemiology later.

5. MSc One Health (LSHTM & Royal Veterinary College, UK)

A joint venture between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), this MSc is perhaps the most comprehensive One Health program in the world.

Focus Areas

• Environmental health and the impact of climate change on disease.

• Human-animal interface and food security.

• Global health governance.

This program is highly sought after by international students looking for a “systems approach” to health, combining the expertise of the UK’s premier medical and veterinary schools.

6) Strategic Insights:  Navigating AMR and One Health in 2026

Why AMR Matters

Antimicrobial resistance is often described as the “silent pandemic.” By 2050, it is estimated that AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually if no action is taken. Research into Alternative Food Systems and Sustainable Agricultural Systems is vital to reducing the selective pressure that creates “superbugs.”

The Power of One Health

The One Health approach recognizes that human health is inextricably linked to the health of animals and the environment. This is particularly evident in:

1. Zoonotic Spillover: Most emerging infectious diseases originate in wildlife.

2. Soil Health: The use of antibiotics in farming affects soil microbiomes, which in turn affects crop health and human nutrition.

3. Environmental Runoff: Antimicrobials used in aquaculture or livestock can leak into water systems, creating environmental reservoirs of resistance.

Eligibility and Academic Requirements

Most of the PhD and MSc programs listed above require:

• Academic Standing: An Upper 2nd Class degree (2:1) or equivalent in a relevant field (Biology, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, etc.).

• Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for non-native speakers.

• Prior Research: For the FoodBioSystems DTP, candidates must not have previously obtained a PhD.

How to Apply Successfully

Applying for these opportunities requires meticulous preparation. For the FoodBioSystems DTP, candidates are limited to applying for a maximum of TWO projects. It is highly recommended to email the lead supervisors of your chosen projects before the 26 January deadline to discuss your research interests.

For the MSc in Göttingen, ensure that your transcripts clearly show the required 60 credits in plant sciences to avoid automatic disqualification.

Are you ready to advance your research career? Apply through the following official portals:

PhD Opportunities:

• FoodBioSystems DTP (UK): https://research.reading.ac.uk/foodbiosystems/for-phd-students-2/

• AMR Geospatial Modelling (Zurich): https://ohws.prospective.ch/public/v1/application/1e5925a5-07c1-41d3-9747-697d0d9621c8?lang=en

MSc Opportunities:

• Crop Protection (Göttingen): https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/694627.html

• One Health & Infectious Disease (Glasgow): https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/one-health-infectious-disease/

• Epidemiology & AMR (Glasgow): https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/infectiousdiseasesantimicrobialresistance/

• MSc One Health (LSHTM/RVC): https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/masters-degrees/one-health