PhD Studentship: Not Enough Money for Food and Struggling to Eat: Understanding the Connection Between Food Insecurity and Disordered Eating

The GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme is offering up to 18 MRC funded studentships across a range of biomedical disciplines, with a start date of October 2027.

These four-year studentships provide funding for fees and stipend at the rate set by the UKRI, as well as other research training and support costs, and are available to UK and International students.

This project is in competition for place with the projects across the MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Award studentships. There are a total of 18 studentships available across the partnership.  

ARFID is an eating disorder where people avoid foods due to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, or low interest in eating. Food insecurity (unreliable access to safe, nutritious food) is a growing public health problem linked to poorer health outcomes. Food insecurity is linked to other eating disorders, but its relationship with ARFID is unknown. This project will explore that gap through large cohort datasets, interviews with people with lived experience and carers, and co-production of practical resources, with the aim of improving support for a poorly understood and underserved group.

These studentships are funded through GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme and consist of UK tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum (£21, 805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated each year).

Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is also available.

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