At any one time, around 20% of the researchers associated with the IMS-MRL are postgraduate students, with a broad range of nationalities and both basic science and clinical students (clinical training fellows and MBPhD students) creating a lively and diverse community.

The IMS-MRL also has a thriving Student Committee who organise regular journal clubs, social events and an annual student symposium, as well as making sure students are properly represented at all levels at the institute.

Studying at the IMS-MRL

The IMS-MRL supports students in cutting edge research at the forefront of  international efforts to understand the interrelated problems of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

We accept both basic scientists and clinical trainees wishing to study for either a PhD or a 1-year MPhil by research, mainly supported by Research Council Studentships, personal awards or by scholarships administered by Gates or the Cambridge Trust. 

Before applying students are encouraged to consider which research areas most interest them and to contact a short list of PIs working in these fields (you should use the Principal Investigator pages to identify suitable supervisors). You should email these individuals explaining what interests you about their particular research area and include a CV or other relevant information in this first email. A generic email sent to many Principal Investigators is not likely to receive a positive response.

The Wellcome Trust PhD Programme for Clinicians, which aims to provide high quality research training in clinical science to young clinicians with aptitude, is also led from the IMS-MRL.

Applications and Funding

See PhD and MPhil opportunities at the Institute for detailed information on opportunities and on how and when to apply.

Timeline for postgraduate funding applications via the Graduate Funding Competition: 

https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/graduate_funding_competition_timeline.pdf

Postgraduate Open Day

Hear from some of our students and find out more about student life at the IMS-MRL with our ‘Virtual stand’ at the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Open Day (https://www.mrl.ims.cam.ac.uk/welcome-to-the-ims-mrl-postgraduate-open-day)