The NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) has opened applications for its Transdisciplinary Fellowships (TDFs) in Public Health Research 2026, offering an opportunity for researchers working outside traditional public health disciplines to transition into public health research.
The fellowship is designed for researchers with strong research experience in areas such as engineering, architecture, law, public policy, arts and humanities, data science, and other relevant disciplines who want to apply their existing expertise to public health challenges.
Why You Should Apply
Benefit
Description
Transdisciplinary
Apply your expertise to public health
Up to 24 Months
Extended research period
Public Health Master’s
Formal training included
Research Collaboration
Work with SPHR researchers
Career Development
Transition into public health research
Future Funding
Prepare for research funding applications
Research Programmes
Programme
Description
Health Inequalities
Social, economic, environmental factors
Public Mental Health
Population mental wellbeing
Healthy Places, Healthy Planet
Environments and human wellbeing
Children, Young People & Families
Child and family health
Who Should Apply?
Criteria
Details
Discipline
Outside traditional public health (engineering, architecture, law, public policy, data science, arts & humanities)
Research Track Record
Strong evidence of research outputs and impact
Public Health Relevance
Expertise relevant to public health
UK Right to Work
UK citizen or confirmed right to work
Who Is Not Eligible?
Discipline
Reason
Medicine
Traditional public health pathway
Epidemiology
Traditional public health pathway
Psychology
Traditional public health pathway
Sociology
Traditional public health pathway
Anthropology
Traditional public health pathway
Health Economics
Traditional public health pathway
Medical Statistics
Traditional public health pathway
Nursing
Traditional public health pathway
Public Health Master’s Requirement
Requirement
Details
Completion
Must complete Public Health Master’s at host institution
Yes, engineering is listed as a relevant discipline.
Q2. Can an architect apply?
Yes, architecture is specifically mentioned.
Q3. Can a data scientist apply?
Yes, data science is listed.
Q4. Can a doctor apply?
No, medicine is a traditional public health discipline.
Q5. Can someone with a Master’s apply?
Yes, but must complete Public Health Master’s.
Q6. Is it open internationally?
Only UK citizens or confirmed right to work in the UK.
Q7. How many fellowships are available?
Up to 3.
Q8. What is the deadline?
9 October 2026 (12:00 noon).
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The NIHR SPHR Transdisciplinary Fellowships offer a unique opportunity for researchers from non-traditional disciplines to transition into public health research. With up to 24 months of funding, a Public Health Master’s degree, and access to SPHR’s research environment, this fellowship is ideal for those looking to apply their expertise to public health challenges.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
Engineers
Yes
Architects
Yes
Data Scientists
Yes
Public Policy Researchers
Yes
Arts & Humanities Researchers
Yes
Law Researchers
Yes
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
High
Selection Difficulty
Competitive
Application Complexity
High
CareerFlora Recommendation
Area
Details
Career Growth
Excellent
Learning Opportunity
Very High
Application Difficulty
High
Apply Early
Strongly Recommended
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for NIHR SPHR Transdisciplinary Fellowships 2026 before 9 October 2026.
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