PhD in Health Innovation & Implementation Science

Award summary

100% of home tuition fees and annual stipend at UKRI rates (2026-27). This studentship is open to home fee paying applicants only.

Overview

Interested in how health innovations move into practice? This project will examine how implementation considerations can be embedded earlier in innovation pathways to inform policy and healthcare decision making. Although horizon scanning identifies new health and care innovations, it rarely considers factors influencing implementation. The PhD will be co developed with the student and examine how implementation considerations can be embedded within the horizon scanning and foresight space to inform policy and decision making. It is expected to include a range of research methods and the development of frameworks or tools to support adoption ready innovation.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: September 2026

Award duration: 3 years full time

Sponsor: Newcastle University

Supervisors: Professor Dawn Craig (Newcastle University), Professor Paul Wilson (University of Manchester), Dr Pauline Addis (Newcastle University).

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants should have (expect to achieve) at least a 2:1 honour's degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject, such as health sciences, biomedical engineering, or related discipline.
• A strong interest in implementation science, innovation adoption, or health systems research is essential, alongside an interest in horizon scanning and foresight.
• Experience of qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research would be advantageous.
• If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of6.5 overall (minimum5.5in each sub skill).

Contact details

• Professor Dawn Craig - email:
• Dr Pauline Addis - email: