About the Project
Help cities prevent disease outbreaks driven by flooding. This PhD links hydrology, epidemiology and data science to map how leptospirosis spreads through urban water networks, and to test practical cost-effective interventions. You’ll extend an existing storm-water model, integrate spatial/clinical data (already available), and build transparent, reproducible tools for decision-makers. Training spans programming, spatial statistics and mechanistic modelling with options to explore machine learning and interventions including nature-based solutions. You’ll collaborate with public-health and engineering partners, and have opportunities to work in Salvador, Brazil, translating climate resilience and One Health ideas into measurable benefits for vulnerable communities.
Key words: global health, mathematical modelling, neglected tropical diseases, hydrology
How to apply
You can submit an application via the University of Bristol application portal: Start your application | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol selecting the relevant 4-year PhD programme, e.g. “Population Health Sciences (PhD) (4yr)”.
Search for your programme and select it from the dropdown list to see the available start dates. Select ‘apply’ next to your chosen start date to begin your application.
Link to prospectus pages for Population Health Sciences giving entry requirements and admissions statement: Population Health Sciences
In the funding section of the application form, please select “University of Bristol Scholarship – Black Heritage”.
In the research section please enter the exact project title of the scholarship you are applying for along with the supervisor’s name. You can upload a blank document instead of the research statement, which is not needed.
You can find more information on how to prepare your application and what we are looking for at the “PhD Application Workshop” which will be held on Teams on Monday 24th November 2025 at 2pm (GMT): PhD Application Workshop.
The application deadline is 11.59pm (GMT) Tuesday 6th January 2026.
Bristol PGR scholarships for applicants of Black heritage
As part of our commitment to the Black community, the University of Bristol has launched a number of PGR research scholarships exclusively for students of Black heritage for 2026/27 entry. These are open to UK-domiciled, home fee applicants of Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black or mixed Black heritage. The scholarships aim to address the under-representation of black people in postgraduate research and support our work to improve representation across all levels of study and academia.
We have a wide range of support networks, student societies and community groups for students of Black heritage. These include our Be More Empowered for Success PGR Programme which aims to influence positive change across the themes of access, belonging and empowerment.
Further information about the Black Heritage Scholarship scheme can be found on our website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/health-life-sciences/postgraduate-research/bristol-postgraduate-research-scholarships/black-heritage/
For project-related enquiries, please contact the project supervisor directly.
Dr Josephine Walker josephine.walker@bristol.ac.uk
Funding Notes
This project is only available for UK-domiciled, home fee applicants of Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black or mixed Black heritage. The studentship duration is four years, and it includes an annual stipend set at the current UKRI recommendation of £20,780 (for 25/26, updated annually). Tuition fees and research costs are fully supported by the studentship, as well as an allowance for paid sick leave and parental leave, in addition to 5 weeks of paid leave each year.
