We provide a range of training opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in maternity disparities research.
The Consortium focuses on growing long-term research capacity and expertise, especially within underrepresented disciplines, professions and underserved communities; inspiring and supporting the next generation of researchers with the right skills mix to work across clinical, practice and research sectors. We offer career development awards across the whole research career pathway, with opportunities to work with universities, NHS, local authorities, industry and voluntary sector and social enterprise (VCSE).
We provide a range of career development opportunities that are embedded within our research themes, for those interested in pursuing a career in maternity disparities research. More information about these opportunities below.
MDC Pre-application support fund for career development awards
These awards offer funding towards salary costs (up to a max £30k) on a flexible WTE basis allowing individuals to buy out time from current responsibilities to enhance or prepare an application for career development funding. This award is intended to equip individuals with the necessary skills, experience, and protected time to successfully transition to the next stage of their research career.
All awards are aligned with our core research themes. Additionally, each awardee will benefit from dual membership of both the NIHR Academy and Maternity Disparities Researcher’s Network (MatResNet).
Timeline: The pre-application support fund is launched, see further guidance on how to apply here.
MDC PhD Studentships in Maternity Disparities Research
Our PhD studentships offer three years of full-time equivalent (FTE) funding covering both a stipend, fees and research training costs. The studentships offer a unique opportunity to work in crucial methodological areas that currently have limited expertise in maternity research, including: Health economics, statistics and data science, trial design and digital research.
All PhD students are aligned with our core research themes, workstreams, and core functions. Additionally, each student benefits from dual membership of both the NIHR Academy and Maternity Disparities Researcher’s Network (MatResNet).
Timeline: The PhD studentship call is aiming to launch in July 2026 to start January 2027. *Timelines may change.
MDC Doctoral Fellowships in Maternity Disparities Research
Our doctoral fellowships provide an opportunity for practicing healthcare professionals such as midwives, health visitors, neonatal nurses, and community pharmacists, to dedicate themselves to a doctoral research project. This opportunity offers three years of full-time equivalent (FTE) funding for salary, fees and research training costs.
All doctoral fellows are fully integrated into our research themes, workstreams, and core functions. Fellows also benefit from dual membership of both the NIHR Academy and Maternity Disparities Researcher’s Network (MatResNet).
Timeline: The doctoral fellowships call will launch in November 2026 to start June 2027. *Timelines may change.
Information on more MDC career development awards will be added soon. Watch this space for opportunities including post-doctoral awards, transdisciplinary placements, embedded researcher scheme, community practitioner awards.