Cambridge and AstraZeneca extend joint PhD programme for three years

The University of Cambridge and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca have extended their joint PhD programme for another three years, continuing a research collaboration that has supported almost 200 doctoral students to date.

The university announced the extension on its official X account, confirming that the programme would continue for three more years.

However, the announcement did not specify how many additional PhD students would participate or provide details of new funding arrangements.

The partnership builds on a longer history of scientific collaboration between the two organisations. In 2013, AstraZeneca announced plans to move its global headquarters and a new strategic research and development centre to Cambridge, marking a new phase in its relationship with the university and the wider research community.

Shaun Grady, Chair of AstraZeneca UK, said: “Through our partnerships, we are accelerating scientific discoveries into meaningful progress for patients, nurturing the next generation of talent that will lead the breakthroughs of the future, and supporting initiatives to unlock the full potential of the Cambridge innovation ecosystem.”

Cambridge's life sciences ecosystem was a key factor in the company's decision. The university's account of the partnership highlights the area's access to academic, industry and healthcare organisations, which supports collaboration across scientific research and healthcare.

Over the past decade, the university and AstraZeneca have continued to develop their relationship around a shared ambition to advance research for patients and society.

“Our collaboration benefits from our close proximity, enabling a seamless transfer of people, materials and ideas between the two organisations," Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge said.

Their joint PhD programme is one part of this wider collaboration, bringing doctoral training into a partnership between academia and the pharmaceutical industry.

The three-year extension continues that arrangement, although further details about the next phase, including the number of new places, research areas and application timelines, have not been confirmed in the announcement.