CAM-DTP PhD Studentship Opportunities 2027: 39 Supervisor-Led Research Topics for Doctoral Applicants

Prospective doctoral researchers preparing for PhD study in 2027 can explore a wide range of CAM-DTP supervisor-led PhD topics for 2027 entry, covering research areas such as artificial intelligence, public health, psychology, climate change, education, biodiversity, healthcare, finance, entrepreneurship, energy governance, genomics and social research.

The CAM-DTP Studentship Opportunities for 2027 are being advertised through Route 1, the supervisor-led route. Under this pathway, prospective PhD candidates identify a research topic of interest, contact the relevant supervisory team and discuss the possibility of developing a project proposal before making a formal application.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the application procedure. CAM-DTP does not accept direct applications, and prospective candidates should not submit CVs, research proposals or other documentation directly to CAM-DTP for assessment.

Instead, candidates interested in one of the advertised PhD topics must communicate with the relevant supervisory team and subsequently apply through the CAM-DTP institution of the lead supervisor, following that university’s admissions process and applicable deadlines.

About CAM-DTP PhD Topics for 2027 Entry

The CAM-DTP has published a broad portfolio of supervisor-led PhD topics for students seeking doctoral study beginning in 2027.

The opportunities form part of Route 1, which is specifically based around projects led by supervisory teams.

This means candidates are not expected simply to submit an independent application directly to CAM-DTP. Instead, they should first identify a relevant research topic and establish communication with the supervisors connected to that project.

The available opportunities span a wide variety of disciplines and interdisciplinary research themes, making the programme relevant to prospective researchers from different academic backgrounds.

Areas represented in the 2027 list include:

• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Public health
• Healthcare
• Psychology
• Human behaviour
• Climate change
• Sustainability
• Biodiversity
• Education
• Architecture
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Cyber resilience
• Genomics
• Energy governance
• Community health
• Social research
• Leadership
• Nature connection
• Developmental research
• Research methodology
• Health inequalities

How the CAM-DTP Supervisor-Led Route Works

Applicants interested in one of the PhD opportunities should follow the process established by CAM-DTP.

1. Review the available PhD topics

Candidates should begin by studying the list of supervisor-led research topics available for 2027 entry.

With 39 topics listed, applicants can identify research areas that align most closely with their academic background, research experience and future doctoral interests.

2. Contact the supervisory team

Students who are interested in conducting a PhD within one of the advertised topics should contact the relevant supervisory team.

This initial communication gives prospective candidates an opportunity to find out more about the project and discuss the development of a possible research proposal.

3. Speak to the supervisory team before applying

CAM-DTP specifically states that an application to conduct a PhD within one of the advertised topics should not be made before speaking to the supervisory team.

Candidates should therefore treat contact with the relevant supervisors as an essential part of the application process.

4. Apply through the lead supervisor’s institution

Once a candidate has discussed the opportunity with the supervisory team, the formal application should be made to the CAM-DTP institution where the lead supervisor is based.

Applicants must follow the admissions procedures and deadlines set by that institution.

5. Interview stage

Supervisory teams will interview candidates who are interested in their respective research topics.

The interview process provides the supervisory team with an opportunity to assess prospective candidates before determining whom to put forward for nomination.

6. CAM-DTP nomination

Following the interview process, supervisory teams will propose selected candidates to their departments for CAM-DTP nomination in early February.

Candidates should therefore begin engaging with supervisors and institutional admissions processes well before this nomination stage.

Important: CAM-DTP Does Not Accept Direct Applications

Prospective candidates should note that CAM-DTP does not take direct applications.

Applicants should therefore not send:

• Research proposals directly to CAM-DTP
• CVs directly to CAM-DTP
• Supporting documentation directly to CAM-DTP
• General PhD applications directly to CAM-DTP for review

The appropriate process is to contact the supervisory team associated with the chosen research topic and subsequently apply through the lead supervisor’s institution.

List of CAM-DTP Supervisor-Led PhD Topics for 2027

The 2027 Route 1 opportunities include 39 supervisor-led research topics.

1. The Role of Culture in Human Biological Evolution

This topic examines the relationship between culture and human biological evolution.

2. Applying Eye-Tracking in Architectural Design

This opportunity focuses on the use of eye-tracking in the context of architectural design.

3. Making Climate Messaging Work: Multimodal Insights

This research topic focuses on climate messaging and multimodal approaches.

4. Active Roots: Youth Moving for Nature & Health

This project brings together themes relating to young people, nature and health.

5. Pregnant Women’s Adaptation to Climate Change

This research topic focuses on how pregnant women adapt to challenges associated with climate change.

6. Conspiratorial Thinking in Adolescence

This PhD opportunity explores conspiratorial thinking among adolescents.

7. AI and Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

This project examines artificial intelligence in relation to inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.

8. PRME and Net Zero Transition Using AI Apps

This research topic connects artificial intelligence applications with the transition towards net zero.

9. AI in Radiology Departments: Opportunity or Threat

This project examines the role and implications of artificial intelligence within radiology departments.

10. Rethinking Evidence Synthesis for Public Health

This opportunity focuses on evidence synthesis methodologies within public health.

11. AI, Machine Learning and the Future of Finance

This topic explores artificial intelligence, machine learning and their relationship with the future of finance.

12. Shared Decision-Making Protocol for Therapeutic Gaming

This research opportunity considers shared decision-making in connection with therapeutic gaming.

13. Inclusive Practices for Lab-Based Education

This project focuses on inclusive practices within laboratory-based education.

14. Health and Activity Impacts of Evolving Cities

This topic explores health and physical activity in the context of changing urban environments.

15. Causal Inference in Developmental Psychology

This PhD topic brings together causal inference methods and developmental psychology.

16. Social Acceptability of Biodiversity-Friendly Grassland Management

This project examines the social acceptability of approaches designed to support biodiversity-friendly grassland management.

17. From Clinic to Community: Autism Screening in Infancy

This opportunity focuses on autism screening in infancy and its movement from clinical to community contexts.

18. Cultivating Fungal Literacy in Gardens

This project focuses on fungal literacy in garden environments.

19. Zoo Spaces and Equitable Nature Connection

This research topic explores zoo spaces in relation to equitable connections with nature.

20. AI-Assisted Methodology for Social Survey Research

This opportunity examines how artificial intelligence can be applied to social survey research methodology.

21. Cognitive Rehabilitation Pathways Post-Stroke

This project focuses on pathways for cognitive rehabilitation following stroke.

22. Paediatric Genomics and Family Well-Being

This topic examines paediatric genomics in relation to the well-being of families.

23. Impact Evaluation of the Cambridge Science Centre

This research opportunity centres on evaluating the impact of the Cambridge Science Centre.

24. Health Insights from 19th–20th Century Vaccination Registers

This PhD topic focuses on deriving health-related insights from historical vaccination registers.

25. Psychology of Unethical Decisions and Public Trust

This research topic examines the psychology of unethical decision-making and its relationship with public trust.

26. Culture & Leadership in Transnational CPD

This opportunity investigates culture and leadership in transnational continuing professional development.

27. Personalised Behavioural Cyber Resilience

This research topic brings together behavioural approaches and cyber resilience.

28. Working with Increasingly Capable AI Agents

This project examines issues associated with working alongside increasingly capable artificial intelligence agents.

29. Adaptive AI to Reduce Neurodivergent Inequalities

This topic explores adaptive artificial intelligence in relation to inequalities affecting neurodivergent people.

30. Trauma-Informed Practices in Higher Education

This research opportunity focuses on trauma-informed approaches within higher education.

31. Help or Harm? AI in Health Emergency Preparedness

This project examines artificial intelligence in relation to health emergency preparedness.

32. Transition Expertise in Energy Governance

This research topic focuses on transition expertise within energy governance.

33. Workplace Action to Tackle Smoking Inequalities

This opportunity examines workplace-based approaches to addressing smoking inequalities.

34. Fairer Cognitive Assessment in Homeless Healthcare

This research topic focuses on improving fairness in cognitive assessment within healthcare for people experiencing homelessness.

35. United Communities, Healthier Men

This project centres on the relationship between communities and men’s health.

36. Supporting Those Close to People Who Hoard

This topic focuses on support for individuals who are close to people who hoard.

37. Betting Machines: AI in Prediction Markets

This research project explores artificial intelligence in relation to prediction markets.

38. Can AI Be Persuaded the Wrong Way?

This project examines questions relating to persuasion and artificial intelligence.

39. Inclusive Enterprise for Displaced Communities

This topic focuses on inclusive enterprise in relation to displaced communities.

Research Areas Represented in the 2027 Opportunities

The CAM-DTP 2027 portfolio demonstrates a particularly broad interdisciplinary scope.

Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology

A significant number of the projects relate to artificial intelligence and its growing influence across different areas.

These include:

• AI and Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
• PRME and Net Zero Transition Using AI Apps
• AI in Radiology Departments: Opportunity or Threat
• AI, Machine Learning and the Future of Finance
• AI-Assisted Methodology for Social Survey Research
• Working with Increasingly Capable AI Agents
• Adaptive AI to Reduce Neurodivergent Inequalities
• Help or Harm? AI in Health Emergency Preparedness
• Betting Machines: AI in Prediction Markets
• Can AI Be Persuaded the Wrong Way?

These opportunities demonstrate how AI-related research is being connected to healthcare, finance, entrepreneurship, sustainability, inclusion and social research.

Public Health and Healthcare

Several available projects focus on public health, healthcare and well-being.

Relevant topics include:

• Pregnant Women’s Adaptation to Climate Change
• Rethinking Evidence Synthesis for Public Health
• Health and Activity Impacts of Evolving Cities
• From Clinic to Community: Autism Screening in Infancy
• Cognitive Rehabilitation Pathways Post-Stroke
• Paediatric Genomics and Family Well-Being
• Health Insights from 19th–20th Century Vaccination Registers
• Workplace Action to Tackle Smoking Inequalities
• Fairer Cognitive Assessment in Homeless Healthcare
• United Communities, Healthier Men

Climate, Nature and Environmental Research

Candidates interested in environmental research can also explore topics connected with climate change, biodiversity and relationships with nature.

These include:

• Making Climate Messaging Work: Multimodal Insights
• Active Roots: Youth Moving for Nature & Health
• Pregnant Women’s Adaptation to Climate Change
• Social Acceptability of Biodiversity-Friendly Grassland Management
• Cultivating Fungal Literacy in Gardens
• Zoo Spaces and Equitable Nature Connection
• Transition Expertise in Energy Governance

Psychology, Behaviour and Society

A number of projects also address human behaviour, psychological processes and societal challenges.

Examples include:

• Conspiratorial Thinking in Adolescence
• Causal Inference in Developmental Psychology
• Psychology of Unethical Decisions and Public Trust
• Personalised Behavioural Cyber Resilience
• Supporting Those Close to People Who Hoard

Education and Learning

Candidates interested in education may find opportunities such as:

• Inclusive Practices for Lab-Based Education
• Culture & Leadership in Transnational CPD
• Trauma-Informed Practices in Higher Education

CAM-DTP Participating Universities Highlighted on the Opportunity Page

The CAM-DTP opportunity page directs candidates to information about research degrees at several universities.

These include:

• Anglia Ruskin University
• University of Bedfordshire
• University of Cambridge

The institution to which an applicant formally applies will depend on where the lead supervisor associated with the chosen research topic is based.

Applicants should therefore check the relevant institutional admissions requirements carefully after discussing the project with the supervisory team.

Application Deadline for CAM-DTP PhD Topics 2027

There is no single universal application deadline stated on the supplied CAM-DTP opportunity page.

Applicants are instructed to follow the admissions process and deadlines established by the institution of the lead supervisor.

The CAM-DTP information does, however, state that supervisory teams will interview candidates and propose candidates to their departments for CAM-DTP nomination in early February.

Prospective students should therefore contact supervisors as early as possible rather than waiting until close to the nomination period.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in the CAM-DTP PhD opportunities for 2027 should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official CAM-DTP Studentship Opportunities page.
2. Review the complete list of supervisor-led topics.
3. Identify the research topic that best aligns with your academic and research interests.
4. Contact the relevant supervisory team.
5. Discuss the research topic and possible project proposal.
6. Do not formally apply before communicating with the supervisory team.
7. Determine which CAM-DTP institution hosts the lead supervisor.
8. Review that institution’s postgraduate admissions requirements and deadline.
9. Submit the formal PhD application through the relevant university.
10. Participate in the supervisory team’s interview process if invited.
11. Successful candidates may then be put forward by the supervisory team for departmental CAM-DTP nomination.

APPLY NOW

Official CAM-DTP Opportunity Page

Prospective applicants should use the official CAM-DTP website to review the opportunities and obtain the latest information about individual projects and supervisory teams:

https://www.cam-dtp.ac.uk/students/current-opportunities/

Important Advice for Prospective Applicants

Because these are supervisor-led projects, selecting a topic should involve more than simply choosing an appealing project title.

Candidates should carefully consider whether a project is aligned with their:

• Previous academic study
• Research experience
• Methodological skills
• Subject interests
• Career ambitions
• Intended area of doctoral specialisation

Prospective applicants should also use their initial communication with supervisors to gain a clearer understanding of the project before beginning a formal application.

Candidates should not assume that the same application deadline, academic requirement or admissions process applies to every project, because applications are submitted through the institution associated with each lead supervisor.

Conclusion

The CAM-DTP PhD Studentship Opportunities for 2027 entry provide prospective doctoral researchers with access to 39 supervisor-led research topics spanning some of today’s most significant academic and societal issues.

From artificial intelligence and machine learning to healthcare, psychology, climate change, biodiversity, education, finance, energy governance, entrepreneurship and social inclusion, the breadth of the available topics creates opportunities for researchers interested in a wide range of interdisciplinary fields.

The most important part of the application process is understanding that CAM-DTP does not accept direct applications.

Prospective candidates must first select a research topic, contact the relevant supervisory team and discuss their proposed PhD project. They should then apply through the CAM-DTP institution of the lead supervisor and comply with that institution’s individual admissions procedures and deadlines.

With supervisory teams expected to put forward candidates for departmental CAM-DTP nomination in early February, prospective applicants interested in 2027 entry should explore the available topics and begin contacting relevant supervisors well in advance.

Visit the OFY website for more Scholarship Opportunities.