The Chi-Wang studentship, which is welcoming its first ever applicants, brings together three world-leading institutions, including Cambridge Children’s Research Institute (CCRI) which will host the studentship when it opens.
A PhD studentship, starting in October 2026, will offer a unique opportunity for a talented student to pursue a four-year doctoral degree in biomedical sciences, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of neurological diseases affecting children and young people. Supported by a generous philanthropic gift from Amanda Chi and David Wang, the studentship brings together three inspirational institutions: Jesus College (opens in a new tab), Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) (opens in a new tab) and Cambridge Children’s Research Institute (CCRI).
The gift has been endowed to Jesus College, with the studentship to be hosted by CIMR until Cambridge Children’s Hospital opens. The CCRI will sit at the heart of the new building, with six specialist centres solely dedicated to improving health outcomes for children and young people.
The Cambridge Children’s Hospital is globally unique, embedding a new model of integrated physical and mental healthcare and housing the Cambridge Children’s Research Institute. We are extraordinarily grateful to Amanda Chi and David Wang for endowing this CCRI studentship, which will support training the next generation of leaders in paediatric biomedical science.
David Rowitch, Professor of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge
Research focus
Genome sequencing is revolutionising the diagnosis of the genetic causes of childhood neurological disease. The PhD project will investigate the root causes, moving from genetic data to mechanistic understanding by bringing together cutting-edge cellular methods with data-driven genomic analysis. The goal is about improving understanding, diagnosis and pioneering new treatments. The precise project will be determined after the studentship is appointed but will involve working with CIMR researchers who focus on devastating childhood neurological diseases, such as childhood dementias.
Find out more
To find out more about the studentship, including mentorship, eligibility and the application process, please head to the CIMR website (opens in a new tab). The deadline for applications is midnight on 20th February 2026.
