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Deadline for applications 10 March 2025, 12 GMT (midday)

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Introduction

Now entering its tenth year, the Enrichment scheme is designed for PhD students looking to enhance and broaden their research within the Turing community.

The Turing has 20-25 placements available for full-time doctoral students interested in our key research areas: 

- Transformation of Health
- Environment and Sustainability
- Defence and National Security
- Fundamental Research in Data Science and AI 

All placements will start in early October 2025.

Placements are based at the Turing offices in London and Enrichment students are required to attend the Institute offices in-person for a minimum of 8 days per month.

New for 2025, the Turing is piloting an opportunity for Enrichment students to work collaboratively and be embedded within specific research teams. Further information is available in the Call document and FAQs linked in the How to Apply section below.

Eligibility

Students must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the scheme:

  • UK PhD programme (full-time): Be registered on a full-time doctoral programme at a UK university and must ensure their department grants them permission to meet the in-person requirement of 8 days per month during the placement. Students on a visa need to gain permission from their international office.
  • Active research phase: Be in the “active research phase” for the duration of the award, which is defined as: having completed their first year of doctoral study (not including any masters or foundation years) and not being within 12 weeks of their intended submission date or in the process of exclusively writing up their thesis during the scheme.
  • Supervisor support: Applicant’s supervisor must support the application and be willing to provide a reference at the point of conditional offer.
  • No suspensions: The PhD must not be suspended to take on internships or other opportunities for the duration of the award.
  • Right to Study: Applicants must hold a valid Right to Study in the UK.
  • Screening: Applicants must satisfactorily pass the Institute’s security screening process, which includes a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We welcome applications from students eager to immerse themselves in the Turing research environment, actively contribute to knowledge exchange and take initiative in their collaborations.  

How to Apply

We invite candidates to apply directly to the Turing through the Flexi-Grant portal. Before starting an application, please read the Call document and FAQs (below).

Applications close on 10 March 2025 at 12:00 GMT (midday). No extensions to this deadline will be given.

2025-26 Turing PhD Enrichment scheme - Call document

 

Application guidance

Frequently Asked Questions: General

Can I apply if I am in my first year of my PhD?

Yes, you can apply during your first year if you plan to begin the scheme in your second year and have a clear direction for your research. However, if your first year involves training or rotation projects, you must complete at least one year of research on your main doctoral project before starting.

You cannot apply before you are enrolled in a PhD programme at a UK university.

Can I undertake the Enrichment scheme if I am doing a part-time PhD?

The 2025-2026 Enrichment scheme is piloting a new format which requires candidates to be studying for their PhD on a full-time basis. We hope to extend the scheme to part-time students in the future.

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to supporting individuals to engage with the Enrichment scheme and so if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the scheme based on your individual circumstances, please contact the team on [email protected] or on +44 203 862 3578.

Can I still do a paid or unpaid internship while on the Enrichment scheme?

Successful candidates are not permitted to undertake a separate internship during the Enrichment scheme. Full-time internships typically require suspending your PhD, which makes you ineligible for the scheme. Additionally, the level of participation required as part of the Enrichment Scheme means part-time internships are also not permitted.

Are there nationality or other eligibility restrictions?

The Enrichment scheme has no nationality restrictions, except in some situations for students interested in the Defence and National Security research area. Due to the nature of work involved, additional security checks may be required for certain nationalities. If you are unsure about your eligibility for this research area, contact [email protected].

All applicants must be registered at a UK university and legally able to study in the UK for the duration of the programme. The scheme is open to students enrolled at a UK university, including those studying remotely. However, if you do not have the right to study in the UK, please contact us for guidance. International students on a Student Visa need to gain permission from their university’s international office.

Can I access the Enrichment scheme remotely and study from my university?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. Students must be present at The Alan Turing Institute in London for at least 8 days per month during their 9-month placement. You may remain based at your university and commute as needed.

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to supporting individuals to engage with the Enrichment scheme and so if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the scheme based on your individual circumstances, please contact the team on [email protected] or on +44 203 862 3578.

Do I need to relocate to London?

Relocation to London is not required, and you can retain your current accommodation. Depending on your location, you may choose to arrange overnight stays in London for easier office access. Relocating to London for the placement is optional and based on personal preference.

Can I apply if I am in the final year of my PhD?

Applications are not allowed if the placement overlaps with the final 12 weeks of your PhD or the "write-up" phase, as active research is required for the full duration of the scheme.

When can I attend the office?

The Alan Turing Institute office is based in the British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB and Enrichment students can attend the offices Monday-Friday from 8:00am until 8:00pm throughout their placement.

Facilities/reception support is available from 9am – 5pm. The office is closed at the weekends and on public holidays. The office is also closed during the week between Christmas (from 25 December) until the New Year.

Frequently Asked Questions: What to expect from the Enrichment scheme

Do you only recruit PhD researchers whose research is aligned with the specific research areas?

We seek to clearly align students to the research areas listed in Annex 1 of the Call Document, but we are aware that some research can span across different research areas, so we ask the applicant to select which they would prefer to work on.

We welcome applications from students whose PhD research aligns with one of these areas, as well as those with relevant technical skills – such as students from related research areas who develop or implement methodologies that complement their chosen area.

A Defence and Security background is not required to work in this research area. We are searching for applicants with unique perspectives and expertise from a variety of research areas rather than only applicants whose PhD research is perfectly aligned with the Defence & Security work at the Turing.

What learning & upskilling opportunities are available?

The Skills team coordinates a range of learning and upskilling activities throughout the year for The Alan Turing Institute and the wider research community, with many events offered in a hybrid format to ensure broad participation.

Students are encouraged to self-organise talks and tutorials to foster connections within the cohort.

Opportunities to present research to the wider community include virtual posters, technical talks, casual coffee chats, and national PhD networking events.

Please note, training opportunities may vary each year and are subject to change.

What is the working environment like at The Alan Turing Institute?

The offices are based on the first, second and fourth floors of the British Library next to St Pancras station in London. Employees and students hot desk and there are no fixed desks (reasonable adjustments are accommodated). There are quiet areas, pods and meeting rooms for team/collaboration work. There are kitchen areas with fully stocked soft drinks fridges, complimentary tea and coffee and daily fresh fruit deliveries.   

Enrichment students are given membership of the Institute’s online communities, including Slack which is non-domain specific. Students are also invited to internal community events. 

There are opportunities to network with students and researchers working in other domains, including in Turing Interest Groups, national PhD networking events, and Data Study Groups. Enrichment students may have the chance to build presentation and communication skills. 

There is an opportunity to apply for computing resources including a laptop loan if required. 

There is also the opportunity to be a student representative to advocate on behalf of Enrichment students and help support with cohort building.

How does the financial award work?

The Enrichment scheme offers a tiered financial award to support with commuting costs incurred through the required in person engagement. Funding amounts are listed in the Call document. 
Financial awards are administered by your university. You should ensure existing funders approve additional awards, as conflicts could affect your place on the scheme and PhD funding. For queries, contact [email protected].

The process is managed by our team and the university. Any payment issues should be raised by the student, with the student’s university department. The timings of award payments are therefore set by the university; however, The Alan Turing Institute suggests payments are made in line with existing stipend payments.    

Providing the correct contact details on the application form will help mitigate potential delays in receiving the financial award.