PhD opportunities
Two New Fully Funded ACROSS PhD Opportunities
Applications are now open for two fully funded doctoral studentships within the NIHR-funded ACROSS programme. Both projects will be registered at The University of Manchester and based at the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning.
Application deadline
Thursday, 15 October 2026
Study format
Full-time, three years
Research base
Pakistan
Expected start
January 2027
Advanced Statistical Methods for Hierarchical Composite Outcomes (Win Ratio)
This project will develop and apply innovative statistical methods for evaluating complex, patient-centred outcomes within a large multi-country randomised controlled trial.
The student will gain experience in advanced trial methodology, simulation study design, statistical computing and the analysis of hierarchical composite outcomes.
Primary supervisor: Dr Matthias Pierce
Relevant backgrounds: Statistics, biostatistics, medical statistics, epidemiology, mathematics or data science
Co-Designing Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions for Sustained Behavioural Change
This mixed-methods project will explore how personalised, timely support can promote sustained behaviour change for people experiencing anxiety and depression in cardiac rehabilitation settings.
The research will include evidence synthesis, co-design and cultural adaptation, followed by a small feasibility study in Pakistan.
Primary supervisor: Dr Amy Blakemore
Relevant backgrounds: Psychology, health psychology, nursing or a related health discipline
Interested in applying?
Applicants should read the complete project advert and contact the named primary supervisor before submitting a formal application. Applicants must already live in Pakistan or be prepared to live there for the duration of the project.
ACROSS is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) under Award ID NIHR205540. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
NEW PHD OPPORTUNITY · SEPTEMBER 2026
APPLICATIONS OPEN
New Fully Funded ACROSS PhD in Health Economics
Three-year doctoral opportunity based in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Applications are open for a fully funded PhD in Health Economics within the ACROSS programme. The project will contribute to the economic evaluation of affordable, culturally appropriate cardiac rehabilitation and support understanding of its potential value, affordability and wider implementation in Bangladesh.
Application deadline
Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Registration
University of Glasgow
Research base
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Supervisors: Professor Emma McIntosh and Dr Mithila Faruque
Latest News from ACROSS
Follow the latest research developments, seminars, publications, training activities and opportunities from the ACROSS programme in the UK, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITY · APPLICATIONS OPEN
Fully Funded ACROSS PhD Studentship
Co-Adapting Cardiac Rehabilitation for Children and Young People with Congenital Heart Disease
Deadline: Thursday, 24 September 2026
ACROSS is recruiting an outstanding student for a fully funded, full-time, three-year PhD project based in Pakistan. The research will focus on developing age-appropriate cardiac rehabilitation for children and young people with congenital heart disease.
Registration: University of Manchester
Research base: Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning
Expected start: January 2027
Featured Updates
Read our latest newsletter and watch the newest ACROSS seminar recording.
NEWSLETTER ACROSS Newsletter – Issue 1January–June 2026 Read about programme milestones, research activities, capacity strengthening, community engagement and partner highlights. |
LATEST SEMINAR Heart of Pakistan Roadshow30 July 2026 · Ms Sehrish Tofique This seminar explored how awareness, prevention and community engagement can help strengthen cardiac health in Pakistan. |
Recent ACROSS Seminars
Explore recent discussions led by researchers and specialists working across cardiac rehabilitation and mental health.
Digital Cardiac Rehabilitation Interventions30 June 2026 Expert perspectives on digital and remote approaches to accessible, scalable and patient-centred cardiac rehabilitation. |
Assessment of the Bangla Heart Manual21 May 2026 · Dr Md Jamal Uddin Findings from a feasibility study involving people with coronary heart disease and their caregivers in Bangladesh. |
Psychosocial Issues in Cardiac Patients30 April 2026 · Professor David L. Hare A discussion of psychological stress, depression, anxiety and their relationship with cardiovascular health. |
Programme Highlights
Key activities supporting the development and delivery of the ACROSS research programme.
|
PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT ACROSS Kick-Off Meeting in DohaPartners from the UK, Bangladesh and Pakistan came together to strengthen shared priorities, governance and plans for programme delivery. |
RESEARCH ACROSS Research Protocol PublishedThe programme protocol describes the ACROSS approach to developing affordable, culturally appropriate home-based cardiac rehabilitation. |
COLLABORATION International PartnershipACROSS brings together researchers, clinicians, communities and partner organisations across the UK, Bangladesh and Pakistan. |
 |
PROGRAMME ANNOUNCEMENT A Five-Year International Research CollaborationACROSS is developing and evaluating affordable, culturally appropriate home-based rehabilitation for people living with heart disease alongside depression or anxiety. The programme is led by the University of Glasgow and delivered with research, healthcare and community partners across the UK, Bangladesh and Pakistan. |
Stay Connected with ACROSS
Receive programme news, research updates, seminar invitations and future editions of the ACROSS Newsletter by email.
Subscribe by email → Contact ACROSS →
Email: global-across@glasgow.ac.uk
Funding acknowledgement: ACROSS is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research under Award ID NIHR205540. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.