SBME–Exeter LSIPhD Student Exchange Program
Source: https://bme.ubc.ca/research/sbme-lsi-phd-exchange-program/ Parent: https://bme.ubc.ca/ubc-opens-gordon-b-shrum-building-canadas-first-purpose-built-biomedical-engineering-facility/
About
UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) and The University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute (LSI) are pleased to announce a new PhD Student Exchange Program. This collaboration offers PhD students from both institutions a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research, access cutting-edge facilities, and build international networks. PhD students at either institution may request subsistence costs during travel to host institution for up to 8 weeks.
Quick Facts
Value:
- $8,500 CAD for subsistence costs for UBC SBME students traveling to Exeter LSI
- £5,000 GBP for subsistence costs for Exeter LSI students traveling to UBC SBME
Term: Up to 8 weeks between March 1, 2026 and July 31, 2026
Number of Opportunities: 6 students per year (3 per institution)
Key Benefits:
- Interdisciplinary training
- Research exchanges in world-class facilities
- Networking and professional development
About the Institutions
*School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME), University of British Columbia*Canada’s living laboratory for convergent research and education at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and biology. SBME aims to transform health and healthcare through innovation.
*Living Systems Institute (LSI), University of Exeter*An interdisciplinary research hub tackling complex biological problems through biology, physics, and mathematics. Facilities include cryo-electron microscopy and advanced computational resources.
Eligibility
- The UBC SBME – Exeter LSI PhD Exchange Program is open to PhD students currently enrolled at UBC SBME or at the University of Exeter and supervised by an LSI PI.
- Students must meet any additional eligibility requirements specific to the research project.
- Students must be in good standing with home institution and eligible to go on exchange from the start date for the duration of the program.
Key Dates
Late December, 2025 – Call for applications issued
February 19, 2026 – Full application deadline
Late February – Anticipated notice of funding decision
First week of March – Earliest project start date
July 31 – Latest project end date
1 month after return – Final report submission deadline
Application Process
Applicants must submit a full application via the online portal by the deadline, February 19, 2026 11:59PM local time. A complete application includes:
- Application form
- Research proposal (max 1000 words)
- Budget form
- Home and host supervisor approvals
More information about the exchange program and application process can be found below:
More Info
Making Contact
If you are interested in making an application for the Exeter LSI – UBC SBME PhD Student Exchange Program, but you require support in contacting potential supervisors at the Host Institution, Exeter Students should please contact infolsi@exeter.ac.uk and UBC students should please contact melody.salehzadeh@ubc.ca for advice.
Please consult the list of faculty members who have expressed interest in participating in the program. This list is not exhaustive; it is acceptable to reach out and contact other SBME/LSI faculty members not listed.
Conditions for Funding Holders
- Must remain registered as a full-time student.
- Funds must be used by July 31, 2026.
- Final report required within 1 month of return.
Further Information
More information about the exchange program and application process can be found in our Program Guide
Exeter: Stuart Westhead, Global Partnerships Regional Head, North America & Europe – S.westhead@exeter.ac.uk; Global Partnerships – GP-Funding@exeter.ac.uk
UBC SBME: Melody Salehzadeh, Research Manager – melody.salehzadeh@ubc.ca
UBC Go Global: https://goglobal.ubc.ca/contact