# 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.

**[View Program Guide](https://bme.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/UBC-SBME-Exeter-LSI-PhD-Exchange-Program-Guide.pdf)**

## 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](https://bme.ubc.ca/?page_id=21483&preview=true)\**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\**](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/institutes/livingsystems/)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:

- **[View Program Guide](https://bme.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/UBC-SBME-Exeter-LSI-PhD-Exchange-Program-Guide.pdf)**
- **[Application Form](https://bme.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/UBC-SBME-Exeter-LSI-PhD-Exchange-Application.docx)**
- **[Application Submission Portal](https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aeNsd3w3o9M8Aom)**

#### 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](mailto:infolsi@exeter.ac.uk) and UBC students should please contact [melody.salehzadeh@ubc.ca](mailto:melody.salehzadeh@ubc.ca) for advice.  

Please consult the [list of faculty members who have expressed interest in participating](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WAnyf5vvIkNnUTQc-0cmDMuEoRXMTqfJD_STOa6K8dw/edit?usp=sharing) in the program. This list is not exhaustive; it is acceptable to reach out and contact other [SBME](https://bme.ubc.ca/people/?custom_cat=faculty)/[LSI](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/institutes/livingsystems/research/) 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](mailto:S.westhead@exeter.ac.uk); Global Partnerships – [GP-Funding@exeter.ac.uk](mailto:GP-Funding@exeter.ac.uk)

**UBC SBME:** Melody Salehzadeh, Research Manager – [melody.salehzadeh@ubc.ca](mailto:melody.salehzadeh@ubc.ca)

**UBC Go Global:** <https://goglobal.ubc.ca/contact>