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