Understanding the application of Large Language Models in the field of mental health informatics.

For 2026 entry, we're offering 1 talented researcher the opportunity to secure funding for a postgraduate research and join our thriving community of leading researchers within the Faculty of Medicine and Health.<br /> <br /> These competitive EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Awards offer the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £20,780 for academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br />

<p paraeid="{dd97f3e5-e3b8-4d80-9020-c8ee8b9ea461}{196}" paraid="1220860879">Mental health services are under continued strain. Artificial Intelligence technology is seen as a potential solution to help manage demand but also free up clinical time. NHS mental health trusts are increasingly integrating Large Language Models into clinical systems. However, we know little about how these technologies function in this context, and what potential harms or benefits they may have.  </p> <p paraeid="{dd97f3e5-e3b8-4d80-9020-c8ee8b9ea461}{216}" paraid="1975324549">The project will focus on understanding whether the features of language as highlighted by explainability methods correspond to clinically meaningful aspects of mental health communication.  Relevant areas of clinical practice concern the severe and enduring mental illnesses and the potential impact of ethnicity and medications: what are the computational mechanisms to make the models biased and how to overcome this with proper fine-tuning. </p> <p paraeid="{dd97f3e5-e3b8-4d80-9020-c8ee8b9ea461}{226}" paraid="1210986546">The School of Healthcare takes pride at being at the forefront of advancing the health and social care agenda by leading change and development in education, research, health and social care policy and practice. The School provides high quality education and undertakes applied research in health and social care. We have talented academic staff that excel in their speciality and undertake leading research across two themes: ageing well, and quality and safety. The project will be aligned with the Quality and Safety research theme. We have a vibrant postgraduate research community studying full-time and part-time PhDs. Our international PhD community is growing alongside clinical academics.  </p> <p paraeid="{dd97f3e5-e3b8-4d80-9020-c8ee8b9ea461}{226}" paraid="1210986546">Applications will be considered after the closing date of 27 March 2026. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p>

<p>To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application:</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV </li> <li>degree certificates and full transcripts of marks of all degree study. Or, if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal statement outlining your interest in the project </li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select <strong>EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine)</strong> as your Planned Course of Study (if you do not apply to this programme code your application will not be considered)</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert in the Research Area/Title section of your application.</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for an <strong>EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27</strong></li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelor's Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Medicine and Health minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests for PhD, MSc, MPhil, MD are: • British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0 • Internet-based TOEFL 88 (with not less than 19 in listening, 20 in reading, 22 in speaking and 21 in writing)

<p>We are offering 1 full-time PhD Scholarship in the Faculty of Medicine & Health for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant matching the UKRI stipend rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and UK tuition fees for 3.5 years. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to 2.5 years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1^st October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information please contact the FMH PGR Admissions team at fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</p>