The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is offering two fully funded PhD studentships under the African Health, Economics and Diagnostics (AHEaD) Project for 2026. This opportunity is aimed at students who want to research African health systems, diagnostics, and health economics while studying at one of the world’s leading universities.
These doctoral positions will start in September 2026 and are hosted by LSE Health and the Department of Health Policy. The project focuses on the economics of diagnostic technologies in Africa, especially point-of-care diagnostic tests.
Overview of the AHEaD PhD Studentship
The African Health, Economics and Diagnostics (AHEaD) Project is an interdisciplinary research initiative that explores the health and economic effects of diagnostic technologies across African health systems.
Successful candidates will:
- Enrol in the MPhil/PhD in Health Policy at LSE
- Join an international and collaborative research team
- Conduct doctoral research aligned with the AHEaD project goals
- Work part-time as a Research Assistant on the project
This programme is designed to build strong research capacity in diagnostic markets, health policy, and economic systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Funding and Benefits
The four-year studentship offers generous support to successful applicants.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fees for both home and international students
- Funding for four years starting in September 2026
- Opportunity to earn extra income through part-time Research Assistant work
- Research funding for fieldwork, primary data collection, and conferences
- International collaboration with experts in health economics and policy
Research Assistant duties are limited to about 20 hours per week, giving students enough time to focus on their PhD studies.
Research Focus Areas
The studentships support research on how diagnostics affect health systems, markets, and policies across Africa.
Possible research areas include:
1. Political Economy of Diagnostic Markets
- Manufacturing and supply chains for diagnostic tools
- Governance and regulatory systems
- Market incentives and institutions
2. Economic Impact of Local Diagnostic Production
- Benefits of local or regional manufacturing
- Health system resilience
- Industrial policy and economic growth
3. Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
- Economic evaluation of diagnostic tools
- Cost-effectiveness studies
- Payment and reimbursement models
4. Sustainable Diagnostic Markets
- Financing strategies for diagnostics
- Policy support for innovation
- Frameworks for equitable access
5. Access and Adoption of Point-of-Care Tests
- Affordability and system integration
- Behavioural factors affecting use
- Data use within healthcare systems
Although the focus is on African health systems, applicants may also include comparative or international perspectives where relevant.
PhD Programme Structure
Students will register for the MPhil/PhD in Health Policy at LSE, which usually runs over four years.
During the programme, students will:
- Develop a doctoral research project linked to AHEaD objectives
- Take part in advanced research training and seminars
- Carry out fieldwork and primary data collection
- Contribute to the wider activities of the AHEaD project
Students will also work with international partners and policymakers involved in public health, diagnostics, and economic policy.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the academic requirements for doctoral study at LSE.
Essential Requirements
Candidates should have:
- A Master’s degree in economics, political economy, or a related field
- Strong analytical training in economic theory or policy analysis
- Experience working with quantitative or policy datasets
- Excellent academic writing and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team
Applicants should also show interest in how institutions, governance, and incentives shape health technologies, especially diagnostic tools.
Desirable Qualifications
The following will strengthen an application, although they are not compulsory:
- Research experience in African countries, especially Senegal or Ethiopia
- Knowledge of health technology assessment (HTA)
- Experience in applied econometrics or economic evaluation
- Understanding of diagnostic, vaccine, or pharmaceutical markets
- French language skills
- Interest in qualitative research methods
Applicants must also be willing to travel internationally for research, usually for one to two months at a time.
Academic Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet LSE’s PhD admission standards.
Typical requirements include:
- A background in economics, health economics, or political economy
- A Master’s degree with an overall average equal to LSE High Merit (minimum 65%)
- A dissertation mark of at least 65%
You do not need previous specialisation in diagnostics economics to apply.
How to Apply
To apply, candidates must submit an application for the MPhil/PhD in Health Policy and Economics at LSE.
Applicants must also submit a research proposal of up to 1,000 words.
The proposal should:
- Identify a clear research gap
- Explain why the topic is important and timely
- Describe the relevant stakeholders
- Outline methods and data sources
- Show how the findings could influence policy, health systems, or markets
Applicants should include the topic “Economics of Diagnostics: AHEaD” in their application.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is:
27 April 2026 at 5pm
Contact for Enquiries
Informal enquiries can be sent to:
Lesong Conteh
Email: [email protected]
Why This Opportunity Matters
Diagnostics are essential for early detection, treatment decisions, and stronger health systems. Many African countries still face challenges around affordability, access, and supply chains for diagnostic tools.
This fully funded PhD gives researchers the chance to produce evidence that can shape better health policy and improve diagnostic markets across Africa. It is a strong opportunity for students interested in health economics, public policy, and global health research.
Apply here: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/degree-programmes-2026/MPhil-PhD-Health-Policy