ADR UK, in collaboration with ESRC via SGSSS, are looking to fund up to four new PhD studentships focused on quantitative research using linked administrative data. These studentships would start in October 2023.

Over the past four years, ADR UK has made significant advances in making de-identified administrative data easier for researchers to access securely. As a result, there is now an impressive collection of new flagship datasets available through their partnership’s trusted research environments across the UK. The ADR UK flagship dataset brochure outlines the research potential of some of these datasets, and applicants are encouraged to refer to the brochure when making an application.  

These PhDs will have the potential to generate research leading to better informed policy decisions and more effective public services, in areas from improving education and healthcare to tackling crime. This investment supports the work of the ADR UK Training and Capacity Building Strategy  which aims to increase the capacity and capability of researchers trained to analyse complex linked administrative datasets. 

About the Data

1. ADR UK-funded PhD studentships must focus on quantitative research using linked administrative data.
2. Administrative data covers a wide range of topics and therefore applications will be considered from both within and beyond the social sciences, i.e., the lead supervisor must be based within the social sciences while other members of the supervisory team can be from outwith the social sciences (the total social science element(s) must be a minimum of 50%). Applicants should consider the ADR UK mission in their proposal. 
3. Applicants are also encouraged to refer to the ADR UK flagship datasets brochure for information about the data, its research potential, and supporting materials such as synthetic data, training opportunities and user networks. The linked administrative datasets featured in the brochure form an exciting first collection of rich, curated data fit for use by researchers across all career levels. Please clearly specify which linked administrative dataset(s) will be used and how they will (each) complement the research topics and questions.
4. This call is not limited to ADR UK flagship datasets, however, applications using ADR UK flagship datasets will be prioritised.

Application Information and Process

1. Studentships that are not based on linked administrative data are not eligible for this funding.  
2. This opportunity is only open to those institutions that form part of the SGSSS-DTP. In addition, applications must align to an SGSSS pathway within the host institution.
3. SGSSS supports applications from academics at any stage in their careers, i.e., from early career researchers to more experienced supervisors. What we do ask however, is if a less experienced academic is applying as the first/lead supervisor, that they have one or more members on the supervisory team that are experienced in supervising PhD students to completion, i.e., a supervisor with at least two PhD completions.
4. All studentships must be offered as 1+3 (Master’s year plus 3 years for PhD) and +3 (3 years for PhD) awards, as well as on a full-time or part-time basis.
5. SGSSS will review all applications, shortlisting up to four for review by ADR UK. It is ADR UK that will decide on which applications are ultimately funded. Please note, ADR UK will fund 20 applications (maximum of four per DTP) across all ESRC DTPs.
6. While the ADR UK application guidance advises no cap on the number of applications, for parity across our competitions, SGSSS will be implementing a limit of one application to this competition per supervisor. Please note, this includes if you are named as a supervisor within another application also.
7. All applicants to the ADR UK Studentship Competition who wish to be considered for the datasets steer within the SGSSS Steers Studentship Competition 2022/23 (click for details) should also submit a Stage 1 application (expression of interest). Those applicants shortlisted (up to four) by SGSSS for the ADR UK Studentship Competition will automatically be shortlisted for a Stage 2 application (full application) to the SGSSS Steers Competition.
8. Please submit your completed application form by the internal SGSSS application deadline of 4pm on 5 October 2022. Late applications will not be considered due to the short time frame available for review.
9. The information provided on this webpage is in lieu of consultation with the SGSSS-DTP Director, however we are happy to respond to any queries that may arise.