PhD Scholarship in Paediatric Dry Eye Disease at Aston-Deakin Cotutelle 2026

This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to increase knowledge and understanding of dry eye disease in children

The project will aim to: 

• estimate the prevalence and clinical features of Dry Eye Disease (DED) in children aged 6–16 years in the UK and Australia.
• identify risk factors such as screen time, diet, outdoor activity, and allergy history associated with paediatric DED.
• evaluate the reliability of adult-based diagnostic tests for use in paediatric populations.
•  compare ocular surface characteristics between UK and Australian children, assessing environmental and lifestyle effects.
• generate recommendations for early diagnosis and prevention strategies relevant to schools, parents, and clinicians.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineMarch 31, 2026
• ValueFully Funded
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorAston University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

This scholarship is available over three years and offers:

• a stipend of £21,838 (UKRI) per annum (2026 - 2027 rate)
• up to 12 months of the total period of the program at Deakin University.
• students will be enrolled at their home institution and at their host institution and will receive a Doctoral degree from Aston University and Deakin University

Requirements

To be eligible you must:

• be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship
• meet the PhD entry requirements of both Deakin University and Aston University, including equivalence and English language proficiency criteria
• enrol full time
• be able to physically locate to both Aston University (United Kingdom) and Deakin University (Australia).

Please refer to the research degree entry requirements page and Aston University's research entry criteria page for further information.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applicants should contact A/Prof Simon Backhouse to discuss the project before being invited by Deakin University to lodge a formal application.
• If successful you will then lodge a separate PhD application to Aston University via the Aston application page.

Email A/Prof Simon Backhouse

For more information, kindly visit Deakin University scholarship webpage.