Experimental Medicine Initiative (EMI) with industry
The translation of scientific discoveries into new medicines and innovative therapies increasingly depends on high‑quality Experimental Medicine studies in humans. These studies are essential for achieving early proof‑of‑concept, understanding disease mechanisms, developing and validating biomarkers, and improving approaches to patient stratification. However, the field faces significant challenges, including critical skills gaps and the need for stronger academic–industry collaboration.
Established in 2016, the Experimental Medicine Initiative (EMI) provides a strategic programme designed to train the next generation of clinical trialists and expand the workforce skilled in designing and conducting Experimental Medicine studies.
What EMI offers industry partners:
-
An established, industry-funded framework for supporting clinical PhD studentships and academic clinical lectureships.
-
Direct engagement with emerging clinical scientists trained in rigorous Experimental Medicine methodologies.
-
Collaboration with leading research and clinical institutions, including the University of Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).
-
Opportunities to shape training priorities and strengthen the pipeline of talent entering translational research roles.
-
Options for one‑off or multiple studentships, depending on the organisation’s priorities.
EMI is managed by the Office for Translational Research on behalf of the University of Cambridge and is open to new industry partners.
For further information and inquiries regarding the EMI programme, please contact the EMI programme manager Dr. Luis Pennanen.
EMI PhD studentships are fully funded posts of 3 years in length. Funding for these posts is mainly provided by the industrial partner with possibility of co-sponsoring from the University and NIHR Cambridge BRC. It covers the student’s stipend, university tuition and college fees as well as a fixed amount towards relevant education, training and travel. Where appropriate, PhD studentships may include a research stay with the industry partner. The programme does not provide funding for the PhD research component. This is sourced separately by the academic and/or industrial partner.
An Academic Clincial Lectureship (ACL) post combines 50% clinical speciality training with 50% academic research training. Under the EMI programme, funding for the 50% academic research component is provided by the relevant industry partner. ACL posts are funded for up to four years. A programme allowance covering relevant education, training and travel expenses is included, however post-holders are expected to seek independent funding to support their chosen research programme (usually also supported/funded by the industry partner). All trainees must hold a PhD at the time of appointment and, although not funded by NIHR, must meet NIHR requirements in order to obtain NIHR 'recognition' of the post.