Rigorous selection criteria, generous funding, high expectations and a comprehensive package of training ensure our PhD studentships attract and develop exceptional talent among young scientists who will become tomorrow’s leaders in science.

This long-running programme has developed some of the highest quality plant science researchers in universities, and has influenced a large group who now work in teaching, commerce, finance, policy and industry. It is the recognised gold standard for students taking a PhD in plant sciences and Sainsbury students consistently perform at a level above that of their contemporaries. This is in part due to the rigorous selection criteria that identify only the very best students, but is enhanced by the annual training weekend held each Easter in Cambridge, where the students are mentored in giving talks, producing posters, and writing papers and dissertations, and have the chance to interact with speakers on a variety of topics.

Gatsby’s Plant Science Advisors select up to three Sainsbury postgraduate research students each year, after interviewing up to eight candidates. The PhD studentships provide an enhanced stipend comparable to Wellcome studentships, as well as laboratory expenses and university fees for four years. Students are encouraged to spend part of their studentship at another university or institute to gain additional experience.