The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s (EPSRC) investments in doctoral education ensures that the UK has the next generation of creative researchers and critical STEM leaders. These leaders will deliver innovation, economic growth, and long-term prosperity for the UK across all sectors.
In autumn 2025, EPSRC held a series of community engagement workshops to collect input on the investments made in doctoral education in engineering and physical sciences over the last five years. These workshops assessed progress against the 18 recommendations of the 2021 review of EPSRC-funded doctoral education. The review aimed to understand how EPSRC doctoral education investments help meet the UK’s future skills demands.
Drawing on evidence from the workshops, and data insights, EPSRC will develop an update on its doctoral education provision and an action plan for engineering and physical sciences doctoral training. The update and action plan will be published in 2026.
Last updated: 16 April 2026