Measles is one of the most transmissible viruses ever seen. Before a measles vaccine became available in the late 1960s, measles infected nearly everyone in early childhood, causing millions of deaths globally each year. In 2016, the UK achieved the hard-won status of measles elimination, meaning that there was no sustained transmission of measles virus in the country. More recently, decreases in vaccine coverage have led to the UK losing its measles elimination status, and over 5,000 cases have occurred in an ongoing outbreak that started late in 2023. Globally, measles is a major scourge, causing around 100,000 deaths per year, primarily in children and especially in lower-income countries.

Despite the burden of this disease, we do not fully understand measles transmission in the UK. Much of our information comes from studies conducted in the pre-vaccine era, and we do not know how changes in human behaviour may have altered the transmissibility of the virus since then. Mathematical modelling can be used to plan strategies for preventing and responding to measles outbreaks, but our current models are hampered by an incomplete understanding of measles transmission.

We are seeking to recruit a PhD candidate to study the transmission of measles in the UK using mathematical modelling and data science. The student will have access to detailed UK Health Security Agency data from measles case investigation and contact tracing. The student’s primary research will involve constructing a next-generation measles model using the latest behavioural, genetic, and vaccine uptake data for the UK. Ultimately, the goal will be to advance our understanding of measles transmission and epidemiology.

The PhD project will be tailored to the interests of the successful candidate. Some potential research questions include:

1. How have changes in human behaviour shaped patterns of transmissibility (i.e., the basic reproduction number) of measles virus in the UK?
2. What are the long-term effects of measles infection in children on school attendance?
3. How does measles virus spread in classrooms, in households, and in communities?
4. Where should the UK focus its efforts on improving measles vaccine uptake?
5. What factors contribute to low measles vaccine uptake in the UK?

The studentship award covers:

• tuition fees (at the LSHTM Home fee rate);
• a tax-free stipend at the UKRI Studentship rate (£23,805.00 for 2026/27)

Research support and training costs are available within the NIHR HPRU grant; access to these funds will be subject to approval by your Supervisor.

See the [PhD project page](https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/funding-scholarships/2026-2027-phd-studentship-modelling-for-uk-measles-transmission) for full details.