Imperial College London is delighted to announce the Ada Lovelace PhD Scholarship in Computational and Data Science (2026), a prestigious funding opportunity designed to support outstanding women pursuing doctoral research in Earth Science and Engineering. This scholarship offers comprehensive financial support for highly qualified candidates with strong backgrounds in computational modelling, data science, artificial intelligence, or machine learning, and aims to promote excellence and gender diversity in advanced, data-driven research.
Imperial College London was founded in 1907 through the merger of the Royal College of Science, the Royal School of Mines, and the City and Guilds College. Located in London, it has grown into a world-leading university specialising in science, engineering, medicine, and business, with a strong focus on research and innovation. Today, Imperial is globally recognised for its academic excellence and impact on society.
Table of Briefs
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Ada Lovelace PhD Scholarship in Computational and Data Science |
| Degree Level | PhD Postgraduate Doctoral |
| Academic Year | 2026/2027 |
| Number of Awards | 3 |
| Department | Earth Science and Engineering |
| Mode of Study | Full-time / Part-time |
| Tuition Fee Status | Home and selected Overseas students |
| Application Deadline | 12 January 2026 |
Background
The Ada Lovelace PhD Scholarship in Computational and Data Science was established to encourage and support women pursuing doctoral research in highly quantitative and computational disciplines within Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. Inspired by Ada Lovelace, widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer, the scholarship aims to address gender imbalance in advanced computational research while fostering innovation in data-driven approaches to complex earth and engineering challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Ada Lovelace PhD Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be female applicants applying for a PhD in Earth Science and Engineering.
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following or closely related fields:
- Computational Modelling
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Demonstrate strong academic merit, research potential, and motivation for doctoral study.
- Submit a complete PhD application through Imperial College London’s official admissions process.
- Clearly indicate interest in being considered for the Ada Lovelace PhD Scholarship within the application.
- Secure support from a prospective supervisor in the department.
Benefits
Successful candidates will receive a highly competitive funding package, including:
- UKRI-rate bursary for 3.5 years to cover living expenses.
- Full tuition fee coverage for 3 years Home students and, for some awards, Overseas students.
- A small contribution towards research and training costs, supporting conference attendance, specialist training, or research-related expenses.
This comprehensive support allows scholars to focus fully on their research without significant financial pressure.
Application Process
The application process involves several important steps:
- Review available PhD topics and supervisors listed on the departmental scholarship or research webpage.
- Contact a prospective supervisor to discuss your research interests, background, and suitability for the scholarship.
- Once supervisor support is confirmed, submit your PhD application through Imperial College London’s online admissions portal.
- In your application, clearly state that you wish to be considered for the Ada Lovelace PhD Scholarship.
- Ensure that all required documents are submitted before the deadline: 12 January 2026.
Important Dates
 Application Deadline: 12 January 2026.
Conclusion
The Ada Lovelace PhD Scholarship in Computational and Data Science is an exceptional opportunity for women aiming to pursue high-impact doctoral research at one of the world’s leading universities. With generous funding, strong academic mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research facilities, this scholarship can be a transformative step toward a successful research and academic career.