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3.5 Year PhD Studentship in Artificial Intelligence for Eliciting Patient Histories
Institute of Health Informatics, UCL
Project Title: AI for Eliciting Patient Histories
Start Date: 1 February 2027
Funding: £28,212 annual stipend plus Home tuition fees
Duration: 3.5 Years
Closing Date: 21 December 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 4 January 2027
A 3.5 year PhD studentship in Artificial Intelligence for Eliciting Patient Histories funded by the National Institute for Health Research UCL UCLH Biomedical Research Centre is available within the Institute of Health Informatics. The studentship will commence from 1 st February 2027 under the supervisor of Professor Paul Taylor .
The PhD Project
Project Title: AI for Eliciting Patient Histories
The aim is to understand how AI tools can be integrated into patient consultations to improve the quality of the interaction with the patient. The consultation is the most important encounter in medical practice, the defining event in almost all episodes of care. Over the last few years, consultations have begun to be transformed by the almost simultaneous adoption of two distinct forms of technology. One, AI scribes, is designed to make consultations more patient-centred by automating the associated administrative tasks. These tools passively record the audio content of the consultation, transcribe it and then propose a summary for the doctor to review before entering onto the record. The other technology, conversational agents or chatbots, provides a low-cost alternative to a clinical consultation, eliciting information from a patient.
About the role
Research environment
You will identify the insights and frameworks in the literature on conventional encounters and practice of history-taking and shared decision-making that seem most relevant for the design of conversational agents.
We will develop and test an approach using AI for the analysis and assessment of transcribed consultations.
This will provide an additional source of evidence about the characteristics of consultations and allow us to test insights from the literature and explore more refined hypotheses, about the impact of age and gender for example.
Why Apply?
This PhD is a unique collaboration between an AI start-up delivering cutting edge technology, experienced AI researchers working in healthcare, and practising clinicians teaching communication skills to tomorrow's doctors.
Applicants will be expected to contribute to teaching at the Institute of Health Informatics, with the commitment being equivalent to six months teaching over the lifetime of the PhD.
This studentship provides a unique opportunity to conduct supervised research at a world leading institute and be a part of our research community.
This studentship provides a starting stipend of £28,212 per annum and covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate.
About you
Person specification
Applicants should have, or expect to receive, an upper second-class Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree (or equivalent work experience) in a relevant discipline or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
What we offer
Eligibility
This studentship covers the cost of tuition fees based on the UK (Home) rate. Non-UK students can apply but will have to personally fund the difference between the UK (Home) rate and the overseas rate where they are not eligible for UK fee status.
Important: You will be asked about your likely fee status at the interview so we would advise you to contact the UCL Graduate Admissions Office for advice should you be unsure whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for Home fee status. Further information on Brexit and the definitions for fee status assessment can be found on the UCL website and also the UKCISA website (Higher Education: Definitions for fee status assessment).
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 21 December 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 4 January 2027
Studentship Start Date: 1 February 2027
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and - for Grade 9 and 10 roles - women.
Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion .
Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy .
3.5 Year PhD Studentship in Artificial Intelligence for Eliciting Patient Histories in City of London employer: UCL
UCL School of Management is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, ideal for those passionate about digital communications. Located in the vibrant city of London, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, access to cutting-edge resources, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
