Learn about ILESLA, the Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science Landscape Award at Oxford, offering doctoral training across biological, environmental, and computational sciences. Explore themes, partner institutions, eligibility, and how to apply.

ILESLA: Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science Landscape Award at the University of Oxford

The Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science Landscape Award (ILESLA) is a major doctoral training programme designed to prepare the next generation of researchers to address the world’s most complex environmental and life science challenges. Hosted by the University of Oxford and supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), ILESLA fosters creativity, cross-disciplinary cooperation, and scientific excellence across biological, environmental, computational, and physical sciences.

As global issues—including biodiversity loss, food security, infectious diseases, sustainability, and climate change—continue to escalate, the ILESLA programme trains researchers capable of generating innovative, high-impact solutions. The programme builds on the success of the former BBSRC Interdisciplinary Bioscience DTP and NERC Environmental Research DTP, expanding their scope to encompass the full breadth of biological and environmental science.

A New Approach to Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training

ILESLA prepares doctoral candidates to conduct curiosity-driven and solution-focused research across biological and environmental systems. Students explore fundamental organismal processes while gaining insight into environmental interactions, technological innovation, and data-driven discovery.

The programme is structured around five interconnected research themes, reflecting the depth and diversity of research strengths across participating institutions:

• Life sciences and molecular biology

• Environmental systems and ecology

• Computational and data-intensive science

• Climate and sustainability

• Interdisciplinary approaches spanning biological and environmental interfaces

This integrative approach allows students to tailor their research interests while contributing to high-priority scientific questions relevant to global sustainability.

The ILESLA Partnership

The strength of ILESLA lies in its wide network of leading academic institutions. The core partnership includes:

University of Oxford Departments

Archaeology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Dunn School of Pathology, Geography & the Environment, Experimental Psychology, Ineos Oxford Institute, Kavli Institute, Kennedy Institute, Mathematical Institute, Pharmacology, Physics, Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG), Statistics, Oxford e-Research Centre, Nuffield Departments of Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences.

Open University

• Environment, Earth & Ecosystem Sciences

• Life, Health & Chemical Sciences

• Mathematics & Statistics

Oxford Brookes University

• Biological and Medical Sciences

The broad partnership ensures that ILESLA researchers have access to extraordinary academic resources, world-class laboratories, interdisciplinary networks, and expert supervision across scientific disciplines.

Training Programme and Professional Development

Beyond independent research, ILESLA offers a structured training programme that includes:

• Advanced scientific and technical skills

• Interdisciplinary workshops and seminars

• Open Innovation Industrial Consortium (Open-IIC) collaboration opportunities

• Engagement with industry partners and external research institutes

• Professional development, communication skills, and research management training

• Equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives

This combination equips candidates with both scientific depth and transferable skills suited for careers in academia, industry, policy, entrepreneurship, and environmental innovation, fostering adaptability, leadership, collaboration, creativity, global awareness, and long-term professional growth.

How to Apply to ILESLA

Applications to ILESLA are submitted through the University of Oxford’s graduate admissions system. Annual deadlines typically fall between November and January, depending on departmental deadlines and funding timelines.

Applicants should check the official Oxford Admissions page for the current cycle:

Apply here:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses

Information and enquiries about ILESLA are available directly from the programme team:
https://www.ilesla.ox.ac.uk

Email: ilesla-enquiries@dtc.ox.ac.uk
Tel: +44 1865 610674

Why ILESLA Matters

The ILESLA programme plays a critical role in shaping future research leaders capable of tackling global biological and environmental challenges. Its interdisciplinary structure, extensive partnership network, and emphasis on curiosity-led and problem-led research provide a unique foundation for impactful, cross-sector careers. With its commitment to scientific excellence and collaborative innovation, ILESLA positions its scholars to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability and environmental resilience.

Final Note

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