Research

Current studentships

Bridging the Tech–Legal Divide in Digital Health

Deadline: 09/01/2026 5:00PM
Studentship code: RDS
Staff name: Dr Sina Joneidy
Research centre: The Institute for Collective Place Leadership
Start date: Successful applicants start in March or May 2026

Digital technologies, from AI diagnostics to telemedicine, are transforming healthcare faster than legal and ethical frameworks can adapt. This PhD project examines how to bridge this widening ‘tech-legal divide’ by developing an Integrated AI Governance Framework that unites legal, ethical, and technological perspectives to guide responsible innovation in digital health. It explores how governance mechanisms can embed transparency, accountability, and patient trust within rapidly evolving data and AI ecosystems. Aligned with Teesside University’s research themes of Health & Wellbeing and Democratic, Creative and Inclusive Societies, the study takes an interdisciplinary approach combining legal analysis, digital ethics, policy evaluation, and systems thinking. The successful candidate will generate new theoretical and practical insights to inform national and international debates on trustworthy AI in healthcare, contributing to the design of evidence-based frameworks that enhance equity, safety, and human-centred care in the digital age.

Funding eligibility

This PhD Studentship covers tuition fees for the period of a full-time PhD Registration of up to four years, subject to satisfactory progress.

Applications are welcome from UK or international students.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2.1 or above) in a relevant discipline. A master’s level qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable, but not essential, as well as a demonstrable understanding of the research area. Further details of the expected background may appear in the specific project details. International students are subject to the standard entry criteria relating to English language ability, ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.

How to apply

Applicants should apply online for this opportunity using the Online Application (Funded PHD) application form.

When asked to specify funding select ‘other’ and enter ‘RDS’ and the title of the PhD project that you are applying for. You should ensure that you clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and the title of the topic or project on the proposal that you will need to upload when applying. If you would like to apply for more than one project, you need to complete a further application form and specify the relevant title for each application to a topic or project.

If you do not clearly indicate that your application is for a Funded Studentship and state the title of the project applied for on the proposal, it may not be possible to consider your application for the appropriate funding.

Apply now

Selection process

All applications received by the closing date are considered. Successful applicants at the application stage are shortlisted and contacted to arrange an interview. All interviews are held online. Unsuccessful applicants are contacted to confirm that the application will not be progressed. After interview, all interviewed applicants are contacted to inform them of the outcome. Successful applicants progress to an offer of a place, to commence in March or May 2026.

About Teesside

We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus and to supporting all members of our University community to thrive whatever their age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, marital status, nationality or any other characteristic.
More about our Inclusive campus

As a Teesside University research student, you will join a growing and dynamic research community, allowing you to share your experiences, insight and inspiration with fellow researchers. You will benefit from our academic expertise and be supported through a strong programme of research training. You will be offered opportunities and support at each stage of your research degree. Our research is designed to have impact, and to influence policy and practice within our region, the UK and beyond. We work with external organisations to anticipate and respond to research needs, and to put our research into practice in sectors as diverse as the arts, engineering, healthcare and computing.

PhD students are encouraged to work with their supervisors to explore the potential impact of their work.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in research group and centre activities, including training sessions and workshops, and will become a member of the University's wider postgraduate research community. Mentoring and support will be provided for the development of a strong academic and professional CV during the PhD.

Academic enquiries

For academic enquiries, please contact s.joneidy@tees.ac.uk.

For administrative enquiries before or when making your application, contact research.enquiries@tees.ac.uk.

After an application has been made, please contact research.admissions@tees.ac.uk.

Key dates

Deadline: 09/01/2026 5:00PM
Interview date: Interviews take place from 19 January 2026
Start date: Successful applicants start in March or May 2026