We are part of a pioneering new £5 million programme that aims to transform understanding of neurodiversity and human difference.
The Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Programme for Neurodiverse Futures is a partnership between Durham University and Kingston University, London.
It will support a new generation of neurodiversity-affirming scholars to tackle significant global challenges through fresh perspectives.
Working with communities and partner organisations, researchers will explore how different ways of thinking, perceiving and experiencing the world can help address major societal challenges.
Funded through a grant from the Leverhulme Trust over nine years, it is believed to be the first UK programme dedicated specifically to neurodiversity research and researcher training through an interdisciplinary lens.
Rethinking human difference
Focusing on neurodiversity as a natural form of human variation, the programme will draw expertise from across disciplines.
Doctoral students will opt to examine significant global questions through a neurodiversity lens under one of five thematic areas:
- Neurodiverse cultural histories
- Neurodiverse lifespans
- Neurodiversity and inclusive societies
- Neurodiverse stories
- Intersectional neurodiversity
Professor Deborah Riby from our Department of Psychology and co- Director of the Centre for Neurodiversity & Development, will lead Durham's involvement. Colleagues from across the University will supervise students based on their areas of focus.
Neurodiversity-affirming approach
The programme will support several cohorts of PhD students, alongside funded master's opportunities (such as our MSc Neurodiversity & Development) and, later, postdoctoral fellowships.
Students will benefit from interdisciplinary supervision and receive specialist training in innovative and inclusive research methods.
A key feature of the programme will be its neurodiversity-affirming approach. Lived experience will help shape research questions, methodologies and training throughout the programme. The programme is especially keen to support a neurodiverse doctoral training community.
Working closely with partners beyond higher education, including charities, local government and science engagement organisations, these partnerships will create opportunities for placements, collaboration and community engagement.
Collaboration across two universities
The progamme will be a collaboration between Durham University and Kingston University, London. Led by Kingston, both universities will share the funding and delivery of the programme.
By bringing together Durham's strengths in neurodiversity-affirming participatory methods training and interdisciplinary neurodiversity research across psychology and the social sciences with Kingston's expertise in neurodiversity research across the arts, humanities and creative design, this partnership will establish a nationally recognised centre of excellence that will advance inclusive doctoral training and the field of neurodiversity studies.
Working alongside colleagues at Durham will allow us to create a unique and dynamic research culture with exciting potential for the generation of new knowledge.
Recruitment will open in autumn 2026, with the first doctoral cohort commencing in October 2027.
