PhD Studentship: Incentives and Barriers: Patent Law in the Age of the 3Rs
King’s College London
Biological research stands at a juncture: technologies exist and are constantly emerging that could reduce and even replace the use of animal testing. Yet patent law, which is designed to incentivise innovation, may actually be obstructing the technology's adoption. The 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement of animals in research) are central to contemporary science policy. KCL has recently launched a new interdisciplinary centre dedicated to the topic, and the proposed supervisor is a member of its steerin...
Biological research stands at a juncture: technologies exist and are constantly emerging that could reduce and even replace the use of animal testing. Yet patent law, which is designed to incentivise innovation, may actually be obstructing the technology's adoption. The 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement of animals in research) are central to contemporary science policy. KCL has recently launched a new interdisciplinary centre dedicated to the topic, and the proposed supervisor is a member of its steerin...
Opportunity details
Biological research stands at a juncture: technologies exist and are constantly emerging that could reduce and even replace the use of animal testing. Yet patent law, which is designed to incentivise innovation, may actually be obstructing the technology's adoption. The 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement of animals in research) are central to contemporary science policy. KCL has recently launched a new interdisciplinary centre dedicated to the topic, and the proposed supervisor is a member of its steering group. Governments, regulators and scientists are driving change for animal welfare. The UK government has prioritised alternatives to animal testing, and the US and EU medicines regulators have signalled a shift towards new technologies, including organ-on-chips and AI-based in silico models. This project will examine the extent to which patent law is aligned and in tension with the objectives of the 3Rs. For instance, it will analyse how patentable subject matter (including the patentability of life forms and computer simulations) and the governance of 3R technologies shape both the development and accessibility of the technology. A primary concern is that patent rights may incentivise the technology but also limit access, leaving some researchers to rely on animal experimentation and raising the possibility that patents indirectly contribute to preventable animal harm. Although the relationship between patents and the 3Rs has not been directly studied, the project will build on established literature on research tools and licensing mechanisms (e.g., clearinghouses and patent pledges). The project will make an interdisciplinary, policy-relevant contribution at the intersection of intellectual property, technological innovation, and animal welfare. Value of...
Eligibility
Applicants should have an interest in intellectual property law, innovation, technology regulation, animal welfare, or related areas of legal research. How to apply: Applicants should submit an application for the Law Research MPhil/PhD programme through Kings Apply.
Requirements
Applicants should have an interest in intellectual property law, innovation, technology regulation, animal welfare, or related areas of legal research. How to apply: Applicants should submit an application for the Law Research MPhil/PhD programme through Kings Apply.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £23,805.
Required documents
Application Form
How to apply
How to apply: Applicants should submit an application for the Law Research MPhil/PhD programme through Kings Apply. On the funding section of your Kings Apply Admissions Application Form, ensure you tick the box Applied to a Kings funding scheme and enter the code below. Award Scheme Code: LAW2027 Deadline: Apply by 1st December 2026
Open the official application information
Verify the deadline and final conditions on the official provider page before submitting an application.
Source and verification
Check the current official call before applying
Recorded source check: October 22, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £23,805.
Eligibility summary
Applicants should have an interest in intellectual property law, innovation, technology regulation, animal welfare, or related areas of legal research. How to apply: Applicants should submit an application for the Law Research MPhil/PhD programme through Kings Apply.
Requirements
Applicants should have an interest in intellectual property law, innovation, technology regulation, animal welfare, or related areas of legal research. How to apply: Applicants should submit an application for the Law Research MPhil/PhD programme through Kings Apply.
Documents required
Application Form
Language/test requirements
Listing-board disclaimer
Prime Scholarship Alerts is an independent listing board, not the scholarship provider, university or funder. We do not select applicants, collect provider application fees or guarantee an award. Verify requirements, deadlines, funding, fees and application instructions through the current provider page before applying.