Enabling Circular Business Models for a more Sustainable Healthcare System - PhD Funded by the NHS Scotland Circular Economy Programme (Scottish Government) and Department of Management, University of Exeter Business School Ref: 5861

Supervisors

Professor Fiona Charnley - Professor of Circular Innovation, Director of the Exeter Centre for the Circular Economy

Dr Enes Unal 

The University of Exeter’s Department of Management is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by NHS Scotland and The University of Exeter Business School to commence on 21 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

Medical technology (MedTech) is of vital importance to the UK healthcare system. It includes a wide range of products from a simple plaster to life-saving blood tests that detect cancer early and robots that can perform complex surgeries. The MedTech sector is heavily reliant on a combination of high volume / low value single use products and high value / low volume repeat use products, many containing critical or rare materials. In 2021 the UK imported £7.5bn worth of MedTech products, meaning that safe and continued patient care is vulnerable to volatility in raw material and prices, global supply chain disruptions, trade embargoes and transport constraints.

Through the redesign, recovery, reuse, repair and remanufacture of MedTech, circular business models (CBMs) can play a crucial role in increasing UK resilience. Currently, however, due to the vast number of MedTech devices in circulation (>500k) and the predominantly linear economic drivers, there is a lack of clarity regarding which circular business models are most effective from a economic, environmental and social perspective.

This PhD research will use qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate current business models of UK, European and Global suppliers of medical devices and review NHS procurement systems to identify how these systems contribute to the prevalent linear business models. In collaboration with NHS Scotland and a number of MedTech Manufacturers, the research will characterise potential CBMs and assess their economic, environmental and social benefits across a range of MedTech devices and scenarios. The research will not only make a significant contribution to practitioner knowledge but will provide new insights into how CBMs can be effectively developed within the context of MedTech and Healthcare.

The nature of this applied research will require frequent collaboration with NHS Scotland and field visits to UK / European MedTech Manufacturers. The suitable candidate will have a good understanding of Circular Economy research within the field of healthcare and experience in mixed methods approaches to data collection and analysis. Experience of working with a variety of stakeholders within and outside of academia would also be beneficial.

For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  The student would be based at Exeter’s Streatham Campus and / or located with NHS Scotland (Hybrid).

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents

•             CV

•             Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

•             Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•             Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email
               the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•             If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 8^th June 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing 22^nd June 2026.  

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

For general information about this studentship and the application process, please contact PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk and include the four digit reference number 5861 is the subject line, in any correspondence.  

Project specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor.

Summary