Sustainable marine lipids for cardiovascular health benefits

Summary

This PhD project is based around a Precision Nutrition Spoke Project within the Nutrition Platform of the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems. The project will focus on the development and investigation of the health benefits of sustainable marine derived lipids.

Marine lipids are complex and have unique health benefits depending on the lipid profiles. The health benefits of the n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA C20:5n-3) and DHA (C22:6n-3) are well characterised for cardiovascular and metabolic health.  Monounsaturated fatty acids, such as cetoleic acid (C22 1n:11) and gondoic acid (C20:1n-9), present in marine lipids from pelagic fish species also have unique health properties. Their location in adipose and liver tissue (Yang et al, 2015) supports their ability to regulate obesity related inflammation and improve markers of metabolism including, glucose, insulin sensitivity, GLP-1 and cholesterol. Studies also show an improvement in adipocyte health with a reduction in hypertrophy of the cells and increased levels of the anti-inflammatory and insulin regulating hormone adiponectin. In addition, evidence from marine models suggest these LCMUFA confer protection against atherosclerosis (Yang et al, 2016, 2017, Tsutsumi et al, 2021).

This PhD will investigate the effect of a unique blend of more sustainable marine derived lipids on cardiovascular and metabolic health related  outcomes. This project incorporates use of the Co-Centre household cohort of engaged citizens across the Island of Ireland for the testing of attitudes to sustainable marine derived ingredients as part of a healthy diet.

• Conduct a systematic review of existing literature on the health benefits of marine-derived ingredients including marine lipids and collagen.
• Design and implement a human intervention study to assess the efficacy of a novel marine lipid blend for improving cardiovascular health.
• To conduct a human intervention study assessing the dose-response effects of marine-derived lipids on selected physiological and biochemical endpoints, and to explore potential underlying biological mechanisms of action through lipidomic profiling.
• To explore public perceptions and attitudes on the use of sustainable marine-derived ingredients for improving health, using qualitative focus group analysis.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Co-Centre

Our fully funded PhD scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £20,780 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

• This  scholarship is open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.