An embedded investigation of a Whole Systems Approach to obesity in the Derry City and Strabane District

Summary

This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research into obesity, a complex public health challenge increasingly understood as an emergent property of interconnected societal and economic systems.

In response to the limitations of traditional approaches to tackling obesity, there has been a significant strategic shift towards Whole Systems Approaches (WSA) to foster improved and sustainable, population-level outcomes.

A WSA supports the delivery of change across the obesogenic system, responding to the urgent need for a coordinated collaborative approach that requires alignment across agendas and organisational boundaries.

International examples show that a WSA can offer an alternative means of addressing obesity, where a multi-agency and partnership approach is adopted.

Developing Healthy Communities (DHC), established in 1992, aims to promote health through community participation, cooperation, and consultation in local decision-making. It is the lead facilitation partner for the WSA to obesity in the Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) area, which is one of Northern Ireland's first "early adopter" sites.

This PhD project will be embedded within this ongoing WSA initiative in the DCSDC area, working closely with DHC and a multi-agency leadership group, to generate critical evidence on the real-world implementation of Public Health England’s (PHE) six-phase WSA methodology.

The PhD project will focus on two core objectives:

1. To conduct an in-depth investigation into the barriers and facilitators affecting the implementation of the local WSA action plan within the DCSDC area.

2. To co-produce and pilot a novel monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework designed to measure 'system changes' over time.

Building on existing strong cross-sectoral partnerships, the PhD researcher will gain valuable experience working with DHC and other key stakeholders, ensuring the project’s relevance and effective dissemination. Aligned with local and regional priorities, the research also offers a clear pathway to policy and practice impact.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

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:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period