Iron Matters: Unravelling the Complexities of Iron Deficiency and Obesity in pregnancy

Summary

Iron deficiency and anaemia are major global health challenges, affecting approximately 25% of the population, with women of reproductive age disproportionately impacted.

During pregnancy, iron deficiency can have severe consequences for both mother and child, including preterm birth, stillbirth, postpartum haemorrhage, neonatal anaemia, and long-term neurodevelopmental impairments.

Reducing anaemia is a key target of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting the global priority to safeguard women’s health.

Maternal obesity, the most prevalent chronic condition in women of reproductive age, compounds these risks.

Pregnancies affected by obesity are associated with gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, congenital anomalies, preterm birth, and macrosomia, while offspring face increased long-term risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The coexistence of obesity and iron deficiency represents a dual burden, yet the mechanistic interplay between maternal adiposity and iron metabolism remains poorly understood, and the prevalence and determinants of iron deficiency in this high-risk population are largely unknown.

This PhD project will investigate how maternal adiposity influences iron homeostasis, placental iron transfer, and iron requirements during pregnancy and postpartum.

Using comprehensive assessment of iron-related biomarkers and inflammatory markers, alongside maternal–neonatal outcome measurements, the study will elucidate mechanistic pathways underpinning iron dysregulation.

By clarifying these mechanisms, the research will generate evidence to inform targeted antenatal screening, supplementation strategies, and public health interventions, prioritising the health of women during pregnancy.

The project addresses a critical knowledge gap in maternal and neonatal nutrition, offering translational impact to improve maternal outcomes, optimise fetal development, and contribute to global efforts to reduce anaemia.

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