Role of nutrition and genetic factors in the prevention of neuropsychiatric disease: epidemiological and intervention studies focusing on inflammatory markers and the gut microbiota

Summary

Neuropsychiatric disorders such as dementia, depression, anxiety and Parkinson’s disease are a major cause of disability in older adulthood.

Given that the number of people aged 60 years and over is expected to increase to 2 billion by 2025, the growing burden of these disorders will add considerably to existing pressures on health care systems, the economy and society.

Identifying strategies that can prevent the onset of neuropsychiatric disease is therefore a major global public health priority.

Diet and nutritional status are strongly linked to brain health, along with environmental and genetic factors.

More recently, interest has grown in understanding how age-related changes in the composition and functions of the gut microbiome, and related inflammatory factors, can contribute to the development of conditions affecting the brain, via the gut-brain axis.

Dietary intervention studies have shown improvements in bacterial composition and immune function, but the evidence to date is limited as regards human studies and does not consider the effects of intervention on the gut bacteria, inflammatory markers and brain health outcomes.

The overall aim of this PhD project will be to explore the roles of nutrition, genetics, the gut microbiota and inflammation in neuropsychiatric disease.

This will involve in-depth investigations using an existing resource for ageing research (the TUDA study) and co-creating and conducting a nutritional intervention study in a newly recruited cohort of middle- and older aged adults.

The project outcomes will contribute to our understanding of how these factors interact in the development of brain disorders and will lead to novel nutritional strategies to promote healthy brain ageing.

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.

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)

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

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE), are 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.

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

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.