Evaluation of hormones as potential new treatments for obesity and diabetes

Summary

Glucoregulatory peptides such as X, Y and Z have demonstrated promising effects on glucose metabolism and appetite regulation in preclinical models and thus may offer novel therapeutic avenues for metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. However, their efficacy and safety in humans remains unexplored. This PhD programme will seek to take the first critical step towards clinical translation of this work by using experimental medicine studies to evaluate the impact of these peptides on glucose tolerance and energy intake in healthy individuals.

Specific Objectives:

• Assess acute and short-term effects of each peptide on glucose tolerance using oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT).
• Measure changes in energy intake following peptide administration using standardised ad libitum meal protocols.
• Evaluate peptide pharmacokinetics and safety profiles in humans.
• Explore potential mechanisms via hormonal assays (e.g., insulin, GLP-1, ghrelin) and appetite-related questionnaires.

Outcomes from this work will provide foundational insights into the therapeutic potential of these peptides for the treatment of obesity complicated by diabetes.

There will also be the opportunity for the PhD researcher to expand and build on these findings in the chronic setting by directly measuring food intake behaviour in those using GLP-1 analogue obesity treatment within the EU funded PEACETIME obesity treatment programme.

The proposed project offers the PhD researcher the opportunity to develop a wide skillset by drawing data from both experimental studies and research in the clinical setting, as well as benefiting from specialist training within the PEACETIME project in addition to the training initiatives organised by the Doctoral College. The researcher will be expected and strongly encouraged to present their research findings at national and international conferences.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Medicine, 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 detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

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.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications
• 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)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

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, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.