Area
Medicine
Location
UK Other
Closing Date
Monday 13 April 2026
Reference
MED2044
Principal supervisors:
Professor Kimberely Edwards (School of Medicine, Professor of Sport, Exercise, and Nutrition Education –
Dr Thomas Bestwick-Stevenson (School of Medicine), Teaching Associate – thomas.bestwick-
This project is not funded, and we are seeking a student who can self-fund the PhD.
Programme description: The overall theme of this PhD programme is to examine the interaction between health and modifiable risk factors, particularly physical activity and diet.
Many health conditions are linked to modifiable risk factors, such as physical inactivity, obesity, smoking and poor diet. The four major chronic non-communicable diseases (cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers and chronic lung disease) account for over 60% of deaths in the world and they are the leading cause of death in the UK (WHO, The majority of premature deaths (<70 years) from non-communicable diseases could be prevented by tackling just three risk factors: poor diet (including the harmful use of alcohol), tobacco use and lack of physical activity (WHO, Mental illness also falls into the category of non-communicable diseases, is strongly associated with physical activity levels, and is a cause of significant disability.
PhD description: To address this we have a large cohort study running. We are looking for a dynamic, self-starter, PhD student to run the follow up questionnaires and analyse the data. This offers an exceptional research opportunity to investigate the contribution of lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity and diet, and their interaction with health conditions such as osteoarthritis. This research will also inform clinicians and athletes so that they have a greater appreciation for the impact physical activity has on health, for example the impact running has on joints, enabling them to make an evidence-based decision on their participation.
Further information: Applicants should have at least a 2:1 in a relevant degree (for example but not limited to Sport Science/Medicine/Rehab, Public Health, Medicine), and ideally a relevant Master's degree (for example but not limited to Sport Science/Medicine/Rehab, Public Health, Medicine).
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Thomas Bestwick-Stevenson, thomss.bestwiick-
To apply, candidates should send their CV and a short cover letter (<1000 words) outlining why they are applying to be part of this PhD programme and what they believe they can offer to: Thomas Bestwick-Stevenson Thomas.Bestwick-. The email subject line should be: "HEALTH OF ADULTS PHD APPLICATION". Candidates should also provide the contact details for 2 referees, one of whom should be their most recent academic supervisor (or line manager in relevant employment, if applicable). Please note, offers of study will be subject to 2 satisfactory references being received.
Closing Date for Applications: Monday April 13 th 2026
Provisional Interview Date: Friday April 24 th 2026
PhD Start Date: 1 st June 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
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