PhD Studentship in The Gut Microbiome and Child Mental/Cognitive Health

Supervisors:  Dr Piril Hepsomali, Dr Daniel Lamport, Prof Claire Williams

Project Overview:   

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic graduate with a background in Psychology or related disciplines.

The link between the gut microbiome and host behaviour/physiology has gained increasing interest due to its role in explaining psychiatric risk. However, as psychiatric disorders typically manifest earlier in childhood as emotional and behavioural problems, more research is needed in younger cohorts.

The aim of this PhD project is to understand the complex associations between the gut microbiome, behavioural/cognitive factors and dietary fibre intake in 3-5-year-old children and to assess whether consumption of dietary fibre would improve behavioural/cognitive outcomes in children who exhibit inadequate fibre intake.

For more information or informal enquiries, please contact Dr Piril Hepsomali (P.Hepsomali@reading.ac.uk).

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor Degree or equivalent in Psychology or a related discipline.
• An MSc (merit or distinction) in a relevant subject would also be advantageous.
• Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is open to UK applicants. 

Funding Details:  The studentship commences in October 2024, covers 3 years tuition fees and maintenance of £18,622 (this is the current amount for the 2023/24 academic year)

*Important notes*

1. Please quote the reference ‘DRC24-012’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
2. If the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, please paste in the project title and move on to the next step in the application.

Application Deadline:  31^st March 2024

Further Enquiries:  

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria. 

For further details please contact p.hepsomali@reading.ac.uk

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