PhD Studentship: Environmental Sustainability in the Respiratory Care of Athletes

About this project

Asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) are frequently reported in athletes. Indeed, it is estimated that 8% of Olympic athletes suffer from asthma or EIB, making the condition the most common chronic medical condition in elite sport. Given the high prevalence of asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in athletes and the high carbon footprint of common asthma treatment, the aims of this project are threefold:

1. Quantify the carbon footprint related to the respiratory care of athletes with asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
2. Explore the effectiveness of pMDIs versus dry-powder inhalers for inhibiting exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
3. Design and evaluate an education programme aimed to inform athletes and their care staff regarding the carbon footprint related to the treatment of asthma.

For informal inquiries, please contact 

Dr. Andrew Simpson, Email: A.Simpson2@hull.ac.uk

About the research cluster/about the research environment

The University of Hull Centre for Sustainability and Olympic Legacy (HCSOL) is an International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Studies Centre (IOC OSC) recognised Olympic Studies and Research Centre. The HCSOL investigates how the Olympics can be more environmentally and socially sustainable and exploring how the Olympics can leave a lasting legacy and contribute to a positive future for people, society and the environment.  The focus of the Centre is defined by three C’s: Climate, Competitors, and Community; around which three dedicated PhD scholarships are funded. You will be joining an interdisciplinary team of experts across the University, as well as three PhD students who are in their second year of PhD working on Team GB specific projects around the same three key C’s.

Funding

• The successful applicant will receive a fee waiver and a maintenance grant / stipend for three years (full-time) or five years (part-time), which covers the research period of the PhD. The fee waiver for 22/23 is £4596 (Home fee) and the maintenance grant is £17608 per annum. This rises each year in line with the UKRI’s recommended stipend allowance.

• If you need to move into a fourth year (full time) or sixth year (part-time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period and you will be required to pay a continuation fee.

Submission of thesis

Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years and three months from the start of your PhD scholarship for full time and within five years and six months if studying part-time.

Eligibility and entry requirements Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree in a relevant field (first class or upper second class). A Master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable.   

International applicants

This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. You will therefore need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this. How to apply Applications are via the University of Hull webpage

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