PhD Studentship in Psychology: Probiotics for Depressive Symptoms, Associated Behavioural Outcomes and Neural Activation: a 3-year PhD Project

Supervisors: Dr Daniel Lamport, Dr Piril Hepsomali and Dr Katie Barfoot 

Project Overview:   

Are you passionate about cutting-edge research in nutritional neuroscience, mental health and gut-brain interactions? This fully funded PhD studentship, co-sponsored by the University of Reading and an Industry partner, offers a unique opportunity to explore the impact of probiotic supplementation on mental health outcomes, cognitive function and potential neural correlates. 

The gut-brain axis plays a critical role in mental well-being, and emerging evidence suggests that probiotics can positively influence this connection. This project will focus on utilising an established probiotic to investigate its potential for reducing depressive symptomology and improving cognitive function, whilst exploring possibly underlying mechanisms.

Why Join This Project?

• Work at the forefront of nutritional neuroscience gut-brain research, contributing to a growing field with real-world applications.
• Gain hands-on experience with clinical trials, techniques for assessing mental health and cognition and the gut-brain axis.
• Collaborate with world-class researchers and industry experts in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
• Benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities in Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences (PCLS)

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor Degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience, Nutrition, 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 only.

Funding Details:   

• Starts Sep/Oct 2025
• 3 year award
• Funding covers full tuition fees plus UKRI stipend of £20,780 per year

How to apply:  

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button and Apply for a Programme and create your account, and use the link sent by email to start the application process. During the application process please select the PhD in Psychology.

*Important notes*

1. Please quote the reference ‘DRC25-060’ 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: 27^th June 2025

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 Dr Daniel Lamport (Daniel.lamport@reading.ac.uk)

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