MPhil studentship in Population Health Sciences Institute: Understanding the Mechanistic Basis of Postural Problems in Ultra-endurance Athletes

Award Summary

100% of home tuition MPhil fees paid and an annual stipend of £20,780. Additional funding to cover research costs.   

This studentship is only available to applicants with a Home fee status (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria). 

Overview

Are you interested in the remarkable ability of the human body to undertake endurance events, overcoming considerable physical and mental stress, and understanding the problems that may ensue? This project focuses on one specific problem: “the Lean.” “The Lean” is a dynamic postural issue occurring during endurance events such as the LDWA 100-mile challenge. Initial signs are manifested by a change in posture, often without awareness, and increasing pain and instability, resulting in the athlete slowing down and frequently abandoning the race. Little is known about “the Lean,” including why it occurs, why some individuals are more affected, how to reduce recurrence, and optimal treatment during an event. Theories include electrolyte imbalance, muscle weakness, age-related issues, psychological factors, dysfunction of biosensors, and neuronal dysfunction in the brain. The aim of this project is to understand these underlying mechanisms and develop preventative strategies.  

Activities undertaken by the MPhil student will include: a literature survey on "the Lean," ethics applications, development and analysis of an online questionnaire, laboratory-based experiments, field-based data collection at 100-mile challenge events, writing a 40,000–50,000-word thesis, publications, and conference presentations. Findings will inform first aid teams and support crews in managing challenge events. Supervision will be provided by experts in nutrition, biomechanics, and physiology. 

Number Of Awards: 1

Start Date: September 2025  

Award Duration

The funding covers a 12-month MPhil. The student will have a further maximum of 12 months fee-free to write up the thesis. 

Application Closing Date: 8th August, 2025 

Sponsor

Long Distance Walking Association (LDWA)

Supervisors

Dr Iain Spears, Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Sciences 

iain.spears@newcastle.ac.uk  

Professor Bernard Corfe, Centre for Healthier Lives 

bernard.corfe@newcastle.ac.uk 

Dr Annette Pantall, External Supervisor 

annette.pantall@newcastle.ac.uk  

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent, in an appropriate subject, including: biomedical engineering, sports science, physiology, medical science, data science. The candidate must have good data handling skills and have or be willing to learn computer programming and statistical software.  

How To Apply

To apply for a studentship, you must register and apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

In ‘Course choice’ tab, click ‘Search Course’ put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in 'Type of Study', ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2025’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘7370F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. 

Press ‘Search’, select ‘MPhil Population Health Sciences (FT)’, and click ‘Save selection.’ 

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘PH061’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project. 

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application. 

Contact Details

Dr Iain Spears 

Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Sciences 

E-mail: iain.spears@newcastle.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)191 2086000 (80568) 

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