PhD Studentship in Psychology: Nutrition and Mental Health in Pre-adolescents and Adolescents: From Mechanisms to Intervention

Supervisors:  Dr Piril Hepsomali, Dr Ray Percy, Dr Daniel Lamport

Project Overview:   

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

Pre-adolescence and adolescence are key periods for the onset of depression and anxiety, which can disrupt mood, sleep, concentration, and behaviour, impacting school, peers, and family life. If untreated, these disorders often persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of recurrent mental health problems. Therefore, early intervention is essential to reduce both immediate and long-term consequences.

Psychological treatments are widely used, but many young people face long waiting times, highlighting the need for additional approaches that could support or speed up recovery, including dietary strategies.

Research in adults suggests that diet may influence mental health, however, we know much less about how diet affects mental health in children and teenagers, especially how it influences the body and brain. Only a few nutritional approaches have been studied in young people, and the evidence is limited. We also know little about how young people and their parents/caregivers view food as a way to support mental health. Understanding these views is important for developing effective and acceptable interventions. The potential benefits of combining diet with psychological therapy in young people are also largely unexplored.

This PhD project will examine how nutrition is linked to mental health in young people, explore how young people and their families view food as a tool for mental health, and test whether combining standard psychological therapy with a prebiotic supplement can improve mental health and the gut microbiome.

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience 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 citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more.

Funding Details:   

• Maintenance allowance of £21,805 per year
• UK/Republic of Ireland tuition fees covered
• 4-year duration
• Starts October 2026
• Available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more

How to apply:   

To apply, please click on the 'Apply' button above 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 ‘DRC26-013’ 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: 19 April 2026

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

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