Lifestyle medicine for chronic diseases: An interdisciplinary study across physiology and clinical science.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
- Funding
- Self-Funded PhD Students Only
- Application deadline
- Year-round applications
About the project
About the Project Our research focuses on improving health outcomes through interdisciplinary approaches across physiology, clinical science, and lifestyle-related disease. We explore how biological mechanisms interact with patient care and intervention strategies to advance evidence-based approaches in healthcare research, with an emphasis on translational impact and patient-centred solutions. Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly recognised as a key contributor to the development and progression of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity-related conditions. Lifestyle factors including diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress play a key role in modulating systemic inflammation, yet individual responses to lifestyle interventions vary. This PhD project aims to investigate the role of circulating and molecular markers of inflammation as both indicators and predictors of response to tailored lifestyle interventions. The research will focus on identifying how changes in inflammatory profiles reflect improvements in health outcomes and whether these biomarkers can be used to personalise intervention strategies. This research will provide novel insights into the biological mechanisms underlying responses to lifestyle interventions. By identifying reliable inflammatory markers, the project aims to contribute towards the development of precision lifestyle medicine, enabling more effective, targeted strategies for disease prevention and management. If successful, you will work on a multidisciplinary project integrating clinical, biochemical, and behavioural data. We are looking for applicants who have (or expect to obtain): A degree in biomedical sciences, physiology, nutrition, or a related discipline An interest in inflammation, chronic disease, and lifestyle medicine Experience in data analysis or laboratory techniques (desirable but not essential) Good organisational and communication skills Commitment to learning and engagement with learning opportunities Supervisor profiles: Sarah Withers: Sarah Withers | University of Salford Anna Robins: Anna Robins | University of Salford Paul Sindall: Paul Sindall | University of Salford Funding Notes: To inquire about University of Salford funding schemes – including the Widening Participation Scholarship – visit this website: https://www.salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/fees Applications: Please use this Research Proposal, Personal statement, and CV guide when preparing an application: https://issuu.com/universityofsalford2/docs/seeresearchproposalpersonalstatementcvguid?fr=xKAE9zU1NQ