NIHR ARC South West Funded Doctoral Award: Can Virtual Reality (VR) Embodiment Experiences Be Used as Part of Treatment for Eating Disorders?

About the project

About the Project Supervisory team: Dr Helen Bould (Consultant Senior Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bristol Medical School), Prof Ian Penton-Voak (Professor of Evolutionary Psychology, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol), Dr Laura Chapman (Senior Research Associate in Psychology, Bristol Medical School), Prof Lucy Yardley, Professor of Health Psychology (School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol), and Prof Danae Stanton Fraser, Professor in Human Computer Interaction, CREATE Lab, University of Bath. Overview This opportunity is suitable for a highly motivated candidate with a background in health psychology, clinical psychology, public health research, or human-computer interaction. Applicants should have an aptitude for qualitative research and an interest in eating disorders, mental health, digital interventions, or virtual reality technologies. The PhD will investigate whether VR embodiment experiences can be used as part of treatment for eating disorders, with a particular focus on body image concerns and fear of weight gain. The student will: Conduct a systematic review of existing evidence. Design and undertake mixed-methods research studies with people with eating disorders. Explore experiences of embodying personalised and differently sized virtual avatars. Work with clinicians, commissioners and regulators to identify requirements for implementation in routine care. Expected outcomes include: Peer-reviewed publications. Conference presentations. Public engagement outputs. Development of expertise in eating disorders research, digital mental health and implementation science. Evidence to inform future development and evaluation of VR-based interventions for eating disorders. Timeline: Interview date: Thurs 12 th November 2026 Start date: between December 2026 and February 2027. Application Link Apply online using the University of Bristol PhD application system. Type in Population Health Sciences (PhD) and state in the application that you are applying for funding from University of Bristol. Please ensure you have read our admissions statement here . We request a statement of your research interests and how your previous work prepares you for the role. What is available through the award? Stipend Full UK PhD tuition fees (overseas students are welcome to apply but would need to fund the difference between home and overseas fees). Tax-free stipend at UKRI rates (currently £21,805 for 2026/27) Duration 3 years full-time. Part-time options We welcome applicants who wish to study less than full-time, provided they complete their studies before March 2031 . Eligibility Criteria Summary Applicants should: Hold a 1st or 2:1 Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree in psychology, public health, human-computer interaction, or a related discipline. Have prior research experience or training to prepare for a PhD Not already hold a PhD or equivalent Show strong academic and professional skills needed to complete a PhD Be eligible to enrol on a PhD programme at the University of Bristol. Selection Criteria Summary Applicants will be assessed on: Academic achievement and research potential. Motivation for and commitment to doctoral research. Originality and independent critical thinking. Interest and knowledge in relation to eating disorders and digital interventions and/or Virtual Reality. Evidence of relevant methodological skills or experience. Potential to contribute to an interdisciplinary research team. Quality of the personal statement describing research interests and preparation for doctoral study. University of Bristol, Bristol Medical School Bristol Medical School is the largest and one of the most diverse Schools in the University of Bristol, with approximately 1100 members of staff, 1350 undergraduate, 250 postgraduate taught and 300 postgraduate doctoral research students. The Head of School is Professor Chrissie Thirlwell. The Medical School has two departments: Clinical Sciences and Population Health Sciences. The School is a leading centre for research and teaching across these areas. Research in the School is collaborative and multi-disciplinary, with staff from a wide range of academic disciplines and clinical specialties. The student will also be affiliated with the School of Psychology and Neuroscience's Translational and Applied Research Group ( TARG ), which conducts applied research into mental and physical health, and with the CREATE Lab in the Department of Psychology, University of Bath , a specialist facility for virtual reality and human-computer interaction research. The student will have access to VR facilities, regular laboratory meetings and a vibrant community of doctoral researchers working across Bristol and Bath. Hybrid working is supported, with opportunities to work across university sites as required. Alignment with NIHR Strategic Need This studentship aligns with NIHR priorities to: Improve mental health outcomes. Develop and evaluate innovative digital health technologies. Support translation of research findings into clinical practice. Embed patient and public involvement and co-production throughout the research process. Build research capacity in mental health and applied health research. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement NIHR are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Diverse people and communities shape our research, and we strive to make opportunities to participate in research an integral part of everyone’s experience of health and social care services. We develop researchers from multiple disciplines, specialisms, geographies and backgrounds, and work to address barriers to career progression arising from characteristics such as sex, race or disability. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from groups currently under-represented in health research and academic careers. Contact for Enquiries and Reasonable Adjustments Dr Helen Bould Email: helen.bould@bristol.ac.uk Links to Further Information Opportunities for NIHR Academy Members supported in Infrastructure and Capacity Building Awards NIHR Research Support Service (RSS)

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