Investigating causal associations and gene-environment interactions in health and disease

Apply and key information  
Summary

The food we eat and the way we live have a significant impact on our health and our risk of getting sick throughout our lives. These effects are often influenced by the interplay between our genes and the environment we're exposed to. This interaction can contribute to the development of common complex diseases like heart problems, hormonal imbalances, and conditions related to obesity, as well as influence how we age. To better understand these relationships, we plan to use a scientific technique known as Mendelian Randomization. This method involves examining specific genes in DNA that act like markers for your exposure to different foods, lifestyles, and environments. By studying these genetic markers, we hope to determine if they are directly linked to health. Our research also suggests that we might be able to find certain genetic variations in DNA that are linked to living a healthy life and being free from major diseases like heart disease and strokes. By combining these genetic markers with a thorough assessment of factors such as blood pressure and exercise, we may gain insights into the underlying mechanisms that control our health and the development of diseases.

To carry out this study, we will use data from large-scale research efforts known as Genome-wide Association Studies and Epigenome-wide Association Studies. We will use valuable resources like MRBase and the UK Biobank to identify genetic variations associated with health-related outcomes. In the end, our project aims to uncover specific biomarkers in the body related to complex diseases. This could help us better understand the detailed molecular processes involved in these conditions and possibly lead to new healthcare strategies to promote healthy aging and prevent diseases.

Important Information

Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

Recommended reading

• Amenyah SD, Ward M, Strain JJ, McNulty H, Hughes CF, Dollin C, Walsh CP, Lees-Murdock DJ. Nutritional Epigenomics and Age-Related Disease. Curr Dev Nutr. 2020 Jun 6;4(7):nzaa097.
• Caffrey A, Lamers Y, Murphy M, Irwin RE, et al. Epigenetic effects of folate and related B-vitamins on brain health throughout life: Scientific substantiation and translation of the evidence for health-improvement strategies. Nutrition Bulletin. 2023. 00:1-11.
• Davies NM, Holmes, MV, Smith GD. Reading Mendelian randomisation studies: a guide, glossary and checklist for clinicians. BMJ. 2018. 362:k601.
• Davison GW, Irwin RE, Walsh CP. The metabolic-epigenetic nexus in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Free Radic Biol Med. 2021 170;194-206.
• Irwin RE, Thursby SJ, Ondičová M et al. A randomized controlled trial of folic acid intervention in pregnancy highlights a putative methylation-regulated control element at ZFP57. Clinical Epigenetics. 2019. 11;31.
• Lapsley CR, Irwin RE, McLafferty M et al. Methylome profiling of young adults with depression supports a link with immune response and psoriasis. Clinical Epigenetics. 2020. 15;12(1):85.
• Ondicova M, Irwin RE, Thursby SJ et al. Folic acid intervention during pregnancy alters DNA methylation, affecting neural target genes through two distinct mechanisms. Clinical Epigenetics. 2022. 14;63.
• Voisin S, Seale K, Jacques M…Irwin RE et al. Exercise is associated with younger methylome and transcriptome profiles in human skeletal muscle. Aging Cell. 2023. 2:e13859.

The Doctoral College at Ulster University