PhD: Multidimensional Food Insecurity and Nutrition in Community-Dwelling Older People in Sheffield University of Sheffield in United Kingdom

This ESRC White Rose DTP Collaborative PhD award, hosted at the University of Sheffield in partnership with Sheffield City Council, offers an exciting opportunity to investigate multidimensional food insecurity and nutrition among community-dwelling older people in Sheffield. In 2024, nearly a quarter of adults in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland experienced household food insecurity, with older adults particularly vulnerable. Previous research by the lead supervisor highlighted that foodbank use among pensioners has quadrupled in recent years, and that non-financial challenges—such as health, mobility, frailty, transport, social isolation, housing, digital exclusion, motivation, and the capacity to shop and cook—may be more significant than financial determinants for this population.

This project aims to provide the first comprehensive, multidimensional investigation of food insecurity in older people, identifying the comparative relevance of financial and wider risks. Adequate nutrition is vital for healthy ageing, and food insecurity is linked to increased functional limitations and poor mental health. With older adults being the fastest growing population group in the UK, improving their nutrition has tangible benefits for health and social care services, as well as economic advantages. The findings will inform Sheffield City Council’s policy and support local services, benefiting voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise organisations in developing holistic strategies for promoting good nutrition among older people.

The PhD research will address three key questions: (1) What is the comparative relevance of financial and wider, potentially hidden, risks of food insecurity among older people in Sheffield? (2) What factors protect older people in Sheffield against food insecurity? (3) How do current services in Sheffield meet older people’s food and nutrition needs? The project will use primary mixed-methods data collection, including in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews, nutritional status and physical function measures, ethnographic episodes with participants, interviews with key public and third-sector actors, and a mapping exercise of the local service landscape.

A three-month Research in Practice placement with Sheffield City Council is included, allowing the student to explore financial and non-financial factors of food insecurity within a defined population of their choice. This placement will broaden understanding and develop professional and collaborative skills.

Applicants should have qualitative research experience and a meaningful interest in the research topic. Suitable backgrounds include social sciences, nutrition, public health, or related disciplines. Excellent interpersonal skills for working with vulnerable older people are essential. The award structure depends on prior academic experience and social science research training, with options for 3.5 years, 3.75 years (with integrated PGCert), or 1+3.5 years (including an MA in Social Research).

Funding includes full tuition fees at the Home or Overseas rate, an annual maintenance grant (minimum £21,805 per year for 2026/27), paid in regular instalments, and a Research and Training Support Grant. Applications should be submitted via the University of Sheffield Postgraduate Application System, including a cover letter/supporting statement, certificates and academic transcripts, two academic references, academic CV, and an example of written work. The deadline for applications is March 13, 2026.

For further information and resources on the application process and award structure, please consult the WRDTP website and the position link provided.