Transforming Lives PhD Scholarship: Validating 3D Child Body Composition – Agreement, Bias, Equity & Correction Sheffield Hallam University in United Kingdom

Sheffield Hallam University invites applications for a fully funded Transforming Lives PhD scholarship in the School of Sport and Physical Activity, commencing October 1, 2026. This opportunity is based within the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC), a world-leading hub for health innovation, and is part of the Morphology Research Team under a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. The project, titled 'Validating 3D Child Body Composition: Agreement, Bias, Equity & Correction,' aims to advance the science of paediatric health measurement by validating rapid, non-invasive 3D surface imaging against gold-standard methods like MRI and DXA.

Accurate and equitable measurement of children's body composition is essential for early identification of health risks. Existing tools often lack scalability or fairness across diverse populations. This PhD will leverage a uniquely rich longitudinal dataset combining 3D/4D surface scans, anthropometry, MRI/DXA, manual measurements, and BIA. The research will go beyond simple correlations, employing advanced agreement and error-modelling analyses to identify systematic bias and develop practical correction methods. The outcomes will have real-world utility for researchers, clinicians, and MedTech developers, contributing directly to the future of child health assessment.

As a doctoral researcher, you will join a vibrant community of around 65 PhD students, supported by a comprehensive training programme and collaborative environment. The AWRC and Morphology Research Team are at the forefront of body shape, measurement innovation, and health prediction. You will receive full technical training in 3D imaging, R/Python, agreement modelling, and calibration methods, making this an ideal platform for high-impact publications, clinical collaborations, and career development in research, data science, or MedTech innovation.

The scholarship covers Home PhD fees and provides a stipend at the Living Wage Foundation rate (£22,152 for 2025/26, increasing annually). International and EU applicants are welcome, but must cover the fee gap (currently around £12,700/year) themselves, as no additional funding is available for this purpose. The stipend is intended for living expenses and cannot be used to cover tuition shortfalls.

Eligibility requires a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Sport Science, Biomedical Science, Data Science, Medical Physics, Engineering, or a related field. Quantitative skills are desirable, but full training will be provided. Applicants from countries not on the UKVI exemption list must have IELTS 7 (minimum 6.5 in all areas) or equivalent, taken within the last two years. Applications from diverse groups, including LGBTQIA+, BAME, and disabled communities, are strongly encouraged.

Sheffield offers an outstanding research environment, combining natural beauty with academic excellence. Over a third of the city lies within the Peak District National Park, and the local science and healthcare ecosystem is vibrant and supportive.

To apply, submit the online application form, including a 1,500-word research proposal addressing this project, two academic references, degree certificate, and passport. International applicants must submit IELTS results. The application deadline is May 18, 2026, 12 noon UK time. Interviews will be held the week commencing June 15, 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Alice Bullas ([email protected]).