Craig Sale

This PhD project at Manchester Metropolitan University investigates how creatine supplementation can be optimised to support brain health, with a particular focus on mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Creatine is widely recognised for its role in muscle performance, but it also plays a crucial part in brain energy metabolism. Despite its importance, the most effective dosing strategies, timeframes, and contexts for brain health remain unclear. This research aims to systematically explore how creatine dose, duration, and timing affect brain creatine availability and markers of brain function and recovery. The project will involve human trials, advanced brain imaging, and cognitive assessments to identify evidence-based approaches that could transform clinical practice. The findings are expected to inform sport-specific supplementation guidelines and contribute to a broader understanding of nutritional strategies for supporting brain energy metabolism following mTBI in both athletic and non-athletic populations. As a doctoral student, you will gain expertise in experimental design, clinical research methods, data analysis, and science communication. You will work in state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across neuroscience, nutrition, and sports medicine. The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers a supportive and inclusive academic environment, structured training, conference funding, mentoring, and opportunities for collaboration and leadership. Funding is available for both Home and International students. Home tuition fees (£5,238 for 2026/27) are covered for the 3.5-year award, and a standard UKRI stipend (£21,403 for 2026/27) is provided. International students must cover the difference in tuition fees (Band 2 for 2026/27). The expected start date is October 2026 for home students and January 2027 for international students. The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science or a Biosciences-related discipline. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential. Laboratory experience, including dissertation projects or voluntary work, is highly desirable but not required. Applicants should demonstrate curiosity, ambition, and passion for the topic. To apply, complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sports & Exercise Science, fill out the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, and upload your CV and covering letter in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal. Please quote reference SciEng-CS-2026-27-Concussion Brain Creatine. The application deadline is May 22, 2026. For project queries, contact Professor Craig Sale.

[Home tuition fees (£5,238 for 2026/27) covered for 3.5 years; international students must pay the difference. Standard UKRI stipend (£21,403 for 2026/27) provided for duration of award.] This PhD studentship at Manchester Metropolitan University offers a unique opportunity to investigate the optimisation of creatine dosing strategies for brain health, with a particular emphasis on mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Creatine, widely recognised for its benefits in muscle performance, is increasingly understood to play a crucial role in brain energy metabolism. However, the most effective dosing strategies, timing, and contexts for brain health remain unclear. This project aims to systematically explore how creatine dose, duration, and timing affect brain creatine availability and markers of brain function and recovery, using human trials, advanced brain imaging, and cognitive assessments. As a doctoral student, you will gain hands-on experience in experimental design, clinical research methods, data analysis, and science communication. The research will be conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories, and you will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across neuroscience, nutrition, and sports medicine. The findings are expected to inform sport-specific supplementation guidelines and contribute to broader nutritional strategies for supporting brain energy metabolism following mTBI in both athletic and non-athletic populations. The studentship is open to both home and international applicants. Home tuition fees (£5,238 for 2026/27) are fully covered for the 3.5-year duration of the award. International students are eligible but must cover the difference in tuition fees (Band 2 for 2026/27). All students will receive a standard UKRI stipend (£21,403 for 2026/27) for the duration of the award. Additional benefits include structured training, conference funding, mentoring, and opportunities for collaboration and leadership within a supportive doctoral community. Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science or a Biosciences-related discipline. A Master’s degree in these subjects is preferred but not essential. Laboratory experience, including dissertation projects or voluntary work, is highly desirable but not required. The application process involves contacting Professor Craig Sale for an informal discussion, completing the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sports & Exercise Science, and submitting the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, CV, and covering letter via the University’s Admissions Portal. The closing date for applications is 22 May 2026, with an expected start date of October 2026 for home students and January 2027 for international students. Please quote reference SciEng-CS-2026-27-Concussion Brain Creatine in your application. This studentship is ideal for motivated graduates seeking to make a real-world impact in brain health research, with opportunities to develop advanced skills and contribute to innovative clinical practice.