Health and Well-being and Data Science: Funded WGSSS Studentship – The Effect of Vaginal Infections on Fertility, Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Neonatal Outcomes
Project Overview:
Swansea University’s Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences is offering a fully funded Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentship in the Health and Well-being and Data Science pathway. This PhD project investigates the effect of vaginal infections—including bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis—on fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and neonatal outcomes. The research leverages large-scale, routinely collected healthcare datasets such as the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank, Health & Her’s data repository, and UK Biobank to address gaps in current epidemiological evidence.
Research Focus:
Vaginal infections are common among people of reproductive age, yet their true impact on reproductive health is poorly understood due to inconsistent and underpowered studies. This project aims to generate robust, population-level evidence by combining clinical records and rich self-reported data. The student will conduct a systematic literature review in Year 1, synthesizing evidence on associations between vaginal infections and outcomes such as infertility, miscarriage, preterm birth, postpartum recovery, and neonatal health. In subsequent years, quantitative analyses will be performed using cohort designs and longitudinal modelling to examine patterns of infection, treatment, and outcomes across multiple datasets.
Data Resources:
The SAIL Databank provides linked health records for over 86% of Wales’ population, UK Biobank offers detailed reproductive histories and health data for more than 500,000 participants, and Health & Her’s repository contains data from over 300,000 women collected via a digital health platform. These resources enable comprehensive analysis of reproductive health trajectories and allow for comparison and validation across data sources.
Methodology:
The student will define exposures (diagnoses and treatments for vaginal infections) and outcomes (infertility, pregnancy health, postpartum recovery, neonatal outcomes) in consultation with supervisors. Analytical approaches will include cohort studies and advanced longitudinal modelling. The project will also explore inequalities in exposure, medication history, and outcomes by socioeconomic status, ethnicity, age, and access to care.
Training and Development:
The programme is designed to allow the student to refine research questions, develop independent methodological expertise, and shape a rigorous and original PhD. Both full-time (3.5 years) and part-time study options are available, with duration tailored to prior research experience and training needs.
Funding:
The ESRC-funded studentship covers full tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend (£20,780 for 2025-26 full-time), and access to a Research Training Support Grant. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) may be available for eligible students.
Eligibility:
Applicants must hold a UK honours degree at first or upper second-class level, or a master’s degree. Non-traditional academic backgrounds are welcome. International and European applicants should consult the Country Specific Entry Requirements page. For eligibility queries, contact [email protected].
Application Process:
Applications are open to UK and international candidates. Apply online via the FindAPhD link. Both full-time and part-time applications are welcomed. The deadline for applications is May 8, 2026.
Supervisory Team:
The project will be supervised by Dr Arron Lacey (Swansea University), Professor Emma Kidd, and Dr Robin Andrews (Cardiff University).
Impact:
The findings will inform clinical guidelines, public health policy, and future data collection priorities, contributing to innovation in reproductive health research.
