Lauren Sherar

<p>This fully funded PhD opportunity at Loughborough University explores the intersection of environmental geography, public health, and urban resilience, focusing on the impacts of flooding on access to green spaces in Leicestershire communities. The project, titled "Co-creating Flood-Resilient Green Spaces: Understanding Health, Access and Equity in Leicestershire Communities," aims to understand how flooding disrupts access to green spaces, which are vital for health and wellbeing, and how these disruptions are experienced unequally across different social groups.</p> <p>Supervised by a multidisciplinary team—Professor Lauren Sherar (Physical Activity and Public Health), Dr Katie Parsons (Loughborough University), Dr Jacqui Cotton (Environment Agency), and Dr Sarah McNeill (NIHR Leicestershire HDRC)—the research will use participatory methods to engage with underrepresented groups such as children, older adults, disabled people, transient communities, and low-income households. The goal is to co-create knowledge and solutions with residents to inform inclusive, climate-resilient planning and policy.</p> <p>The project will examine how flooding affects green space access and engagement, assess the health and wellbeing impacts of these disruptions, and extend resilience frameworks to include spatial, social, and emotional dimensions of accessibility. The research is based in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, with strong partnerships with the Environment Agency and NIHR Leicestershire HDRC.</p> <p>Applicants should have at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. International applicants must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each component). The position is fully funded for both UK and international students, covering tuition and providing a stipend. The PhD can be undertaken full-time (3.5 years) or part-time (7 years), with a start date in October 2026. The application deadline is 8 January 2026.</p> <p>To apply, visit the Loughborough University website and use the project reference FCDT-26-LU6. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the supervisory team with questions and to attend open days or events for further information.</p>

PhD opportunity at Loughborough University in the School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences on Co-designing Active School Uniforms . This funded doctoral project explores how school uniforms can support young people to move more every day, using an equity-focused co-design approach with adolescents, schools, families, and industry partners. The research is centred on secondary school settings and aims to generate practical, inclusive, and evidence-informed solutions for more active school days. Research focus: public health, physical activity, behavioural epidemiology, co-production research, implementation research, school-based research, and equity in adolescent health. The project will engage national stakeholders, develop principles for acceptable and affordable active uniform designs, and test feasibility, acceptability, implementation, and physical activity impact in diverse secondary schools. Funding: fully funded UK PhD studentship. UK fees are covered; international fees are not applicable. Eligibility: applicants should normally hold at least a 2:1 in a relevant subject such as Sport Sciences, Public Health, Human Biology, or related Social or Health Sciences. A good understanding of health-related behaviours and research methods is required. A relevant Master’s degree is desirable, and experience or interest in co-design, working with young people, or school-based research is an advantage. Supervisors: Dr Natalie Pearson (primary supervisor) and Prof. Lauren Sherar (secondary supervisor). Deadline: 22 May 2026. Start date: October 2026. Apply online via the project page and submit your application before the deadline.