Lucy Yardley

This fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Bristol's Bristol Medical School focuses on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the rapid co-production of public health interventions during infection outbreaks and emergencies. The project addresses the critical need for swift, evidence-based, and inclusive intervention development, particularly ensuring that underrepresented communities are actively involved in shaping solutions that affect them. During public health emergencies, time constraints often result in the exclusion of diverse voices, limiting the effectiveness and reach of interventions. The research team has previously developed tools integrating behavioural theory, evidence, and patient/public involvement (PPI) for intervention design. This project aims to advance these efforts by exploring how AI can analyse and synthesise qualitative data and insights from individuals in underrepresented groups, making the process more rapid and inclusive. Key project aims include piloting a specialised open-source AI agent capable of collating and organising qualitative data and PPI insights into structured formats such as an Intervention Planning Table and Table of Changes. The project will validate the AI agent using existing anonymised datasets and pilot its use in developing new interventions, with outputs tested through interviews and workshops. Supervision is provided by Dr. Sarah Denford, Professor Lucy Yardley, and Dr. Dale Weston, all of whom have expertise in public health, behavioural science, and intervention development. The Bristol Medical School is renowned for its collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment and has been recognised for excellence in health research, contributing to top-ranked national research assessments. The studentship is funded by the Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation and Behavioural Science (HPRU EBS) for three years, covering tuition fees for home students and providing a stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 in 2025/2026). Overseas students are welcome but must cover the difference between home and overseas fees. The anticipated start date is September 2026, with applications closing on January 26, 2026. Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2.1 degree (or equivalent). A relevant Master's degree or research experience is advantageous but not required. The programme welcomes candidates with non-standard qualifications who can demonstrate relevant skills and experience. Applications from minority and under-represented backgrounds are strongly encouraged. No research proposal is required, but a personal statement detailing training, experience, motivation, and reasons for applying to Bristol is necessary. To apply, select the Population Health PhD programme, enter the supervisor names as listed, and state 'Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation and Behavioural Science' in the funding box. Refer to the Admissions Statement for full details. Interviews will be held in March 2026. This project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative, AI-driven approaches for public health intervention, working within a leading UK medical school and research environment.