Peter Vickerman

This fully funded PhD project at the University of Bristol investigates the syndemic of homelessness and related social exclusions—such as drug use and incarceration—and their impact on health in the UK. Homelessness is a growing issue, with affected individuals facing high rates of drug use and incarceration, and suffering from significant health harms including infectious diseases and reduced life expectancy. The project aims to quantify populations at risk, estimate health harms associated with homelessness and overlapping social exclusions, and assess the impact of interventions designed to mitigate these harms. Using advanced statistical methods, the student will analyse UK datasets to estimate the size of the homeless population, the degree of overlap with other social exclusions, and how these exclusions worsen health and intervention outcomes. The findings will inform the development of a mathematical model to evaluate the dynamics of homelessness and related social exclusions, and to estimate their contribution to health harms. The model will also be used to project the impact of relevant interventions, such as supported housing, on reducing homelessness and associated health harms. The research will focus on infectious disease-related health harms (e.g., hepatitis C, skin/wound infections) and mortality, with potential to incorporate other health outcomes. The student will join a multi-disciplinary research team with expertise in infectious disease modelling, epidemiology, and research in homeless groups, collaborating with teams at Bristol, Cardiff, and UKHSA. The project offers opportunities to work with diverse datasets and contribute to strengthening the public health response for homeless individuals. Applicants should have a first degree (minimum 2:1) in a numerate subject, preferably a relevant master's, and will receive training in mathematical modelling, statistics, and software such as MATLAB, STATA, or R. The studentship is fully funded for 3.25 years for home students, covering tuition fees, a UKRI stipend (£21,805 in 2026/2027), and a small fund for research costs. Overseas students are welcome but must pay the difference between home and overseas fees. The anticipated start date is September 2026, and the application deadline is April 20, 2026. To apply, submit your application via the University of Bristol portal, selecting ‘Population Health Sciences (PhD)’ for the September 2026 start. Review the admissions statement for entry requirements and required documents, and use your personal statement to highlight any challenges or under-represented background. For project enquiries, contact Professor Peter Vickerman or Dr Jack Stone. For application process questions, contact the admissions team.