Joint PhD Scholarship (Sheffield Hallam University & La Trobe University)

This Joint PhD Scholarship offers an exciting opportunity to undertake a collaborative research project between Sheffield Hallam University (UK) and La Trobe University (Australia), focusing on predictive modelling of football ball parameters and injury risk during head contact events. The project addresses growing concerns about repeated head impacts in football and their implications for short- and long-term brain health. By developing a robust, data-driven modelling framework, the research aims to quantify how changes in ball design influence head loading and injury risk, combining high-fidelity experimental testing with advanced supervised machine learning.

Students will be enrolled at both institutions, benefiting from the research communities, networking, and support services of Sheffield Hallam and La Trobe. The majority of the research will be based at Sheffield Hallam University within the Sports Engineering Research Group, with up to 12 months spent at La Trobe’s Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre (LASEM). The project will systematically evaluate variations in ball design, including mass, pressure, stiffness, and size, to determine their effect on head/brain injury outcomes. Key objectives include establishing a comprehensive experimental impact dataset, developing predictive models, and assessing the viability of equipment modification as an injury mitigation strategy.

The scholarship covers full Home PhD tuition fees and provides a stipend at the Living Wage Foundation rate (£22,152 for 2025/26, with annual increases). International students are welcome to apply but must fund the difference between Home and International tuition fees (currently ~£13,362/year) for the 3.5-year duration. No additional funding is available for this fee gap, and bursary payments are intended for living expenses only.

Applicants should hold a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Sport Science, Data Science, Biomedical Science, Engineering, or related fields. Quantitative skills are desirable, and training in specialist methods will be provided. The position is full-time, with flexible working hours possible. Sheffield Hallam requires an IELTS score of 7 (minimum 6.5 in all areas) or equivalent for applicants from countries not on the UKVI exemption list, taken within the last two years. International applicants must confirm their ability to fund the tuition fee gap.

To apply, submit the online application form, including the project title in your Personal Statement. Required documents include a 1,500-word research proposal, two academic references, degree certificate, and passport copy. International applicants must also provide IELTS results and a statement confirming financial capability. The application deadline is 22 June 2026, and interviews will be held on 10 July 2026. For enquiries or application issues, contact [email protected].

This project is ideal for candidates interested in sports engineering, biomechanics, machine learning, injury prevention, and experimental modelling. It offers a unique international research experience and the chance to contribute to meaningful injury mitigation strategies in football.