Sheffield Hallam University PhD Scholarship

Sheffield Hallam University invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship in the School of Sport and Physical Activity, commencing October 2026. The project, 'Evaluating Anthropometry for Fairer Disability Sport Classification,' addresses a critical challenge in disability sport: ensuring fair competition through evidence-based classification systems. Current classification often relies on body size and proportions, but lacks consistent evidence linking these measures to functional performance. This PhD offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of sport science, biomechanics, physiology, and inclusive research, with direct impact on athletes, classifiers, and governing bodies.

As a doctoral researcher, you will join a vibrant community of around 65 PhD students, supported by a comprehensive training programme and based at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC), a world-leading hub for health innovation. The project will explore how anthropometric characteristics—such as body size, limb proportions, and overall body shape—influence functional ability and competitive fairness in disability sport. The initial focus is on short stature, but the impairment group, sport context, and measurement approach will be refined collaboratively to maximize scientific and societal impact.

Key aims include strengthening the evidence base for disability sport classification, quantifying relationships between anthropometry and function, evaluating the discriminatory value of specific measurements, integrating quantitative and qualitative perspectives, and translating findings into applied classification guidance. The research will combine manual and 3D measurement approaches, biomechanical and physiological performance testing, and insights from athletes and classifiers to contextualize measurement-performance relationships and classification decisions.

Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative measurement methods, consider how biomechanics and physiology mediate performance differences, incorporate athlete and classifier perspectives, and engage critically with fairness, inclusion, and equity in sport classification. The scholarship provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, access to elite sports science facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with disability sport organizations. You will develop interdisciplinary skills spanning biomechanics, human measurement, and inclusive research, producing work with genuine potential to influence international sport policy.

The scholarship covers Home PhD fees and provides a stipend at the Living Wage Foundation rate (£22,152 for 2025/26, increasing annually). International and EU applicants are welcome, but must cover the fee gap (~£13,362/year) themselves, as no additional funding is available for this gap. The stipend is intended for living expenses and cannot be used to cover tuition shortfalls. Applicants must hold a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Sport Science, Data Science, Biomedical Science, Engineering, or related subjects. Quantitative skills are desirable, and training in specialist methods will be provided. Sheffield Hallam requires IELTS 7 (with at least 6.5 in all areas) or equivalent for applicants from countries not on the UKVI exemption list, taken within the last two years.

To apply, submit the online application form, including the project title in your Personal Statement. Upload a 1,500-word research proposal addressing this specific project, two academic references, your highest degree certificate, and passport. International applicants must submit IELTS results. The deadline is 17 June 2026, 12 noon UK time. Interviews will be held the week commencing 6 July 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Alice Bullas ([email protected]). For application issues or general queries, email [email protected].