PhD Opportunity

The global food system plays a pivotal role in both the prevention of noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, and the mitigation of climate change. Transitioning toward more sustainable diets, including the replacement of animal-derived foods such as dairy with plant-based alternatives (PBDAs), is a promising strategy. However, many commercially available plant-based cheeses (PBCs) are high in saturated fat due to their reliance on coconut oil, potentially limiting their health benefits. Despite their growing market presence, there is limited evidence on the cardiometabolic and environmental implications of these products. This project aims to address this evidence gap by evaluating the health and sustainability impacts of incorporating PBCs into the diet.

Research aims and methodology

The project involves two complementary approaches:

1. Experimental study: A randomised controlled dietary intervention trial will examine the effects of replacing butter with either dairy cheese or a coconut oil-based plant-based cheese on markers of cardiometabolic health.
2. Dietary modelling study: Using national dietary data (e.g., the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey), this component will model the nutritional, health, and environmental impacts of substituting dairy products with PBDAs/PBCs across the population.

Expected impact

This research will generate evidence to inform dietary guidelines and public health recommendations, supporting the shift toward diets that are both health-promoting and environmentally sustainable. The findings will also contribute to broader goals related to food system transformation and net-zero emissions targets.

Candidate profile and research environment

This PhD offers an interdisciplinary training opportunity at the intersection of nutrition, public health, and sustainability. The successful candidate will develop expertise in clinical trial design, dietary modelling, and policy-relevant research.

The project would suit an individual with a strong interest in human nutrition, cardiometabolic health, and sustainable food systems. The PhD will be based at the East Midlands National Centre of Sport and Exercise Medicine on the Loughborough University campus, offering access to world-class facilities and a supportive research environment.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:

Dr Oonagh Markey o.markey@lboro.ac.uk

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/people/oonagh-markey/

Names of secondary supervisors:

Prof Rebecca Hardy (Loughborough University) and Prof Julie Lovegrove (University of Reading)

Entry requirements:

Applicants should hold a minimum of a BSc honours degree at 2:1 level (or equivalent) in a health-related science degree, such as nutrition, human biology, biochemistry, or physiology. A relevant MSc degree, as well as experience running human nutrition trials/laboratory experience, will be advantageous.

International applications must also meet the standard institution English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element [reading, writing, listening, and speaking]).

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: Yes

A bench fee is also payable on top of the tuition fee to cover specialist facilities or laboratory costs required for the research. This will be discussed with you as part of the application process, and you will be notified of any additional fee as part of your offer of admission.

Closing date of advert: 31^st July 2025

Start Date: October 2025, January 2026

Fee Band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How to apply:

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/OM25 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application:

Qualifications and experience:

• Degree level, grade and subject/relevance
• Relevant work experience/research experience – Previous published work

Strength of research proposal and/or personal statement:

• Does the personal statement show a genuine interest to do a PhD?
• Does the candidate have the motivation to do a PhD?
• Has the candidate shown a keen interest in the specific project applied for?
• Is there a reasonable attempt to understand key literature in the proposed area of research?
• Potential to perform well
• Are the references supportive of a candidate able and motivated to conduct academic research?
• Was the candidate able to perform well in the interview?

Project search terms: biochemistry, epidemiology, nutrition, physiology, Cardiometabolic health, healthy ageing, planetary health, plant-based dairy alternatives

Email Address SSEHS: pgr-ssehs@lboro.ac.uk