An Interdisciplinary Approach to Heat Resilience in the UK: Heatwaves, Female Mental Health, and Physical Activity

Project summary:

Females may be disproportionately affected by heatwaves due to a combination of physiological factors (such as differences in thermoregulation and hormonal fluctuations) and psychosocial factors (including greater caregiving responsibilities and higher rates of anxiety and depression), which can increase vulnerability to mental health challenges and lead to reduced participation in physical activity during periods of extreme heat with further consequences to health and wellbeing. Therefore this PhD project will investigate how exercise can make women’s health and wellbeing more resilient during UK heatwaves. By integrating expertise in psychology and physiology, our research will explore how extreme heat events impact women’s mental wellbeing and their engagement in physical activity, a key protective factor for mental health. Using a mixed-methods approach, the project will combine physiological monitoring (e.g., HRV, temperature), validated psychological assessments, and qualitative interviews to capture both acute and chronic responses. The research will focus on diverse female populations, including those with pre-existing mental health conditions and those from underrepresented backgrounds. Collaboration with local councils, community groups, and health practitioners will ensure the research is grounded in lived experience and has direct public health relevance. The findings will inform public health strategies, climate adaptation policies, and mental health interventions, with potential for further research partnerships and funding through UKRI, NIHR, and local authority initiatives.

Type: Full-time PhD with fee waiver and stipend (£21,669 inc. London weighting)

Required:

• We’re looking for an individual with experience in mixed methods (e.g. physiology and psychology) with female participants.
• BSc in Sport and Exercise Science or associated science course.
• MSc or MRes in Exercise Physiology or associated science course.
• Right to work in the UK.

How to apply: Submit a 1,000-word Research Proposal which addresses the Project summary via the official LSBU application platform. In addition to the Research Proposal, you will need to submit your CV, cover letter highlighting your interest and experience and additional documents (i.e. certificates/transcripts). When you apply, please quote the full reference number of the relevant research project. Selected candidates will be invited to an online interview in late August/early September.