Inclusive Design and Ageing (Ref: SDCA26-SF-001)

About the Project

As populations age globally, inclusive design offers vital pathways to ensure environments, products, and services support diverse needs across the lifespan. This research area explores how design and creative arts can empower older adults, reduce barriers, and foster dignity, independence, and social participation. Key challenges include addressing age-related changes in mobility, cognition, and sensory perception, while avoiding stereotypes and promoting intergenerational equity. Research questions may include: How can design and creative arts anticipate and adapt to the evolving needs of ageing populations? What role can co-design and creative methods play in creating age-friendly technologies and spaces? How can inclusive design principles be embedded in policy and practice across sectors? Projects may span our world-leading Environmental Ergonomics and Transport Safety Research Centres, healthcare, housing, digital accessibility, and cultural engagement, with opportunities to collaborate with gerontologists, technologists, and community stakeholders encouraged.

Supervisor

• Prof Claire Warden (C.Warden@lboro.ac.uk)

Tuition fees for 2026-27 entry

• UK fee - £5,238 Full-time degree per annum
• International fee - £29,500 Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the 2026-27 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2026, February 2027 and July 2027.

UK tuition fees for 2026/27 are currently to be confirmed pending the release of the UKRI recommended rates. Once published, these rates will be subject to formal approval by the University before being confirmed.

Opportunity Details

• Target Start Date: October 2026
• Full time or part time available.
• Open to UK and international applicants.

How to Apply

We welcome discussions with interested candidates.

• Step 1: Interested applicants should first contact Professor Claire Warden (C.Warden@lboro.ac.uk) to discuss your research interests and funding options.
• Step 2: Applicants are then strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors with a CV, academic transcripts, and confirmation of funding sources or planned funding sources.
• Step 3: following any informal discussion, applicants are invited to make a formal application on the Loughborough Website.