PhD Studentship: In Vitro, Toxicology, Indoor Pollution: Development of a 3D Fluid-flow Respiratory Model to Assess the Effects on Multiple Inhaled Respiratory Exposures

Swansea University - Faculty of Medicine Health and Life Science

Qualification Type:PhDLocation:SwanseaFunding for:UK StudentsFunding amount:£21,805 Funded by UKHSA. Covers full tuition, £21,805 stipend (2026/27).Hours:Full TimePlaced On:14th April 2026Closes:27th April 2026Reference:RS947

The Chief Medical Officer’s Annual report (2022) highlighted the increasing issue of indoor air pollution which can vary substantially on constituents and concentrations depending on the environment. Exposure to air pollutants and airborne allergens, such as fungi and pollen, can have a serious effect on human health. Previous studies have shown that inhalation of fungi and fungal particles, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter can induce lung inflammation, reduce lung function, trigger allergic sensitisation and worsen pre-existing respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic rhinitis etc). In severe cases, exposure can prove fatal, as tragically demonstrated by the deaths of Ella Kissi-Debrah and Awaab Ishak from excessive air pollution and prolonged mould exposure, respectively.

However, these exposures are often completed as static isolated exposures. In reality, air is a complex mixture, and real-world exposures rarely occur one pollutant at a time. Understanding how multiple exposures interact, and how they affect different parts of the respiratory system, is therefore critical for building a more accurate picture of their impact on health.

This project seeks to develop triple respiratory epithelium models that links different areas of the airways (nasal cavity, bronchi and alveoli) through a circulating fluid system. The models will also be compatible with current aerosol exposure techniques and capable of exposing to multiple pollution components.

This project is a collaboration between Swansea University Medical School (Professor Martin Clift and Dr Kirsty Meldrum) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (Emma-Jane Goode, Dr Emma Marczylo and Dr Alison Buckley) The student will be placed in the In Vitro Toxicology Group at FMHLS, but also undertake placement(s) at UKHSA during the studentship. The project is fully funded for 3 years.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA (Full list of categories for HE in Wales)