PhD Studentship: Targeting Multi-Organ Gut Axes to Improve Cognitive and Functional Health in Middle-Aged Adults Through Supplementation and Dietary Strategies

This PhD programme of work, supported by HTC Health LTD in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, aims to explore the multi-organ communication pathways of the gut, specifically the gut-brain and gut-muscle axes, as potentially key modulators of cognitive function and physical health in middle-aged-to-older adults.

The central theme will be to investigate how targeted supplementation of nutraceuticals and dietary strategies can enhance gut health, and in turn influence downstream outcomes such as cognition, mood, weight regulation, and musculoskeletal function.

Project aims and objectives

• To investigate how dietary supplementation modulates the gut microbiota and gut permeability, and how these changes correlate with improvements in muscle function, metabolic health, and early signs of cognitive decline.
• To explore the axes of the gut-brain and gut-muscle to overall health in middle-aged populations.
• To examine the bidirectional relationship between gut health and weight management.

Funding

Both home and international students can apply. Only home tuition fees will be covered which is £5,006 for the year 2025/26. International students will need to make up the difference in fees (band 2, £22,500 for the year 2025/26). The student will receive a standard stipend payment for the duration of the award, which is three years. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26.

Specific requirements of the candidate

• Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in sport and exercise science or a related field.
• A Masters qualification in a relevant area would be desirable.
• Experience in quantitative research in areas relating to musculoskeletal health would be desirable.
• Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section).

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Paul Morgan at p.morgan@mmu.ac.uk for an informal discussion. To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sports & Exercise Science. You should also complete a standard CV and cover letter, demonstrating your academic achievements, relevant experience, and motivation for pursuing this PhD. Applications closing date: 28 August 2025. Expected start date: January 2026. Please quote the reference: SciEng-PM-2025-26-HTC-Gut-Brain.