Understanding the cognitive effects of e-cigarette use (HHS-2026-03)

About the Project

Recent statistics show that the use of e-cigarettes has overtaken the use of cigarettes for the first time, with approximately 5.4 million people using e-cigarettes daily in Great Britain (ONS, 2024). In the UK, e-cigarettes are often recommended as quitting tools by stop smoking services. However, a recent scoping review highlighted that little is known about the effects of e-cigarette use in both the short and long term (Novak & Wang, 2024).

Beyond concerns about exposure to toxic substances while using e-cigarettes, there are mixed findings about their effects on cognition with some studies showing little or no effect, but others suggesting there is potential for disruption to memory, concentration and decision making (Novak & Wang, 2024).

This PhD project aims to better understand the effects of e-cigarette use on cognition using a range of cognitive tasks (e.g. executive function, reinforcement learning) and appropriate neuroscience methods (e.g. electroencephalography). The findings will have important implications for public health policy.

This study aims to better understand (1) the effects of e-cigarettes on short term cognitive abilities, and (2) whether neurocognitive markers generalise across, or are specific to, e-cigarette and cigarette smokers?

This project will utilise a range of cognitive tasks which target executive function and decision making skills, administered to e-cigarette users, smokers and controls. EEG data will be collected during the tasks to understand the neurological correlates of any differences between groups and analyses will include modelling of reaction time data to identify the decision making components affected by e-cigarette use.

The ideal candidate will have strong quantitative skills, experience and/or knowledge of neuroscience methods, and be eager to learn about advanced data analysis involving programming.

For subject specific enquiries please contact: Dr Chris Retzler (c.retzler@hud.ac.uk)

How to apply

You must submit your application in full by Friday 19th June 2026, including the following documents:

• A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
• A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. For further guidance on writing a research proposal, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/writing-a-research-proposal/
• Full CV
• Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
• Provide references from two individuals – (at least one to be an academic reference) please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their work email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by 29th June 2026).
• Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page
• Please state the research topic number and title in the subject area of the email

Please email pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Type of Award: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Eligibility: Applications are welcome from UK applicants only; ideally with an MSc in a relevant subject area, applicants with a First-Class Honours degree may also be considered.

Location: Huddersfield

Funding: 3 years full-time research covering tuition fees and a tax-free bursary (stipend) starting at £21,805 for 2026/27.