Using vibration to explore human balance function

Dr Steven Bell

Friday, May 29, 2026

Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

Supervisory Team - Dr Steven Bell and Ying Ye

About the project

A well functioning balance (vestibular) system is essential for everyday life. When illnesses affect vestibular function it can be very disabling. This project aims to use world leading vibration test facilities to apply controlled motions to humans with the aim to test and improving understanding of the human balance system.

The Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) houses world leading facilities to apply well controlled motions to humans (via small and large shakers). We aim to use these facilities to explore human balance. This project will build on some initial work in this area, including work that has tested people with balance disorders, with the aim to improving understanding of the human vestibular ocular reflex and to potentially developing new approaches to test human balance. Read about this initial work in the Journal of Applied Physiology, Cochlear Implants International, and the International Journal of Audiology.

You will be able to take modules from around the university that help you to develop relevant skills, for example in audiology or biomedical engineering. We will support you in the use of vibration testing facilities.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

Desirable skills:

• interest in human balance, potentially through an audiology or medical background)
• good technical skills
• understanding of physics or mechanics

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)