Breast Trauma in Sport: Are contact sports damaging the breast health of our female athletes?

Applications are invited for a funded three-year PhD to commence in February 2025. 

This PhD studentship is funded by Ingeborg Gross Foundation and will also form a key part of the research strategy within the internationally renowned Research in Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth. 

The successful candidate will work as a part of the vibrant research community within the School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences (Faculty of Science and Health) at the University of Portsmouth, and will be supervised by Dr Chris Mills and Prof Joanna Wakefield-Scurr.

The successful applicant will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25). Bursary recipients will also receive a £500 p.a. for project costs/consumables. 

Project description

The location and anatomy of the female breast makes it particularly vulnerable in contact sports. Composed of fat and glandular tissue, the breast has limited connection to the pectoral muscles below. Natural support comes from skin and fascia tissue, which lack mechanical strength, making the breast highly deformable. Breast impacts from hard or fast-moving objects result in tissue compression between the thorax and the object. Breast impacts are associated with pain, tenderness, haematoma, swelling, scar tissue and fat necrosis. Scar tissue and fat necrosis can mimic breast cancer, posing challenges to breast screening. This program of research will explore changes in breast morphology following breast impacts in contact sports.

The project aims to deliver the following project objectives:

1. Quantify morphological differences in breast tissue between a range of populations. 

2. Determine if breast trauma alters the dynamic behaviour of the breasts.

3. Develop strategies to mitigate future breast injuries.

The programme of work will utilise the state-of-the-art biomechanics (e.g. 34 camera Qualisys 3D motion capture system, Artec Eva surface scanner and a 15WL4 wide linear array ultrasound transducer) equipment housed within the School.

Entry Requirements

General admissions criteria

You’ll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised University (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. 

Specific candidate requirements

This opportunity will suit a person who has a strong work ethic, is self-motivated, and has a desire to learn and develop as a researcher. Experience in capturing, processing and analysing biomechanical and image data in human participants is an advantage. Experience with and/or a willingness to learn MATLAB (or equivalent) is essential. Due to the sensitive nature of the research, excellent interpersonal skills are also required. Applicants from a range of training and/or research backgrounds including (not limited to) sport and exercise science, physiotherapy, or sonography are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Chris Mills ([email protected]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code PSH50001124 when applying.