Promoting Healthy Ageing through Diverse Mobility Options

Applications are invited for full-time interdisciplinary doctoral research focused on addressing the evolving transportation needs of older adults.

The work will be undertaken in the context of the Dunhill Medical Trust Reimagine Ageing Doctoral Research Programme embedded in the Interdisciplinary Reimagine Ageing Research Network. The Network focuses on improving the quality of life, functional capacity and well-being of people as they age. It is embedded in and is being co-created with community partners with the intent for meaningful interdisciplinary engagement from colleagues across the University of Leeds and with the communities whose lives they seek to improve.

Are you passionate about creating inclusive, equitable transportation solutions for an ageing population? With an ageing population, it’s crucial to ensure older adults have access to transportation that supports their mobility, independence, and quality of life. Today’s older adults are more active and mobile, driving a higher demand for diverse travel options. This demographic shift calls for innovative research to design transport that is safe, affordable, and adaptable.

As a PhD researcher, you’ll delve into the factors influencing mobility patterns among older adults, exploring health, socioeconomics, location, and personal preferences. You’ll identify barriers and facilitators to travel, developing strategies that encourage public transportation and active mobility while integrating emerging technologies like ride-sharing, autonomous vehicles, and on-demand transit.

You’ll engage directly with the older adult community through diverse research methods which could include workshops, walking interviews, focus groups, and co-design activities, ensuring that your research is grounded in real-world experiences. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults, fostering a future where mobility is accessible to all. 

The award is open to full-time candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree in the School of Medicine. 

The Reimagine Ageing Interdisciplinary Research Network is hosted by the Horizons Institute University of Leeds. The focus is on how approaches and innovative solutions might enhance the perceptions, narratives and experience of ageing.

The Network brings together academics, clinicians, industrial partners, charities, the third sector, and local authorities to stimulate new interdisciplinary collaborations and co-create novel, imaginative responses to the global challenge of ageing. The Reimagine Ageing PhD Programme has been funded by Dunhill Medical Trust and the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Leeds. 

Whilst the PhD students will be hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and Health the focus will be on interdisciplinary work.

Please contact Professor Steve O’Hern for further details if required.

Eligibility

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Medicine should normally have an Undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area. A Master’s degree is desirable, but not essential.

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree. Awards will be taken up sometime in the 2024/25 academic year. Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship, with the expectation they will contribute to development of the Reimagine Ageing Network.

How to Apply

To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application:

• a full academic CV
• degree certificate and transcripts of marks
• evidence that you meet the University’s English language requirements (if applicable)
• Interested applicants should submit applications outlining their interest and experience in the topic area

To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form

• Select PhD in Medicine as your programme of study
• Provide the area you are interested in and briefly outline the type of research you wish to pursue relevant to the area identified
• For source of funding please state you are applying for a Dunhill Medical Trust Scholarship