Green Spaces in Healthy Ageing: Use, Environmental, Seasonal and Individual Influences on Health in Deprived Areas

Applications are invited for Interdisciplinary Doctoral research focused on developing new understanding of how and why older adults in deprived areas in Leeds are(n't) using green spaces across the climate seasons, how their experiences impact their health and ultimately propose ways to re/design green spaces to overcome barriers to use and promote health and wellbeing. <br /> <br /> 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.

<p>The 2023 Chief Medical Officer’s Report on Health in an Ageing Society highlights the importance of primary prevention and the role that environments, including access to green spaces play in health inequalities for older adults in disadvantaged areas. Benefits of green spaces are even greater for those in disadvantaged areas and that related health inequalities are lower in neighbourhoods with greater access to green spaces. Most research in this area depends on the assumption that if people have access to nearby green space, they will automatically use them. This interdisciplinary PhD will develop new understanding of how and why older adults in deprived areas in Leeds are(n’t) using urban green spaces, how their experiences impact their health and propose ways to design green spaces to overcome barriers to use and promote health and wellbeing. This project will use multiple layered methods including geographical mapping, go-along interviews, large-scale community surveys, and co-designed guidelines with local stakeholders. This project has the potential to contribute insights and novel evidence and the co-designed guidelines for developing/redeveloping local green space design that has the potential to impact older adult’s health and wellbeing, and inform local and national strategy and health policy.   </p> <p>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. </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/reimagine-ageing">Reimagine Ageing Interdisciplinary Research Network</a> 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.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>Whilst the PhD students will be hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and Health the focus will be on interdisciplinary work.</p> <p>Please contact Dr Alison Divine for further details if required.</p>

<p>To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete an <a href="https://prod.banner.leeds.ac.uk/ssb/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application:</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>evidence that you meet the University’s English language requirements (if applicable)</li> <li>Interested applicants should submit applications outlining their interest and experience in the topic area</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Medicine as your programme of study</li> <li>Provide the area you are interested in and briefly outline the type of research you wish to pursue relevant to the area identified</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for a Dunhill Medical Trust Scholarship</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements (below)</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

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.

<p>We are offering 3 full-time PhD scholarship for UK candidates, covering a maintenance grant of £19,237 per year and UK tuition fees for three and a half years subject to satisfactory progress. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</p> <p>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.</p>

<p>For information about the project please contact Dr Alison Divine (<a href="mailto:A.Divine@leeds.ac.uk">A.Divine@leeds.ac.uk</a>) and/or Anne Forster (<a href="mailto:A.Forster@leeds.ac.uk">A.Forster@leeds.ac.uk</a>)</p> <p>For information about the admissions process please contact: <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>