Closing the Healthcare Gap – Understanding the Mechanics of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a distressing condition that affects millions of women globally, often causing pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence, with a significant impact on daily life and well-being. A surgical procedure that uses surgical mesh to lift pelvic organs back into place has been used historically, however, this procedure has led to unsatisfactory outcomes. This project aims to advance knowledge of pelvic floor dysfunction mechanics, with a view to informing and developing a new biomaterial for surgical repair. This research ultimately aims to improve pelvic floor dysfunction treatments and fill a major, neglected, women’s healthcare gap.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Project Aims:</strong></p> <p>The aim is to advance knowledge of pelvic floor dysfunction mechanics to inform a new bioengineering solution.  Objectives are:</p> <ul> <li>Study anatomy and function of female pelvic floor muscles and ligaments to assess their roles in maintaining pelvic organ support.</li> <li>Identify and characterise an in vitro animal model that closely mimics key aspects of human pelvic floor properties and function, providing a base for studying the biomechanics and potential treatments.</li> <li>Develop and validate laboratory methods to evaluate the functional mechanical properties of pelvic tissue.</li> <li>Determine pelvic tissue mechanical properties to inform the design of alternative biomaterials.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Potential Impact</strong></p> <p><strong>Knowledge:</strong> scientific advances in the understanding of the mechanics and functional biomechanics of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.</p> <p><strong>Society:</strong> This is a step forward in reducing inequality in healthcare by addressing critical issues in women’s health through engineering innovations. It will inspire further research and investment in this underexplored area. This project also has the power to inspire women in engineering, empowering them to address and correlate unspoken healthcare problems, particularly those related to women’s health.</p> <p><strong>People:</strong> Supporting Dr Amisha Desai’s development as an Early Career Researcher, providing the foundation for her Fellowship application.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Closing the Healthcare Gap – Understanding the Mechanics of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/207/professor-louise-m-jennings">Professor Louise Jennings</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26: Mechanical Engineering.</strong></em></p> <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> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 31 January 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 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. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not </strong></em>cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Louise Jennings by email to <a href="mailto:L.M.Jennings@leeds.ac.uk">L.M.Jennings@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a><br />  </p>