Funding and Finance

PhD Studentship - Exercise, Glucose Control and Liver Fat

  • Institute of Cellular Medicine
  • Reference Code: ICM50

Details:

Supervisors: Professor Chris Day, Dr Michael Trenell
Institute: Institute of Cellular Medicine
Sponsor: Diabetes UK
Duration: 3 years

This studentship will evaluate how physical activity and exercise effects liver fat and glucose control in people with fatty liver disease and insulin resistance.

The accumulation of fat inside of the liver is closely related to glucose control and lifestyle. Recent studies have shown that 100% of people with Type 2 diabetes have fat in their liver. Furthermore, the amount of liver fat is inversely related to physical activity, with the less physically active people having  higher levels of liver fat. The aim of this studentship pathway is to report on the effects of exercise upon direct measures of liver fat and its mediators (insulin sensitivity) in people with clinically diagnosed high levels of liver fat.

This project will start in October 2009

Eligibility and Value of the Award
Due to funding criteria this studentship is only available to UK and EU students. The award covers tuition fees and an annual stipend of approximately £13,000.

Person Specification
You should have, or expect to achieve, a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree (or European equivalent) or a higher qualification, in a relevant subject. A good knowledge of exercise physiology or metabolism is preferred, but not essential.

How to Apply
You must complete the University’s postgraduate application form, selecting ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences (full time) - Cellular Medicine’ as the programme of study and inserting the reference number ICM50. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) and a CV, a covering letter and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications must be attached. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number ICM50 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

Closing date for applications: early application is advised as applications will only be considered until a suitable candidate is found.

Further Information
For more details, please contact Dr Michael Trenell, m.i.trenell@ncl.ac.uk