An investigation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in a high fish-eating population and its association with reproductive health

Summary

Exposure to EDCs have significantly increased in recent years and may pose health risks when consumed as part of the diet. EDCs are ubiquitous and contact with these chemicals can occur through air, diet, skin and water. EDCs are a growing concern in both ocean and freshwater environments and due to their persistent nature, they can bioaccumulate in fish tissues. Therefore, populations with a high fish intake may have increased exposure to these compounds and as a result may experience disruption to normal hormone function leading to metabolic, developmental, and reproductive health issues.

Fish provides at least 20% of the total protein intake in a third of the world’s population (Mohanty et al,2019). Developing countries such as Seychelles are highly dependent on fish as their primary protein source in the diet. The importance of fish in a healthy diet cannot be understated, providing a rich source of protein, omega (ω)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin D, iodine, selenium, zinc, magnesium and calcium (Simopoulos et al, 2002, Mohanty et al,2019). Understanding how fish consumption relates to the exposure of EDCs and its potential effects on health is of great public health concern; especially for high fish-eating populations such as Seychelles.

The project will involve measuring EDC levels in samples (e.g., hair, blood and urine) from the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) Nutrition Cohorts (pregnancy to older age), and will examine relationships between these exposures, fish consumption and health outcomes, including markers of reproductive health and ageing. Findings from this study could offer valuable insights into the health risks posed by EDC exposure in fish-eating populations and inform public health recommendations regarding safe fish consumption levels.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• NIH
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)
• Department for the Economy (DfE)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.