The impact of probiotic and prebiotic dietary strategies in modulating immune responses and gut microbiota in infected hosts

Summary

This PhD project investigates how dietary strategies using probiotics and prebiotics can support immune health and gut balance in individuals infected with parasites. Parasitic infections are a serious global health issue, affecting millions and often causing weakened immune systems and disrupted gut health. Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, and prebiotics, which nourish these good bacteria, show promise in helping to restore a healthy gut environment and strengthen the body’s defence against these infections. However, the ways that these dietary tools can aid immune health specifically for parasitic infections aren’t fully understood.

This project seeks to explore how particular probiotics and prebiotics might improve gut health and support the immune system, ultimately contributing to better recovery outcomes for people with parasitic infections. The project will evaluate different types of probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to understand how they influence immune responses and gut balance in infected hosts.

Using a variety of research approaches, the objectives of the PhD research will be to: a) Conduct a systematic review on probiotics and prebiotics in immune modulation and gut health for infected hosts. b) Assess immune markers and gut microbiota profiles before and after interventions using advanced analysis. c) Examine long-term effects of these interventions on recovery, microbiome stability, and health outcomes. d) Develop recommendations to integrate effective probiotic and prebiotic strategies into public health policies for infection management and immune support.

The PhD researcher involved in this project will have access to extensive training opportunities, including specialized workshops, relevant online courses, and personal development initiatives facilitated by the Doctoral College. Furthermore, the researcher will be encouraged to disseminate their findings at national and international conferences, contributing to the scientific discourse on gut health. microbiology and immunology.

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:

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

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.