Measuring the impact of a whole plant based alternative protein sources on gut health and metabolic function

Summary

A number of aquatic plants, including duckweed (genera Lemna, Wolffia, and Spirodela), are emerging as potential sources of alternative proteins to assist in population level dietary transition to a sustainable, low animal protein healthy diet. Recent recognition by the European Commission of Lemna gibba and Lemna minor as novel foods suitable for release onto the European market, opens the door to consumption of these whole plant foods in Europe and the UK1. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of duckweed, as a whole plant food to substitute meat, to help reduce and maintain weight loss 2, improve metabolic health 3, reduce brain atrophy 4, visceral fat depots 5 and intrahepatic fat 6, and apparently mediate these activities through the gut microbiota 7.

The current PhD project, collaborating with the University of Leeds and other NAPIC partners (specifically Kew Gardens, London) will examine the potential of different duckweed species native to the UK and Ireland as potential new/forgotten sources of protein and examine the gut health effects of new Lemna gibba and Lemna minor foods. Specifically, we will examine how L. gibba and L. minor impact on the gut microbiota, their metabolic output and the bioavailability of duckweed derived nutrients. In parallel, using pre-clinical models, we will compare native duckweed species to commercial varieties produced within the EU and evaluate their potential as sustainable, climate resilient sources of dietary protein and other beneficial plant bioactives.

The successful PhD candidate will receive expert training in human nutrition, markers of gut health, microbial ecology, in vitro gut models, and metabolite analysis. Moreover, they will benefit from an internship at the University of Leeds and close collaboration with other NAPIC partners who can provide training and advice on alternative protein sustainability and new/forgotten sources of edible plant based protein.

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.