Analysing the Neuromechanical Response of the Foot to Varied Surfaces for improved Footwear Design, Biology, PhD (Funded)

The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland are seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, cross-continental research team tackling major challenges facing the world’s population in global sustainability and wellbeing as part of the recently launched QUEX Institute.

Find out more about the PhD Studentships www.exeter.ac.uk/quex/phds


Project description:

A PhD candidate is sought to broaden and strengthen a current research collaboration between researchers at the University of Exeter and The University of Queensland (UQ), investigating the biomechanical and neuromuscular function of the human foot during running. The overarching aim of the project is to advance our understanding of how the human foot interacts with different surfaces, loads and footwear. This will help inform better shoe designs that more effectively support feet to help reduce injuries and improve athletic performance.

Background - Humans have been running long distances for millions of years and the ability to do so efficiently may have been a factor in our survival and evolution. In the modern world the popularity of running as a recreational pursuit continues to soar, with tens of millions of people participating in recreational and competitive running in each year, world-wide. However, the running environment has changed and modern runner’s feet now interact with a vast range of hard and soft surfaces and footwear. In recent years the efficacy of running shoes has been hotly debated, but do shoes even support our feet the way we think they do? Our recent research suggests we may need to rethink how shoes provide support to feet. This project aims to provide novel evidence of how the human foot interacts with different forms of support and under variable loads, to provide inspiration for future developments in footwear design.

Project – The PhD project will draw on the breadth of the advisory team’s expertise, incorporating biomechanical techniques/analyses (motion capture, force measurements, musculoskeletal modelling) and measures of neuromuscular function (electromyography, peripheral nerve stimulation). The PhD student will gain expertise in these techniques and complete research projects aimed at understanding how foot function and mechanics are adjusted for running on surfaces of different stiffness and for carrying additional load (such as a heavy backpack). This will provide evidence for how the structures of the foot bare load and how different forms of support can affect its capacity to do so. With this knowledge, better footwear can be conceptualised that will provide more effective support to feet and help reduce injuries.

It is anticipated that the student will be primarily based in Sport & Health Sciences at the University of Exeter although a significant portion of the research may be conducted in the Centre for Sensorimotor Performance at UQ. The student project is linked to a larger collaboration based at UQ, supported by ASICS Oceania and the Australian Institute of Sport. The candidate will therefore be interacting with a post-doctoral researcher and other PhD students who are anticipated to spend time at both universities.



Academic Entry Requirements:

Applicants should be highly motivated and have, or expect to obtain, either a first or upper-second class BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.


If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click for http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/english/ more information and a list of acceptable alternative tests.


How to apply:

To apply, complete the online form (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/funding/application/). You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, supporting statement, academic transcript and details of two academic referees. Your supporting statement should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project, with particular reference to the collaborative nature of the partnership with the University of Queensland, and how this will enhance your training and research.

Applicants who are chosen for interview will be notified on 21 September 2017.

Please quote reference 2671 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

For general enquiries please contact [Email Address Removed]