About the Project
Supervisors:
Dr Caomhan Logue
Prof Helene McNulty
Prof Alison Gallagher
Funded Project
Project Description
The global prevalence of obesity and diabetes has increased markedly over recent decades with significant implications within the social, economic and health arenas. Low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) are food additives which impart a sweet flavour without the associated energy and therefore are commonly used as sugar substitutes in weight management and diabetes control strategies. Despite stringent safety assessments prior to introduction to the human food chain, LCS use remains controversial; however, research approaches fail to adequately establish LCS intakes and therefore improved methods of doing so are necessary to properly elucidate potential effects on health. This project will involve the application of a novel urinary biomarker approach for assessing LCS intakes, which has been developed at Ulster, to investigate the relationship between LCS and health. The primary objective of this research project is to investigate the role of LCS and health outcomes in older adults, with a focus on obesity and diabetes.
Within this PhD work the following specific research objectives will be considered:
• Validation of a urinary biomarker approach for assessing LCS intake in older adults.
• Investigation of LCS intake in an older Irish adult population via a urinary biomarker approach.
• Exploration of the relationship between LCS intake and obesity and diabetes in an older adult cohort.
The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from the Trinity, Ulster and Department of Agriculture (TUDA) study, an observational study of 5,186 older adults recruited from both the North and South of Ireland as part of a cross-border collaborative project (the National Nutrition Phenotype Database Project). We are seeking a student who is enthusiastic, hard-working and possesses good laboratory skills. Training on specialised laboratory techniques (i.e. liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry) will be provided. A background degree in biomedical sciences, nutrition, food science or related subjects is required.
References and additional links
French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) (2015) Opinion on the assessment of the nutritional benefits and risks related to intense sweeteners. https://www.anses.fr/en/system/files/NUT2011sa0161RaEN.pdf
Logue C, Dowey LC, Strain JJ, Verhagen H, Gallagher AM (2016) The potential application of a biomarker approach to investigate low-calorie sweetener exposure. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 75(2): 216-225.
Informal enquiries to Dr Logue ([Email Address Removed]) are welcomed.
For more information on this project, the supervisory team and graduate studies at Ulster, please visit
http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/biomedical/
How to apply for this project:
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees/how-to-apply
Closing date for Applications is 24 February 2017.
Funding Notes
The Department for the Economy (DfE) (formerly called Department for Employment and Learning (DEL))
The University has DfE research studentships available for PhD projects. These pay tuition fees and an annual maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum. These awards are open to holders of, or those expected to obtain, first or upper second class honours degrees and cover fees at the home rate and, for applicants with UK residence only, a maintenance allowance. Non-UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but, if successful, will receive fees only. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate box on their University application form that they wish to apply for a DfE award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for DfE awards, including eligibility, can be found here: DfE Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS)
A number of University funded VCRS will be available for PhD projects at Ulster. These awards are open to applicants who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree. They will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of not less than £14,553 per annum for three years. Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students. Applicants with up to one year’s current or previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval (if required). Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project at Ulster. Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they wish to apply for a University Studentship/VCRS award. The closing date for receipt of applications will be 24 February 2017. Information on terms and conditions for VCRS awards, including eligibility, can be found here: VCRS Terms and Conditions for 2016/2017
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