Dr R Lebcir, Dr R Ahmad, Prof F Sassi
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has become a serious threat to public health. In addition to its medical implications, resources required to deal with AMR and the associated costs are becoming significant at a time when health budgets are squeezed. It is known that behaviours of patients and doctors are contributing to this problem by, for example, non-adherence of patients to treatment and doctors’ over-prescription of antibiotics where this may not be necessary for the patient. This research has two aims: (i) investigate the factors driving this behaviour and their effect on the spread of AMR and its cost to the health sector, and (ii) evaluate the impact of policies aiming at altering the risky behaviour of patients and doctors on the previous indicators. Given the complexity of AMR and the variety of interconnected factors affecting it, a System Dynamics (SD) methodology will be adopted. SD is part of Systems Thinking, which includes qualitative and quantitative elements and is able to model human behavioural aspects. The model developed in this research will be used to rigorously evaluate the effects of AMR behavioural drivers and the policies aiming at changing this behaviour on a number of epidemiological and economic indicators. The successful candidate will be enrolled at the Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, and expected to complete a number of Professional Skills courses as part of their doctoral degree. The Graduate School at Imperial provides an internationally renowned and award winning Professional Development Programme for Postgraduate Research and Postgraduate Taught students which will provide additional training opportunities and student cohort activities.
Applicants must have/or expect to gain a first class or upper second class honours degree or overseas equivalent in a relevant subject area. A Master’s Degree is preferable but not essential. We look for highly motivated applicants with excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
Applicants are requested to send a full CV (including the names and email addresses of at least two academic referees), and personal statement (detailing why you are interested in the research project). Suitable candidates will be then asked to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.
A tax-free stipend and home UK/EU fees will be awarded. Overseas students should be able to demonstrate adequate financial support to cover the difference between the home/EU fee and the overseas fee. Applicants are also required to meet Imperial College’s English language requirements. Please see the following link: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/admissions/pgenglish
Please submit your application to: Dr Reda Lebcir ([Email Address Removed]) and Dr Raheelah Ahmad ([Email Address Removed])
Funding Notes
Please note that students not eligible for 'home/EU' status will still be eligible for funding through this scheme, but the student must pay the difference between the home fee and the fee required for the student. Applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements of the institution they are applying to. Please check the relevant university’s Postgraduate Admissions website. Please also check: http://www.bris.ac.uk/cellmolmed/study/postgraduate/amr/faqs/ on the Training Programme website for answers to other questions you may have.