Stipend: £21,237.00 (inclusive of London allowance) per annum + Tuition Fees (Home) for 3 years

The long-term physical and psychological needs of adults born very preterm are not fully understood and there is limited inclusion of the personal experiences and perceptions of this population. Preterm birth disproportionately affects those from minority ethnic backgrounds, yet we do not know, if and how, experiences, perceptions, and outcomes may vary across the UK’s diverse populations.  

Working closely with Adults Born Prematurely Network (APAN) the PhD student will explore the psychological and physical health perceptions and needs of adults born very preterm with a particular focus on those from minority ethnic backgrounds. An understanding of these areas is crucial for developing better tailored health care and interventions. 

The PhD student will be responsible for developing the final project outline to ensure that it draws on the student’s interests, background, and research expertise. 

Candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Annemarie Lodder (a.lodder@imperial.ac.uk) to discuss their application.

Applicants are requested to send a full CV (including the names and email addresses of two academic referees), and personal statement detailing why you are interested in the research project (maximum 1 side A4, font size 12 Arial) to Annemarie Lodder (a.lodder@imperial.ac.uk). The successful candidate will be asked to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London to allow their qualifications can be reviewed by College Registry.

This PhD position includes a tax-free stipend and Home fees for 3 years. Qualification for Home fees is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. More detail is provided in UKCISA's guide, Who pays home fees for higher education in England?. Non-Home students are welcome to apply, but should be able to demonstrate adequate financial support to cover the difference between the Home fee and the Non-Home fee. Applicants are also required to meet Imperial College’s English language requirements. Please see the following link: English language requirements 

Relevant References

Crump, C.  (2020) An overview of adult health outcomes after preterm birth, Early Human Development, 150,105187, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105187.

D'Agata, A, L. Kelly,M.  Green, C. Sullivan, M (2022) Molding influences of prematurity: Interviews with adults born preterm, Early Human Development,166,105542, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2022.105542.

Kelly, M.M. and Tobias,J. (2021) Recommendations to optimize life-long health and wellbeing for people born preterm, Early Human Development,162, 105458, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105458

Saigal S. In their own words: Life at adulthood after very premature birth. Semin Perinatol. 2016 Dec;40(8):578-583. doi: 10.1053/j.semperi.2016.09.010. Epub 2016 Nov 14. PMID: 27856003.