Effects of environmental heat stress on respiratory health

Climate change dictates that global average environmental temperatures are going to increase in the 21st century and heatwaves are going to become more frequent, intense and long-lasting. Respiratory illnesses are one of the greatest sources of morbidities and mortality during heatwaves. The mechanisms compromising respiratory health in hot weather are, however, poorly understood.

The PhD project should aim to evaluate the effects of environmental heat stress on the respiratory system in vulnerable populations (e.g. older adults, individuals with pre-existing lungs conditions). 

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in sport and exercise sciences, human physiology or a related field. A Masters qualification in a relevant area would be desirable. Experience in quantitative research in areas relating to human, environmental and/or exercise physiology is essential.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you woold be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Pascale Kippelen - After completing undergraduate (BSc) and postgraduate studies (MSc and PhD) in Sport & Exercise Sciences (with a specialism in Exercise and Respiratory Physiology) in France - at the University of Strasbourg and University of Montpellier, respectively -, Pascale joined Dr Sandra D Anderson at the Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney (Australia) to carry on post-doctoral training. There, she investigated the pathophysiology of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in athletes and took part to phase III of the clinical trial for AridolTM/OsmohaleTM. AridolTM/OsmohaleTM is a bronchial provocation test aimed at diagnosing asthma patients and managing the condition. In 2005, Pascale was offered a Lectureship in Exercise Physiology at the School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen (UK). In 2008, she moved to Brunel University London to take up lectureship in Exercise and Respiratory Physiology. She was promoted Senior Lecturer in 2011, and Reader in 2020. Pascale is a member of staff in the Division of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (SHES). 

Related Research Group(s)

Applied Respiratory Research Group - Applied respiratory research meeting the needs of respiratory-related healthcare