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125th Anniversary PhD Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering - PhD Project: Designing total knee replacement implants for patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

  • DeadlineDeadline: The deadline for applications is 23:59 (UK time) on Wednesday 30 April 2025.
  • West Midlands, All EnglandWest Midlands, All England

Description

A new PhD scholarship for Black British Researchers in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

PhD Project: Designing total knee replacement implants for patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

This PhD project will be based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering which is part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 (UK time) on Wednesday 30 April 2025.

About the project

The human knee joint is often affected by arthritis and in many cases surgical intervention is necessary to perform a total knee replacement. This procedure involves removing bone from the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) and inserting a total knee replacement implant. A metal (cobalt chrome molybdenum alloy) component is attached to the femur, while another metal (titanium alloy) component is inserted into the tibia. A polymer (ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene) part is then fixed to the top of the tibial metal component. As the knee moves, the metal femoral component articulates against the polymer part.

Total knee replacement implants have typically been designed based on Caucasian knee anatomy. However, there is often a mismatch between these implants and the knees of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. For instance, black patients have been found to have a significant difference in tibial aspect ratio as compared to the Caucasian tibia, with systematic reviews suggesting worse outcomes following knee replacement.

This project will develop a scalable model of the knee to account for different ethnicities. Knee implant models will then be integrated into this scalable knee model to guide improvements in implant design. Finally, new implant designs will be proposed for patients from different ethnic backgrounds.

An initial model knee will be created from a scan of a knee joint and this model will serve as a template to produce the bony anatomy of knees for patients from various ethnic backgrounds, as well as gender. Several parameters (shapes and dimensions) from the initial model will be identified to create a generic, scalable knee model. By adjusting these parameters, it will be possible to generate knee models tailored to patients from different ethnic backgrounds. These parameters will be based on published literature.

The created model knees will be imported to Computer-Aided Design software and models of currently available knee replacement implants will then be fitted to these model knees to assess fit and motion. These models will then inform the design of new knee implants for patients from different ethnic backgrounds. Finite Element Analysis will be used to investigate the stresses within the implants and at the interface between the implant and the bone.

To validate the computational models, physical models of the knee joint and knee replacement implants will be produced using the 3D printing.

The research in this project is significant because approximately 3.6 million knee replacement procedures were performed globally in 2023. This number is expected to rise considerably over the next decade due to an aging population. Consequently, there will be an increased need for total knee replacements among patients across all ethnic backgrounds.

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Who can apply?

These scholarships are designed to create opportunities and address the underrepresentation of talented Black or Black mixed heritage students in academia. Applicants who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply:

  1. Students classified as 'Home' for tuition fee payments
  2. Members of one of the following ethnic groups:
  • Black African
  • Black Caribbean
  • Black Other
  • Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
  • Mixed – White and Black African
  • Other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other)

     3.Not already enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Birmingham

What does the scholarship provide?

  1. Financial Support: Recipients of these scholarships will receive substantial financial support, including a stipend at UKRI rates, which is set at £20,780 per year for the 2025/26 academic year, and will be paid to you in regular instalments. Successful awardees will also have their tuition fees covered at a minimum of £5,006 per year. This support is designed to alleviate the financial burden often associated with pursuing a doctoral degree, such as covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs.
  2. Mentorship and Guidance: Scholarship recipients will benefit from mentorship opportunities and guidance from accomplished faculty members who are dedicated to helping them succeed in their academic and research endeavours.
  3. Research Opportunities: We are committed to providing an exceptional research environment. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant scholarly community.
  4. Community Building: A key component of the scholarship programme is the creation of a supportive community of Black British researchers pursuing PhDs. This network will foster collaboration and peer support among scholars.
  5. Research Training Support Grant: In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients will receive a research training support grant at £2,250 across the duration of the PhD. This grant is intended to support conference attendance, fieldwork, and other essential activities that enhance their research and academic growth.
  6. Commitment to Inclusivity: We are dedicated to building an inclusive academic environment that values diversity and ensures equitable access to education.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will be expected to have a good Honours degree (First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree) awarded by a recognised University in a relevant subject, or an alternative qualification, or experience of equal quality. In certain cases, a Masters degree or equivalent may be expected in a relevant subject.

How To Apply

After applicants have made contact with the lead PhD supervisor, you will then need to apply to the PhD project using our online application portal: you should select '125th Anniversary Scholarships (EPS)'. You will need to create an account for the online application portal and you will be prompted to sign-in upon your return to the portal.

You do not need to complete your application in one session; you can save your application at each stage and return to the portal at any stage before submission, particularly if you do not have all of the necessary documents when you begin your application.

As this is an 'advertised PhD', in which you will studying the above project that has already been provided by the academic supervisor(s), you do not need to submit a research proposal. Your personal statement will suffice for determining your suitability for the PhD project as well as your previous academic, professional and personal experiences.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 (UK time) on Wednesday 30 April 2025.

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