Fully-Funded PhD: The STEPS study: Simple Timed Eating and Physical activity Strategies to reduce type 2 diabetes

This studentship offers an exciting opportunity to investigate how physical inactivity contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes and to explore whether simple lifestyle strategies can offset its negative effects on both metabolic and brain vascular health.

Based at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport, the successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary supervisory team and lead a human intervention study that combines real-world lifestyle monitoring with cutting-edge laboratory techniques, including MRI, glucose metabolism testing and cerebrovascular ultrasound.

This PhD provides a unique opportunity to develop a wide range of research and professional skills. The student will gain hands-on experience in human physiology, nutrition, data analysis and clinical research, while also engaging with diverse stakeholders across academic, clinical and community settings. The project’s multidisciplinary nature will support the development of technical expertise, collaborative working, and professional networking.

The candidate will be supported to publish high-impact scientific papers, present at national and international conferences, and benefit from extensive training and development opportunities within a vibrant, inclusive doctoral community. This PhD is ideal for a motivated and ambitious individual passionate about preventing chronic disease and contributing to future public health strategies with real-world impact.

Project aims and objectives

This project aims to investigate how short-term physical inactivity affects glucose metabolism, liver fat accumulation, mitochondrial function and brain vascular health in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes. The study will:

• Assess the physiological consequences of seven days of reduced movement on metabolic and cerebrovascular systems.
• Identify whether simple, achievable lifestyle adjustments can help prevent or reverse these effects.
• Explore the potential for rapid recovery of metabolic and vascular function once habitual activity levels are resumed.

By integrating real-world behaviour monitoring with advanced laboratory techniques, this project will generate essential evidence to support practical and scalable strategies for preventing metabolic disease.