PhD Studentship: Enhancing the Dissemination, Implementation and Sustainability of Physical Literacy into Policy and Practice

Applications are now invited for a fully funded PhD Studentship within the Physical Activity Exchange at Liverpool John Moores University.

About the Project

Physical literacy is a vital component for lifelong physical activity, yet its implementation in policy and practice varies significantly across countries. This PhD project aims to bridge this gap by exploring how national physical literacy consensus statements in England and globally are disseminated, implemented, and sustained to accelerate global progress in the concept.

The programme of research will:

• Examine dissemination strategies: Identify the most effective ways to inform and educate professionals and practitioners about physical literacy.
• Explore implementation outcomes: Assess how well physical literacy is integrated into health, education, sport, and community sectors.
• Evaluate sustainability: Identify factors that support the long-term adoption of physical literacy initiatives.
• Assess impact: Investigate the effects of the consensus statements on policy, practice, and physical activity behaviours.

Methodology

The PhD will involve a mixed methods design:

• Systematic Review: To identify evidence-based strategies for the dissemination and implementation of consensus statements into policy and practice within sport and physical activity related fields.
• Mixed-Methods Research: Using interviews, surveys, media and document analysis to analyse dissemination, implementation and sustainment efforts.  
• Participatory Workshops: Engaging stakeholders from health, education, sport, and community sectors to assess implementation and real-world impact.

Anticipated outputs will include peer-reviewed scientific publications and conference presentations, a toolkit of evidence-based dissemination, implementation, and sustainability strategies for physical literacy consensus statements, international case studies of success stories and strategies, and policy briefs that provide a roadmap for global adoption and scaling-up.

Candidate requirements

Note, only UK ‘home’ students can apply for this studentship. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with:

• A First or Upper Second-Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Sport Science, Health Sciences, Public Health, Education, Psychology, or a related discipline.
• A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential.
• Strong research skills, particularly in qualitative or mixed-methods research.
• Expertise in implementation science is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills for engaging with a range of stakeholders and managing a multi-country project.
• A passion for physical literacy and physical activity promotion.

What we offer:

• Expert Supervision: Work closely with Dr Lawrence Foweather, Professor Lynne Boddy, Dr Sarah Taylor and Dr Emma Ashworth - experts in physical literacy, physical activity, and implementation science. Receive support, guidance, and mentorship from international experts, including Associate Professor Nicole Nathan (University of Newcastle) and Professor Raymond Sum (Chinese University of Hong Kong) among others, who will be PhD advisors.
• World-Class Research Environment: Be part of the School of Sport and Exercise Science, home of the first honours degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences in 1975, and the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, which is ranked among the top in the UK for research impact and quality.
• Professional Development: Enhance your research and transferable skills through the Liverpool John Moores University’s Researcher Development Programme. Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and engage and network with sector stakeholders.
• Collaborative Research Community: Join the Physical Activity Exchange, engaging in cutting-edge research that influences national and international policy.

Diversity & inclusion

The Faculty of Science and its three Schools: Biological & Environmental Sciences, Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, and Sports & Exercise Science, have dedicated Diversity and Inclusion (DI) Groups. The individual School Diversity & Inclusion Coordinators and the Faculty Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion lead collective action to promote and embed a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity. The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has been awarded the Athena SWAN Silver in recognition of their respective equality initiatives and action plans.

We are committed to making scientific research more inclusive and are keen to support applicants from groups that have long been underrepresented and/or marginalised from the field. If you belong to such groups, we would like to offer dedicated pre-application advice and mentorship, so that you can prepare the strongest possible application. Please contact Dr. Lawrence Foweather on the below email for more information.

Funding notes

Full time, fully funded PhD Studentship to commence no later than Friday 6th June 2025. Only UK students can apply for this studentship. The applicant must be eligible for Home Fee Status. Funding will consist of full tuition fees for three years and the award of a living stipend at UK Research Council rates (£19,237 each year in 2024 to 2025, rising to £20,780 each year in 2025-26). Funding will be subject to satisfactory progress.

References

To apply, please email the following documents to Dr. Lawrence Foweather at L.Foweather@ljmu.ac.uk:

1. A cover letter outlining your motivation and fit for the project and person criteria.
2. A CV, including your academic achievements and relevant research and professional experience.
3. Contact details for two academic referees.

Application deadline: 5pm, Sunday 6^th April 2025

Interview date: w/c 14^th April or w/c 21^st April 2025 (via Microsoft Teams or in person).

Start date: on or before 6^th June 2025