PhD Studentship in Psychology: Exploring the Effect of Prebiotics on Stress, Cognition, Mood and Sleep: A Window into the Gut-brain Axis

Supervisors:  Dr Daniel Lamport, Dr Piril Hepsomali and Dr Gemma Walton 

Project Overview:   

Are you passionate about cutting-edge research in nutritional neuroscience and gut-brain interactions? This fully funded PhD studentship, co-sponsored by the University of Reading and an Industry partner, offers a unique opportunity to explore the impact of prebiotic supplementation on stress, sleep, and cognitive health.

The gut-brain axis plays a critical role in mental well-being, and emerging evidence suggests that prebiotics can positively influence this connection. This project will focus on galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), an established prebiotic, to investigate its potential for enhancing resilience to stress, improving sleep quality, and supporting cognitive function.

Why Join This Project?

• Work at the forefront of nutritional neuroscience gut-brain research, contributing to a growing field with real-world applications.
• Gain hands-on experience with clinical trials, techniques for assessing cognition, mood and sleep, and advanced microbiome analysis.
• Collaborate with world-class researchers and industry experts in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
• Benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities in Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences (PCLS) and Food and Nutritional Sciences (FNS).

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor Degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience, Nutrition, or a related discipline.
• An MSc (merit or distinction) in a relevant subject would also be advantageous.
• Due to the nature of the funding this studentship is open to UK/Republic of Ireland applicants only.

Funding Details:   

• Starts Sep/Oct 2025
• 3 year award
• Funding covers UK/Republic of Ireland tuition fees plus UKRI stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26)

How to apply: 

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button and create your account, and use the link sent by email to start the application process. During the application process please select the PhD in Psychology

*Important notes*

1. Please quote the reference ‘DRC25-021’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
2. If the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, please paste in the project title and move on to the next step in the application.

Application Deadline: 16^th May 2025 

Further Enquiries:  

For further details please contact Dr Daniel Lamport (Daniel.lamport@reading.ac.uk)

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria. 

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