PhD Studentship: Effect of an ergogenic aid on sporting performance (MED2042)

Principal supervisors:  

Dr Thomas Bestwick-Stevenson (School of Medicine), Teaching Associate – thomas.bestwick-stevenson@nottingham.ac.uk

Professor Kimberley Edwards (School of Medicine, Professor of Sport, Exercise, and Nutrition Education – kimberley.edwards@nottingham.ac.uk

This project is not funded, and we are seeking a student who can self-fund the PhD.

Programme description: Athletes, coaches and scientists are constantly looking for methods to improve sporting performances, and a popular method is the use of legal ergogenic aids. However, there are various ergogenic aids, and the amount of knowledge and research into them differs. Thus, the theme of this PhD programme is to examine the effect of an ergogenic aid on sporting performance(s), where there is currently a lack of understanding (whether this be the ergogenic aid or sport which currently has the lack of understanding).

The research team currently works on ongoing studies which examines aspects related to this, thus this PhD may expand on some aspects of these studies.

PhD description: The project could use different methods to address differing aspect of this topic and could be reliant on both the interest of the student and supervisory team, plus what is found through the process of the research. But it is likely the project will involve a review, to gain an understanding into the topic plus a series of studies examining the ergogenic aid.

Further information: Applicants should have at least a 2:1 in a relevant degree (for example but not limited to Sport Science/Medicine/Rehab, Public Health, Medicine), and ideally a relevant Master’s degree (for example but not limited to Sport Science/Medicine/Rehab, Public Health, Medicine).

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Thomas Bestwick-Stevenson, thomss.bestwiick-stevenson@nottingham.ac.uk

To apply, candidates should send their CV and a short cover letter (<1000 words) outlining why they are applying to be part of this PhD programme and what they believe they can offer to: Thomas Bestwick-Stevenson Thomas.Bestwick-Stevenson@nottingham.ac.uk.  The email subject line should be: “ERGOGENIC AID PHD APPLICATION”. Candidates should also provide the contact details for 2 referees, one of whom should be their most recent academic supervisor (or line manager in relevant employment, if applicable). Please note, offers of study will be subject to 2 satisfactory references being received.

Closing Date for Applications: Monday April 13th 2026

Provisional Interview Date: Friday April 24th 2026

PhD Start Date: 1st June 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Closing Date: 13 Apr 2026
Category: Studentships