Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences (CSELS) Postgraduate Research
Research Coventry
discover more online www.coventry.ac.uk/research
Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences (CSELS) It is my pleasure to introduce you to the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences (CSELS). CSELS has a vibrant postgraduate student community, offering an exciting and supportive environment to pursue graduate studies. As a student at CSELS, you will benefit from access to a world-class health and life sciences laboratory, and Olympic-grade fitness and sports science research facilities. You will become a part of a multi-professional team of renowned academics, researchers and clinicians. We are eager to work with committed and creative doctoral students who will become integrated into our collaborative research programmes. Doctoral students work independently and in project groups under the supervision of a Director of Studies. Each member of the centre is on their own journey, including PhD students, but individuals also find support from the larger group as we seek to create opportunities for collaboration and mutual support. We look forward to welcoming you to contribute to the growing portfolio of research that we undertake.
About CSELS Research within CSELS reflects a broad strength of sport, exercise and biological associated sciences to understand life at a molecular level through to the whole body. We have considerable expertise, including: physiology, physical activity, sport performance, nutrition, cell biology, genomic and molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry and safety pharmacology. The applied nature of our research involves engagement with partners in the field of sport, exercise, biosciences and healthcare, to identify ‘real world’ problems to provide a solution-based approach.
CSELS promotes a supportive research environment that provides an opportunity for critical thinking, reflective practice and rich discussions on research. Our thriving community of postgraduate researchers includes part-time, full-time, mature, UK and overseas students. We are committed to providing a creative, supportive and innovative research environment for our staff and students, encouraging personal development, stakeholder engagement and collaboration both within Coventry University and externally.
We collaborate with a range of researchers from the UK and overseas on a portfolio of research projects funded from a range of sources including; Research Councils, European Commission, Innovate UK, NHS trust, industry and charities. Our research partners range from small- and mediumsized enterprises, research institutes and universities from the UK and overseas.
Helen Maddock Executive Director
"My PhD has been jointly funded by Coventry University and the NHS. Working within the metabolic unit on an area which has provided experience of managing clinical trials, I have really developed my skills and experience for the role I will be undertaking post-PhD."
“I love having a diverse supervisory team at CSELS, that has encouraged me to develop a strong project by enabling me to see my project from different perspectives.” Alexander Dallaway PhD Student
Corbin Griffen PhD Student
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Research themes Our research can be split into two broad areas: Integrative Bio-Science, and Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Sciences. Within these overarching research areas there are a number of themes which are listed below.
Physical Activity and Health This theme focuses on the beneficial impact of physical activity and exercise on health and well-being. Encompassing the whole-life cycle from young children to older adults, we draw upon the disciplines of exercise physiology, nutrition, exercise psychology, biomechanics and implementation science to better understand movement and how to get people to move. We have extensive experience working with schools and children on a variety of projects, as well as work focused on understanding physical activity behaviour and function in older adults. We have also been responsible for the development, monitoring and evaluation of physical activity interventions, working with local authorities and public health specialists as requested.
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Disease Prevention, Therapeutics and Diagnostics This is a cross-cutting theme aimed at novel scientific and clinical approaches to support the development of modern-day therapeutics discovery and development and disease prevention. We have expertise in areas including: target selection and validation; lead molecule identification and optimisation; computational drug design, and disease modelling. This incorporates the work being done by Professor Mark Wheatley, who has an international reputation for his research into the structure and function of G-protein-coupled receptors. We develop, test and implement clinical diagnostic, therapeutic and complex behaviour change interventions to improve health and healthcare in the community and NHS settings.
Cardiovascular and Lifestyle Medicine
Sport and Human Performance
This theme aims to develop and deliver opportunities through globally significant interdisciplinary research and innovation excellence. It focuses on clinical and molecular cardiovascular, lifestyle, exercise and behavioural sciences to improve health across the life course. We achieve this by improving the physiological and molecular understanding of the interaction between lifestyle and health. Using a translational research approach, we develop, evaluate, and implement novel physiological, pharmacological, behavioural, and technological interventions to enhance prevention, early diagnosis and effective management of chronic conditions. Our interventions aim to be culturally acceptable, scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable.
Research within this theme focuses on advancing human performance, tolerance and safety in sports, recreation, educational, occupational and exploration settings. We directly address sport performance through applying needs analysis techniques and using a range of nutritional, physiological, biomechanical and psychological interventions across the spectrum of recreational to elite athletes. Our occupational-based work is informed by undertaking job task analysis alongside brokering scientific knowledge with clients to define, address, inform and develop bespoke solutions to specific research questions. Our highly expert, adaptable and multidisciplinary team enables us to operate effectively across the continuum of human performance within field and laboratory-based settings.
Cell Signalling and Membrane Biology Research within this theme focuses on understanding fundamental molecular mechanisms to provide novel insights into cellular processes and their regulation. This includes receptors, cell signalling, development of organisms, and their interaction with pathogens. It also looks at the molecular basis and pathophysiology of diseases including cancer and metabolic disorders, and signalling and transcriptional pathways in normal and pathological states. We exploit multi-disciplinary approaches including molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, biochemical pharmacology, confocal microscopy, genetics/epigenetics, computational and systems biology.
Bioscience and Biotechnology Engineering Our research in this area focuses on the application of technologies and engineering to Life Sciences. This is done through innovation that drives radical change in the capabilities of a user or culture. Enabling technologies are characterized by rapid development of subsequent derivative technologies, often in diverse fields. As part of the research group's bio-innovative activities, we are developing methods in Bioremediation, particularly in Bioleaching technology. This research is looking at applications to tackle environmental issues and support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Agenda.
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Research environment Learning opportunities are available to all students at the university. We use a variety of shared social learning spaces and provide access to regular research events including research seminars, workshops, and training opportunities. These give participants the chance to mix with staff and students across the university. We also run an annual Faculty Research Symposium, where postgraduate research students present posters or papers, with prizes awarded to the best presentations and papers. We deliver practical laboratory skills and transferable skills training. These take place at dedicated, annual summer and winter schools, and regular, research seminars. These sessions give students the opportunity to hear from the experts in their field, with questions and debate encouraged. Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) At CSELS we have our own Doctoral Training Centre (DTC), which was the first in the UK to receive accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology. This allows graduating PhD students a fast-track route to attain Chartered Biologist (CBiol) status and offers a range of funding to support UK and international travel.
Our DTC collaborates with the central university Doctoral College, which provides students with access to a wide range of learning opportunities and support throughout their studies from application through to graduation. The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Several members of our staff are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES): the professional body for sport and exercise sciences in the UK. Professor David Broom and Dr Mike Price are currently board members. BASES aims to drive excellence in sport and exercise sciences through the promotion of evidencebased practice, and the development and enhancement of professional and ethical standards. Buildings and facilities The Alison Gingell Building is home to the first education-based Super Laboratory (Lab+) for biomedical, pharmacological and analytical sciences. This world-class, health and life sciences laboratory environment houses industry-standard facilities for microscopy, haematology, chromatography, DNA sequencing, optical emission and mass spectrometry. Our Olympic-grade sports facilities look at how athletes can effectively improve their performances by analysing how they run and distribute their weight when exercising. We work with elite athletes and local sports teams. The facilities also include a 40-metre running track and a 12-camera, 3D-motion capture system and environmental chamber that can simulate the altitude of Mount Everest.
Postgraduate research: what we offer CSELS has a vibrant community of postgraduate students who study in an exciting and supportive environment. You will become a part of a multi-professional team of renowned academics, researchers and clinicians. You can benefit from access to a world-class health and life sciences laboratory environment with industry-standard research facilities. We provide a range of options to study for a PhD. Traditional PhD We welcome applications from suitably qualified self-funded or sponsored PhD candidates that relate to our current research themes including bio-sciences, pharmacology, sport and exercise sciences. Our standard programme is 42 months. Applications can be for part-time and full-time study. We offer students entry points in September, January and May. Masters by Research (MRes) This is a one-year full-time course that offers an ideal stepping stone from undergraduate study before applying for a doctoral programme. The research project would need to align to our research interests. As a postgraduate researcher, you will be engaged with research with academic support from your supervisory team. Fully-funded cotutelle studentships Our joint PhDs with Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and Deakin University (Australia) offer students the opportunity to complete some of their studies in South Africa or Australia working with academics in related fields. Students who complete a PhD will receive the award from both universities.
Industry-funded studentships Students can benefit from the university's relationship with external organisations, including industry and the third sector through combined sponsorship. We develop research programmes, in collaboration with partners, with targeted outcomes that match models of funding with the needs of the business and the student. This partnership combines research expertise with real-life problem-solving to provide invaluable development for postgraduate talent. The specific topic areas of these studentships are changeable and are offered at specific points in the year when funding has been allocated. Studentship funding would usually include payment of tuition fees, an annual stipend and associated consumable costs for lab-based research projects. Student allowances All postgraduate research students are entitled to an annual allowance of ÂŁ250 to support the purchase of research materials and equipment. This is reduced to ÂŁ125 per year for part-time or split-site students. There is also a one-off ÂŁ300 allowance to attend a conference where you have a paper accepted. Students who actively participate in conferences, research projects or other research-oriented events abroad can also apply for financial support from the university's International Experience Mobility Service. Get in touch We hope you will find a suitable option to study with us. Please get in touch for an informal discussion and advice on your research proposal. E: info.csels@coventry.ac.uk
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PGR enquiries E: info.csels@coventry.ac.uk Find us Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, 4th floor, Richard Crossman Building www.coventry.ac.uk/SELS
J1699-20 Š Coventry University.
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