Joint PhD Scholarship: Sheffield Hallam & La Trobe University – Football Ball Parameters and Head-Injury Risk

Overview

Joint PhD scholarship between Sheffield Hallam University and La Trobe University building a predictive model linking football design parameters to head-impact mechanics and injury risk.

Eligibility

Benefits

Available Fields

• Computer Science & IT
• Engineering

Required Documents

Application Process

A joint PhD scholarship between Sheffield Hallam University (UK) and La Trobe University (Australia), developing a predictive modelling framework linking football ball design parameters to head-impact mechanics and injury risk during heading.

Opportunity

Joint PhD Scholarship: Sheffield Hallam University and La Trobe University, Australia. Project: Predictive Modelling of Football Ball Parameters and Injury Risk during Head Contact Events

Supervisors

• Dr Katie Mills
• Dr Leon Foster

University

Sheffield Hallam University (home institution) — Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre, in joint partnership with La Trobe University, Australia (host institution)

Country

United Kingdom (with a placement of up to 12 months at La Trobe University, Australia)

Location

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Study Level

Joint PhD (full-time only), start 1 February 2027

About the Project

Heading in football is a growing concern for long-term brain health, but existing studies on ball properties, impact conditions and head kinematics are typically limited to isolated parameter studies. This PhD develops a predictive, data-driven modelling framework quantifying how combinations of football design parameters (mass, pressure, stiffness, size, material) and player-specific characteristics (age, sex, heading technique) influence head impact mechanics. Using controlled impact experiments, instrumentation and data-driven analysis, the candidate will build and validate an interactive predictive platform for governing bodies, manufacturers and researchers to evaluate equipment modifications before implementation. The student is based within Sheffield Hallam’s Sports Engineering Research Group but will spend time at La Trobe’s Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre (LASEM).

Who Can Apply

A 1st class or 2:1 degree in Sport Science, Data Science, Biomedical Science, Engineering, or a related subject. Quantitative skills are desirable; specialist training will be provided.

Funding Notes

This scholarship is full-time only, covers Home PhD fees and provides a stipend at the Living Wage Foundation rate (£22,152 for 2025/26). The scholarship is open to Home, EU and International applicants, but students liable for the International fee rate must cover the shortfall (currently around £13,300/year) from another funding source for the 3.5-year duration — bursary payments cannot be used to cover this gap. Mandatory English language requirement: IELTS 7 (min 6.5 per component) for applicants from countries not on the UKVI exemption list.

Application Requirements

• 1,500-word outline research proposal addressing this specific project
• Two letters of reference, or details of two academic referees
• Copy of highest degree certificate and passport
• International applicants: IELTS results (last 2 years) and a statement confirming ability to meet the £13,362/year tuition shortfall

Apply via https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/sport-and-physical-activity/phd-sport-and-physical-activity/full-time/2026, adding the project title within the Personal Statement field. Interviews: w/c 14 December 2026.

Application Deadline

23 November 2026, 12 noon UK time (late applications not accepted).