PhD Opportunity – Multimorbidity Doctoral Training Programme: How Commercial Determinants of Health Influence the Development of Multimorbidity
This is a University of St Andrews Research Project available within the Multimorbidity PhD Programme for Healthcare Professionals, a programme supported by Wellcome Trust and delivered by the Universities of Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh and St Andrews. This programme aims to create a generation of innovative world-leading researchers empowered with expertise in multimorbidity to prevent the condition and better treat those who are already suffering with it.
Project Title:
How Commercial Determinants of Health Influence the Development of Multimorbidity
Supervisor(s):
Prof Frank Sullivan, School of Medicine (University of St Andrews)
Dr Margaret McCartney, School of Medicine (University of St Andrews)
Dr Bernie O’Hare, School of Medicine (University of St Andrews)
Deadline:
14 September 2025
Project Description:
Commercial companies contribute to health and society in many positive ways, however a substantial group of companies contribute to the development of illness and overdiagnosis of multiple morbidities (MM). Some policy solutions to mitigate the commercial determinants of health (CDoH) on the development of MM have been proposed but many are not being implemented. We propose to study the costs of harm caused by some products and practices, exiting approached to reduce harm and to develop additional interventions that may be effective.
The successful applicant for this PhD will joining researchers in St Andrews working on these problems and the community of practice developed as part of the Multimorbidity Doctoral Training Programme. They will receive additional training and support to develop skills in mixed methods research, including a range of qualitative and data science methods and experience with systematic reviews. We plan at least four publications from this work, In the latter stages engagement with policymakers will be part of the dissemination process.
The final output will be of wide practical use across the UK. Informal discussions are welcome.
Duration of Award:
3 years
All Further Information:
Please find further information related to this PhD opportunity according to the following links, which will take you to the relevant sections of the Multimorbidity PhD Programme for Healthcare Professionals official website:
- Overall programme information: Please click here.
- Application dates: Please click here.
- Funding information: Please click here.
- Entry requirements: Please click here.
- Application portal: Please click here.
- Other available University of St Andrews projects under this programme: Please click here.
Enquiries:
Please email the relevant supervisor(s) linked above with any enquiries related directly to the project.
Please email [email protected] if you have any further enquiries about the application process.