Deakin-Aston Cotutelle - Physical activity and the effects of early life stress in adulthood

This is a doctoral cotutelle project between Deakin University (Australia) and Aston University (UK)

The successful PhD Student will be awarded a scholarship from Deakin University with the supervision team being drawn from Deakin University and Aston University. The PhD Student will graduate with two testamurs, one from Deakin University and one from Aston University, each of which recognises that the program was carried out as part of a jointly supervised doctoral program. The PhD Student is anticipated to spend a minimum 6 months of the total period of the program at Aston University, including for 8 consecutive weeks in their final year of study to comply with UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) regulations, with the remainder of the program based at Deakin University.

The program is for a duration of 3 years and scheduled to commence in October 2025.

Early Life Stress is a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, which often manifest in later life. The developing brain is plastic, and so exposure to stress during this critical period of development has the potential to alter the developmental trajectory of the brain, leading to functional abnormalities in later life. One of the well-established effects of early life stress is impaired adult neurogenesis. Physical activity is emerging as a potential method to ameliorate symptoms associated with mental health disorders and is known to stimulate neurogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the mitigating effects of physical activity on mental health are unclear, and the potential of physical activity to mitigate the consequences on mental health and wellbeing outcomes in later life remains unexplored.

This project will utilise a synergistic approach, combining quantitative data in humans and experimental work in an animal model of early life stress, to explore the intersection between physical activity, early life stress and later life mental health and wellbeing outcomes. In humans, the project will investigate the potential of physical activity to ameliorate the effects of early life adversity on later life mental health and wellbeing outcomes. In an optogenetic zebrafish model of early life stress, the project will explore physical activity as a method to ameliorate the effects of stress on later life behavioural outcomes related to mental health constructs; investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms in the brain; and explore critical periods when the effects of physical activity might be most beneficial. As such, this project will contribute to understanding potential methods to treat or prevent later life adverse mental health and wellbeing outcomes associated with early life stress.

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 2 February 2025

This scholarship is supported by Deakin University, is available over 3 years and includes:

• Stipend of $35,550 per annum  tax exempt (2025 rate)
• Full Tuition Fee Waiver for up to 4 years
• Funding to support single travel between Deakin University and Aston University.
• Travel insurance support during residency at partner institution.

To be eligible you must:

• be a domestic candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet the PhD entry requirements of both Deakin University and Aston University, including English language proficiency requirements
• hold a Bachelor's degree with a thesis component or a Master's degree (research) in a relevant subject area
• be enrolling full time
• be able to physically locate to both Aston University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia)

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page and Aston’s research entry criteria page for further information.