University of London

ESRC PhD Studentship Multicentre Research Consortium
Migration, Nutrition and Ageing across the Lifecourse in Bangladeshi Families: A Transnational Perspective (MINA)
Centre for Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy
Migration has a tremendous impact on those who move to a new environment. The overall aim is to investigate migration, nutrition, and ageing via an intergenerational and transnational project incorporating multidisciplinary methodologies. One little studied aspect of this is the change in diet and health care of such populations. The PhD project focuses specifically on the use of plant based food supplements, herbal remedies and foods in Bangladeshi communities in the UK (London and Cardiff) and in Bangladesh. The student will work both in the UK and Bangladesh, interviewing women about these topics, investigate the community use of herbal products and foods and develop a book / booklet for disseminating the information. Overall, the present study will allow us to gain an in-depth understanding of Bangladeshi women's nutritional status, food practices, beliefs and experiences of ageing in the UK and in Bangladesh. One explicit goal of the project is the development of tools to disseminate the knowledge gained in the project in the Bangladeshi communities in the UK, and to health care practitioners working with Bangladeshi communities. See www.bris.ac.uk/news/2008/6048.html
Funding:The successful candidate will be offered an ESRC-funded studentship subject to final budgetary approval by ESRC. The ESRC's requirements in terms of UK residential status must be met for the award of a full studentship. Students with EU status are only eligible for a tuition fee award.
Entry requirements:Applicants must have an upper second or first class honours degree in pharmacy, health or social sciences (preferably anthropology), or another appropriate field. Knowledge of Bengali will be an advantage.
Deadline:Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.
Supervisor: Prof Michael Heinrich Centre for Pharmacognosy and PhytotherapyTelephone: 020 7753 5844 / 46Fax: 020 7753 5909E-mail: michael.heinrich@pharmacy.ac.ukPersonal profile: http://www.pharmacy.ac.uk/michael_heinrich.html
Starting date:Starts soon thereafter as possible
To apply:Candidates should send their CV, a personal statement and the names of two academic referees to Margaret Stone, Registrar, The School of Pharmacy, University of London, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, tel: 020 7753 5831, fax: 020 7753 5829, e-mail: phd@pharmacy.ac.uk
Informal enquiries about the PhD project may be directed to the supervisor.