I’m excited to announce that I have recently been awarded a funding PhD opportunity through the Northern Bridge Collaborative Doctoral Award (Staff Led).
This project, in collaboration with Rise North East, aims to increase physical activity among underrepresented groups in disadvantaged communities in the North East by applying inclusive design principles to sports technologies. Current technologies emphasise performance over inclusivity, failing to meet diverse needs. Our focus will be on inclusivity, broadened participation, and sustained engagement in sports. We will conduct ethnographic research to understand community dynamics and current technology use, then co-design and test digital tools within these communities. Outcomes will include design recommendations and a toolkit to promote equitable access to physical activity and address the digital divide, ensuring long-term impact.
This project will provide up to 3.5 years of funding. The deadline for this opportunity is 26th February 2025, I strongly encourage prospective candidates to contact myself (daniel.b.p.harrison@northumbria.ac.uk), at an early stage to discuss the project.
To apply for the studentship:
- Initial contact: Contact the lead supervisor (daniel.b.p.harrison@northumbria.ac.uk) with an expression of interest to receive guidance on completing the application form.
- Application Submission: Complete Northumbria’s online postgraduate application form by the deadline of the CDA to which you are applying.
- Application Details: On the application form under ‘Studentship / Partnership Reference’ and ‘Who is your sponsor / funding body?’, include the code “NBC25/Harrison”.
Your application should comprise:
- A short (approx. 500-word) personal statement, detailing your interested in the project, relevant skills, personal contributions, and methods you might employ.
- An example of your academic writing (e.g. a thesis, or single-author paper).
- An academic CV.
- Two references.
Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to occur virtually over Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 10th March. Please reserve this time in your calendar. The studentship is set to commence in October 2025. For any questions, please contact me.
| CANDIDATE CRITERIA Candidates must also meet the criteria for acceptance on a doctoral programme as set out by the host institution’s Postgraduate Admissions Service. The successful candidate will be required to submit a postgraduate application to their host institution following notification that they are to be awarded a conditional CDA studentship, and meet the conditions of the offer of a place on the doctoral programme. | ||
| Education and Professional Qualifications | Essential Criteria | A good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g., design, human-computer interaction (HCI), psychology, computer science, sports science, or social sciences). |
| Desirable Criteria | A good master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g., digital design, HCI, public health). | |
| Research and Impact Experience and Training | Essential Criteria | Experience with qualitative research methods such as ethnography, interviews, or focus groups. |
| Desirable Criteria | Demonstrated ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.· Experience in user-centred or participatory design projects. | |
| Professional Practice and Job-related Experience | Essential Criteria | |
| Desirable Criteria | Familiarity with digital tools and technologies used in sports or physical activity contexts.· Experience in community engagement or working with underrepresented groups. Experience working in community sports settings or with non-profit organisations focused on physical activity. | |
| Interpersonal Skills | Essential Criteria | Ability to manage own workload. Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Strong communication skills for interacting with diverse stakeholders. |
| Desirable Criteria | Proven ability to lead workshops or group activities. | |
| Other Factors | Essential Criteria | A strong interest in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in sports and physical activity. Commitment to ethical research practices and community engagement. |
| Desirable Criteria | A passion for digital design and its potential to drive social impact. | |
