Health Technologies: Swansea Bay City Deal (SBCD) Digital Infrastructure Project Funded PhD Scholarship: SMART-AGE: Smart Wearable Technologies for an Inclusive Future (RS692)

(Swansea Bay City Deal (SBCD) Digital Infrastructure Project) Funded PhD Scholarship: SMART-AGE: Smart Wearable Technologies for an Inclusive Future for Older Adults (RS692)

Funding provider(s): FMHLS Scholarship (Swansea Bay City Deal (SBCD) Digital Infrastructure Project) 

Subject area(s): Gerontechnology, Digital Health, Ageing Well 

Project start date(s): 1st January 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-December) 

Supervisors: Dr Gary Christopher, Prof. Ian Walker 

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Health Technologies  

Mode of study: Full-time  

Project description: 

The EOCARE-5F initiative aims to transform older adult care by developing innovative, low-maintenance wearable devices optimised for 5G connectivity. To overcome the impracticalities of expecting older adults to carry mobile devices continuously, the project focuses on creating user-friendly wearables that can be "fit-and-forget." These devices are to function without daily charging and minimal user interaction, leveraging cutting-edge 5G infrastructure to provide real-time data on essential health metrics like gait analysis and fall detection. The potential to directly transmit this data to healthcare providers can enable immediate interventions, enhancing the safety and well-being of older adults. 

Research Question:

How can we design and implement 5G-enabled wearable technology to support continuous health monitoring and improve the well-being of older adults? 

Objectives: 

1. Collaboratively design the wearable technology with input from older adults to ensure usability and acceptance. 
2. Engineer wearables that integrate seamlessly with 5G networks, emphasizing sustainability and low user burden. 
3. Rigorously test the technology in real-world settings to validate its effectiveness and user engagement. 

Expected Outcome and Impact:

EOCARE-5F aims to deliver a scalable, user-friendly solution that supports the independence of older adults while reducing the burden on NHS resources. The project aims to enhance the quality of life for this demographic by improving health outcomes and ensuring safety through proactive data monitoring and immediate healthcare responses. 

For more information about this scholarship, please see: Full project description for RS692

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations. 

Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. 

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237.

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select Health Technologies / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / January
   
   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.
2. Start year – please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS692 - Smart Wearable Technologies’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email). We strongly advise you to provide the listed supporting documents by the advertised closing date, where possible:

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Gary Christopher (gary.christopher@swansea.ac.uk )/ (+44)1792 604534 

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.