Examining the cognitive, emotional, and social consequences of encephalitis occurring in childhood and how these consequences compare to those associated with other acquired brain injuries Ref: 5516

Supervisors

Primary: Associate Professor Anna Adlam  Associate Professor  Exeter University

Secondary: Dr Jenny Limond (Senior Lecturer & Consultant Paediatric Clinical Neuropsychologist) Exeter University

Petrina Sill (CEO, The Eden Dora Trust for Children with Encephalitis, UK); 

Dr Emily Talbot (Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Paediatric Neuropsychology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust)

University of Exeter Psychology Department is inviting applications for a PhD co-funded by the Eden Dora Trust (EDT) & co-supervised by EDT & a NHS Paediatric Neuropsychology service to start 22 09 2025. The studentship will cover Home fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. 

The PhD will characterise the consequences of childhood encephalitis relative to acquired brain injuries & develop training to support understanding. Encephalitis is inflammation or swelling of the brain, caused by a virus, an infection, or an autoimmune response. Following encephalitis, children and young people can experience physical/neurological consequences (e.g., headaches, seizures, sleep difficulties), and neuropsychological sequalae such as cognitive difficulties (memory and new learning, executive function, attention, processing speed, cognitive fatigue etc.), and difficulties with regulating their emotions and behaviour. Despite this clinical description of outcomes, the long-term consequences of encephalitis in childhood are under-researched, and children and young people can receive very little evidenced-based support in school or via clinical services, which can further affect vocational outcomes, mental health, and quality of life. 

The aims of this funded PhD are twofold: first to characterise the consequences of encephalitis occurring in childhood (for the child and young person, and their parents and siblings) and to investigate whether these consequences are similar or different to those that result from other acquired brain injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injury, brain tumour, stroke) – this work package will include quantitative and qualitative studies; second, to develop a training programme for professionals to support their understanding of encephalitis and evaluate whether the training leads to a change in practice and improvements in outcomes for children and young people who have had encephalitis. 

The PhD has a direct pathway to dissemination and impact due to the collaboration with, and co-supervision from, the Eden Dora Trust charity and a NHS Paediatric Neuropsychology service. The candidate will have experience of working with children and young people, preferably those with neurological conditions, and will have experience and knowledge of using quantitative and qualitative research methods. The candidate will also have an interest in neuropsychology and clinical psychology, preferably with a specific interest in childhood encephalitis and acquired brain injury. The PhD studentship (co-funded by the Eden Dora Trust) will cover Home fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 3 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee (~£25k) and no stipend. International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD. The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding [and other material support to the project], this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter. Full details will be confirmed at offer stage.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of Psychology (or be eligible for graduate basis for chartered membership with the British Psychological Society). If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. 

In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents 

• CV 

• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project). 

• Research proposal (max. 1,500-words) to address the two main aims of the project: (i) to characterise the consequences of encephalitis occurring in childhood relative to the consequences that result from acquired brain injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injury, brain tumour, stroke) – this work package can include quantitative and qualitative studies; (ii) to develop a training programme for professionals to support their understanding of encephalitis and evaluate whether the training leads to a change in practice and improvements in outcomes for children and young people who have had encephalitis. 

• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying) 

• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number. 

• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English. 

The closing date for applications is midnight on 5 May 2025. Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing 12 May 2025. All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided. Please quote reference 5516 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary