Proposed PhD Topics

Cognitive Abilities 

To function well in society, people need to have good cognitive health, yet we know our cognitive abilities, such as our memory and attention abilities, underpinned by executive functions, can be adversely affected by life events. We are looking for candidates interested in investigating these cognitive abilities and are open to supervising projects investigating how social, emotional, environmental and developmental (including aging) factors can affect individuals’ cognitive abilities.

Please contact Dr Samantha Gregory (s.e.a.gregory@salford.ac.uk) or Dr Robert Bendall (r.c.a.bendall@salford.ac.uk) to find out more or discuss ideas

Neurodevelopmental Conditions and the Criminal Justice System

We welcome candidates interested in exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the criminal justice system (e.g., offending behaviours; police investigative interviews; court; prison; secure care).

For further information please contact: Professor Clare Allely (c.s.allely@salford.ac.uk) or Dr David Gilbert (d.j.gilbert1@salford.ac.uk)

Child Development and the Digital Age

The early years provide the foundations for healthy development across the lifespan, and understanding the impact of digital media on children’s development is essential. We welcome candidates interested in child development in the digital age, parenting or teaching in the digital age, or the impact of digital media on neurodiverse children and young people (e.g., Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).

For further information please contact Dr Gemma Taylor (g.taylor4@salford.ac.uk)

Children and Young People’s Mental Health

Over the past decade, there has been an increasing need for mental health services to support children and young people (CYP). The pandemic resulted in a greater number of CYP presenting with mental health disorders, often in crisis and with complex needs requiring acute or intensive care within paediatric medical, CAMHS inpatient or inappropriately placed in adult services. A range of recent research studies and government-commissioned reports have laid out the nature and extent of the challenges facing children and young people and families, and organisations and staff trying to provide care for them. The government and NHS England have made transforming child mental health services a priority for UK policy and strategy. What is needed now is a generation of practice-based evidence and innovation to respond to these pressing challenges. We are actively seeking candidates to contribute to a comprehensive body of work addressing the range of challenges in the filed of child and adolescent mental health and proposing effective solutions.

For further information please contact Dr Celeste Foster (c.m.foster@salford.ac.uk)