PhD Research on National Dietary Survey of Children in Ireland
Explore the nutritional intake of Irish children through a national survey. Gain hands-on experience in dietary assessment, biofluid collection, and database analysis to inform public health nutrition policy and food safety regulations.
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Project Description
Project Overview
The National Dietary Survey research team at UCD Institute of Food and Health conducts research on dietary intake across the Irish population. This project, funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and in collaboration with Irish universities, focuses on surveying dietary intake in children throughout Ireland.
What You Will Do
The PhD roles involve participant recruitment, dietary intake assessments, biofluid collections, and database construction and analysis. The project includes extensive fieldwork lasting about 18 months and office-based data analyses. Training will be provided in all aspects, but experience with dietary intake methodologies and food consumption databases is advantageous. The role requires travel, a full driver's licence, and personal transport.
Expected Outcomes
The study will generate comprehensive dietary intake data for children in Ireland, contributing to national nutrition status databases. These data will inform obesity prevention strategies, healthy eating guidelines, food fortification benefits and safety, and assessment of food additives and contaminants.
Why This Matters
This research informs Irish and EU food safety and nutrition policy, aiding agencies responsible for regulatory decisions. It has important implications for public health, nutrition-related disease prevention, and ensuring safe food consumption practices nationwide.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Associate Professor Breige McNulty specializes in micronutrients, nutrition assessment, and nutritional science. Her research focuses on population nutrient intake, food fortification, and metabolic diseases, contributing widely to nutrition policy and public health. With over 200 publications, she is a leading expert in dietary survey methodologies and nutritional epidemiology.