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PhD Research Project: Using economic experimental methods to inform policies to tackle childhood ob

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Apr 28, 2017

Job Details

Details

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious global challenges of modern times. It is not just a problem of wealthy nations, in absolute numbers there are more children who are obese in low and middle income countries than in high-income countries. The global economic burden associated with obesity is £2 trillion and it is ranked third in terms of the social burden generated by human beings (after smoking and acts of terrorism). In 2014, the WHO Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity was established and developed a set of recommendations to tackle childhood obesity. The recommendations rest on a whole-of-government approach to take leadership - centred on comprehensive programmes to promote intake of healthy foods, physical activity and healthy school environments.

Formulating effective policies to tackle childhood obesity requires an understanding of how children respond to incentives, rewards and information, and on the social norms and environment in which they live. The objective of this PhD is to use experimental economic tools to explain behaviour on overweight and obesity, focusing on school-aged children, and their parents/guardians. Over the last 20 years, economists have used experiments to develop policies relating to pollution and environment regulation – this is an under researched area in the context of childhood obesity. Recently, the iFamily study revealed possible behavioural dimensions relevant to childhood obesity based on a sample of 16,228 children from 8 European countries. This PhD will build on these findings, and economic theory, to help inform policies centred on the recent WHO recommendations.

Aim: To use economic experimental tools to explain behaviour of school-aged children and parents/guardians in response to information; incentives; and rewards to tackle obesity.

Phase One: The first phase of the PhD will be a comprehensive, in depth literature review.

Phase Two: The objective is to develop several experiments as a framework for understanding how young people and families respond to incentives to change behaviour.

Phase Three: The objective of phase three will be to translate the evidence to policy recommendations.

PhD candidate specification:

Essential:
• Undergraduate degree in economics, medical sciences or relevant social science subject.
• Ability and experience with collaborating in teams.
• Ability and experience in prioritising activities and tasks to accomplish goals within the set deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills for both specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Excellent interpersonal skills including clear and concise verbal communication.
• Eligibility to work in the UK

Desirable:
• MSc/MRes (at Merit or Distinction level) in economics, medical sciences or relevant social sciences subject.
• A strong background/interest in the use of economics experimental methods.

Personal attributes:
• An ability to work independently and with initiative and a high level of self-motivation.
• Ability to prioritise tasks to achieve project goals and meet deadlines.
• Ability to problem-solve, innovate or adapt.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Funding Notes

This project is fully-funded by the University of Birmingham’s Global Challenges PhD Scholarship which includes full payment of tuition fees of £4,195 annually and an annual maintenance doctoral stipend at £14,553.

Company

Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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