Funding

Self-funded

Project code

SEM10700529

Department

School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project. 

The PhD will be based in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and will be supervised by Dr Katerina Karali, Dr Roxane Bonithon and Pr Gordon Blunn.

 

 

 

 

The menisci are C-shaped, fibrocartilaginous structures in the tibiofemoral joint that play a crucial role in stabilizing and cushioning during weight-bearing activities. The meniscus is critical for load transmission, stabilization, shock absorption, and lubrication of the knee. Consequently, activities involving forceful twisting and pivoting increase the chance of tearing the meniscus, especially in contact or dynamic sports. 

Meniscus tears are one of the most common orthopaedic injuries, with a prevalence of 12–14% and an incidence of 60 cases for every 100,000 people in the general population. Literature suggests that knees with known meniscal injury have accelerated cartilage wear, leading to an early onset osteoarthritis. It was found that more than 75% of patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis have a meniscal injury. Meniscal tear, and the resulting meniscal surgery, is a well-recognized risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Furthermore, several studies have indicated that the damage to the meniscus could even induce osteonecrosis of the subchondral bone. This will result in the early onset of spontaneous osteonecrosis of the subchondral bone. In that sense, the altered load distribution will induce biomechanical changes in the meniscus, cartilage, and even subchondral bone. 

Consequently, the aim of this PhD research is to assess the altered load distribution and mechanical behaviour of the meniscus, providing critical insights into the broader biomechanical failure of the knee joint. 

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only - eligibility criteria apply).

 

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. 

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

International students will require a study visa from UKVI to pursue the degree in the UK. If the research is in a sensitive or technological subject, the student may also need to secure an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the UK Foreign Office.

 

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Katerina Karali ([email protected]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

 

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Mechanical and Design PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake.. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process. 
 

If you want to be considered for this self-funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SEM10700529 when applying.