PhD in Engineering: Micromechanical properties as a diagnostic marker for systemic sclerosis (PhD)

The University of Liverpool, founded in 1882 and located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, is a research-intensive institution with a global student body of around 32,000, including approximately 17,700 international students. The university offers a wide range of programs—over 200—across sciences, engineering, humanities, health and business, combining rigorous academics with practical industry links. Its historic campus and city connections provide a lively cultural setting and strong transport links across the UK and beyond.

Research and employability are central to the Liverpool experience, with interdisciplinary projects, industry partnerships and extensive placement opportunities embedded in many degrees. Students benefit from modern facilities, dedicated career services and a supportive academic community that helps translate theory into professional practice. The university's global networks also create exchange and collaboration pathways for study abroad and joint research.

International students receive comprehensive support from pre-arrival guidance to on-campus services, including English language support, visa advice and student societies that foster social integration. Liverpool’s affordable living costs relative to other UK cities, combined with its cultural life and sporting traditions, make it attractive to students seeking a balanced academic and social experience. The University of Liverpool is well-suited to ambitious students aiming for impactful research, strong career outcomes and a cosmopolitan student life.

Overview

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterised by the clinical manifestation of scleroderma or ‘hard skin’. The clinical assessment of SSc is limited due to the semi-quantitative methods currently employed to evaluate patients.

About this opportunity

The diagnosis of SSc traditionally relies on skin assessment through the semi-quantitative modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), which is derived from clinical palpation across 17 anatomical areas. While the mRSS is seen as a gold standard for evaluation, its subjectivity hinders discerning specific changes in skin stiffness and disease progression. Recent studies have explored ultrasound-based techniques, such as elastography, but they still carry challenges regarding the semi-quantitative nature of the metrics.

This innovative project aims to develop micromechanical methodologies to characterise skin stiffness in patients, ultimately improving assessment and leading to effective therapeutic approaches for better patient outcomes.

The initiative represents a multi-disciplinary collaboration at the University of Liverpool, in partnership with Aintree University Hospital and Lancaster Medical School, notably benefiting from connections to the regional systemic sclerosis clinic at Aintree University Hospital, which serves patients across Northwest England.