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Centre Overview
The Soc-B Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) consortium, comprising University College London (UCL), the University of Manchester, and the University of Essex, forms a UK hub for biosocial research and training. We focus on identifying social exposures and causal pathways that lead to sub-clinical biological changes, aiming to pinpoint intervention opportunities to improve health and address health inequalities. By adopting a lifecourse perspective, Soc-B investigates how social environments, biology, and behaviours intersect to influence health and functioning.
The program seeks to understand social contexts and their influence on biological processes using advanced quantitative approaches. The CDT engages with major biosocial investments and advancements, integrating 'omics, epigenetics, and brain imaging in large social surveys, and promoting interdisciplinary research.
Our Vision and Aims
Soc-B aims to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of biosocial research by producing highly employable PhD graduates equipped with the theoretical knowledge, analytical capabilities, and communication skills to advance biosocial research.
Aims of the Centre
- Understanding the Social-Biological Interface: Soc-B research includes using biomarker data in social surveys, allowing comparisons with human and animal studies using experimental designs. This convergence strengthens causal inferences about social context and health. Soc-B equips students with knowledge of both long-standing (e.g., BMI, cholesterol) and newer (e.g., 'omics, brain imaging) forms of biodata, applying quantitative analysis techniques.
- Expertise in Methodological Developments: Soc-B training involves exposure to diverse disciplinary methodologies and students are exposed to methodological innovations at the forefront of biosocial research. Methods include Bayesian decision theory, econometric modelling, causal inference (e.g., Mendelian randomization), network analysis, neural reinforcement learning, sequence analysis, and technological advancements in data collection.
- Confidence in Communicating Research: Soc-B prepares students to effectively communicate complex research findings to non-academic audiences, maximizing the societal and economic impact of their work.
Training and Research
Students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds are recruited to embrace Soc-B’s interdisciplinary approach, utilizing various research methods to investigate societal and economic challenges. The Centre equips students with an understanding of the interaction between social and biological processes by leveraging rapidly developing streams of biosocial data. This is achieved through a blend of experiences, including bespoke learning modules, project rotations, PhD proposal development, and internships with non-academic partners. The Centre also provides unique training materials in biosocial sciences to benefit the wider research community. Below, you can find out more about our:
Research Areas
Students explore a wide range of topics, such as:
- The impact of adverse childhood experiences on stress hormone production.
- Genetic predispositions for cardiovascular disease influenced by early dietary environments.
- Cognitive decline accelerated by social isolation and loneliness.
- The interplay between weight-controlling behaviours, body composition, and mental health during adolescence.
- The influence of childhood social support on stress hormone production and obesity risk in adulthood.
Graduates
Soc-B produces highly employable PhD graduates capable of leading future research excellence and influencing policy and practice. Soc-B graduates are equipped to:
- Fully exploit biosocial data with knowledge of social and biological processes.
- Use advanced analytical techniques on large, longitudinal datasets and biodata.
- Incorporate critical perspectives in their research.
- Develop methodological innovations by combining disciplinary perspectives.
- Conduct original research, define and test clear research questions, and interpret findings within the wider context.
- Communicate science confidently to both academic and non-academic audiences, maximizing the societal and economic impact of their work.
What do students think of our training?
"I particularly liked the access to leading academics in multidisciplinary roles discussing their fields in a language we could all understand…The interactivity of it was great."
"I am extremely grateful to be part of this first cohort that allows researchers with my interests to be able to pursue them without being limited by regulations!"
"The discussion that took place and talks from guest speakers have sparked my interest in areas that I had not considered prior."
"I feel privileged to be part of the biosocial CDT. The sessions have been fascinating and really ignited certain areas of interest and gave me lots of research ideas and questions to take back and look at."
