Swansea University MSc by Research Scholarship with Full Funding: ‘Ultra-Run’: Understanding the metabolic and physiological responses to ultra-endurance running under diets of differing glycaemic impact.
- Funding Provider: Beneo GmbH
- Subject Areas: Sports & Exercise Sciences, Sports Nutrition, Exercise Biochemistry
- Project Start Date: 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)
- Supervisors: Professor Richard Bracken (r.m.bracken@swansea.ac.uk) and Dr Rachel Churm (r.churm@swansea.ac.uk)
- Aligned Program of Study: MSc by Research in Sports Science
- Mode of Study: Full-time
Project Description
Ultra-endurance events have increased in popularity in recent years. However, the provision of exogenous carbohydrates to the liver and skeletal muscle is essential for the maintenance of ultra-endurance performance.
The differential rate of liver and skeletal muscle glycogen repletion is less considered in determining the impact of ultra-endurance exercise.
The type of carbohydrate may be important in optimizing the carbohydrate provision to the exercising athlete.
Although ingestion of large amounts of multiple forms of carbohydrate does not seem to impact skeletal muscle glycogen repletion rates differentially.
Emerging literature supports a metabolic and ergogenic benefit of fructose-glucose carbohydrate sources over glucose polymers via improved post-exercise liver glycogen repletion.
Isomaltulose (Palatinose™) is a disaccharide sucrose isomer with an alpha-1,6 glycosidic bond between glucose and fructose, as opposed to an alpha-1,2 glycosidic bond in sucrose.
This slows the hydrolyzation rate to 20%–25% of that of sucrose (Gunther et al., 1998) and a glycaemic index value of 32. Emerging metabolic and physiological effects consistently demonstrate:
- Reduced post-prandial glucose area under the curve.
- Concomitantly lower peaks in blood glucose and insulin.
- Conserved CHO oxidation.
- Rehydration when compared with different carbohydrate sources.
Therefore, the research literature supports the role of isomaltulose as an important carbohydrate for endurance activities.
However, the full metabolic potential for ingestion has yet to be realized. This ambitious study will compare the role of isomaltulose against maltodextrin in acute ultra-endurance exercise and, more broadly, in regular physical training.
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Methods
In this randomized counter-balanced design, participants will be allocated to a low GI diet (containing isomaltulose) or high GI dietary plan (containing maltodextrin) for four weeks under each arm.
Within this phase, participants will perform a glycogen depletion protocol and be provided with each carbohydrate as an energetic repletion drink ahead of the performance of an acute running challenge.
Cardio-respiratory, glycaemic, metabolic, stress hormone and stress biomarkers will be detailed. In addition, training volumes, sleep, and nutrient intakes will be determined.
The successful postgraduate will join a high-performing team under Professor Richard Bracken and Dr Rachel Churm.
We offer an excellent opportunity to deepen their understanding of energy metabolism and ultra-endurance running.
Eligibility
Candidates should be competent in exercise physiology and biochemical techniques pertinent to endurance exercise, as evidenced by an undergraduate degree at a 2:1 level in Sports Science or a similar relevant science discipline. S
Candidates should also demonstrate examples of excellent team working skills and be highly ambitious in their pursuit of success of project objectives.
Successful candidates will be important in contributing to this project’s timely completion, so it should be highly organized.
English Language Requirements
If applicable – an overall IELTS of 6.5 (In each component with at least 5.5) or Swansea recognized equivalent.
This scholarship is open to candidates from any nationality. Please note this scholarship covers the UK tuition fees only; therefore successful international candidate is expected to cover the difference between the UK and international tuition fees.
Benefits
This scholarship covers the overall cost of UK tuition fees and a stipend of £12,000.
Additional research expenses will also be available.
Note
This scholarship covers the UK tuition fees only; therefore successful international candidate is expected to cover the difference between the UK and international tuition fees.
Application
Please visit our website for more information.
Conclusion
The Swansea University MSc by Research Scholarship is a unique opportunity.
Take advantage of this chance to be part of this life-changing opportunity and connect with like-minded individuals from around the globe.
Apply now to make a huge difference and contribute to a better world.
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