in the Sports Engineering Research Group (SERG) at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC), within Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) – members of the Sheffield Multimodal Imaging Centre (SMIC)
Paid opportunity to work in the Morphology Research Theme for up to 210 hours (6 weeks at 35 hours/week) between June and August 2024 – on a full or part time basis. The primary project we need your help on is”Investigation of advanced body measurement in chemotherapy dosing and service development”, though we have several other activities you would also be able to get involved in (within the theme of morphology / human body measurement).
Project summary Currently within chemotherapy, estimates of a patient’s body surface area (BSA) obtained using simple body measures – height and weight – are used to calculate drug dosages. However, the accuracy of BSA for calculating dosage has been heavily criticised in previous literature, potentially reducing the effectiveness of treatment for patients with atypical body types. Three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging and advanced body measurement techniques can provide oncology practitioners with improved tools for prescribing chemotherapy dosages that are valid for individuals, regardless of their body type. The Morphology Research Theme within the Sports Engineering Research Group at the AWRC are conducting a programme of research to address this issue and develop methods for determining optimised chemotherapy dosages for patients receiving treatment for cancer.
In addition, the theme is also developing a commercial offering called the ‘Advanced Human Body Measurement’ service. This service will open the laboratory and our expertise to members of the public, sports clubs and weight loss groups, enabling them to benefit from advanced body measurement techniques, for example monitoring changes to their body following a weight loss programme. We are seeking an intern to contribute to the work of the Morphology Research Theme in the following areas: o Recruitment and scheduling of research participants. o Assist in ongoing data collection, involving 3D scanning and body composition measurement of research participants. o Assist in retrospective analysis of a historical health dataset investigating rates of dose reductions for patients with early breast cancer. o Assist in drafting a research publication based on findings of retrospective analysis.
Specific skills and experience required for this project We are looking for candidates that have experience of working with the public and/or research participants. The applicant should be proactive and have experience of working independently. An interest in health and wellbeing research and the area of health assessment is desirable. If you have experience of data processing or working with large datasets this is desirable but not essential. We will cater to the skills, experience and desires of the successful candidate.
Project location Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) Home working may be available
Project delivery This project can be completed either on a full-time or a part-time basis depending on the intern’s preference/availability. If completed on a part-time basis we would require the student to be available a minimum of 2 days per week. The salary is £13.45 per hour (£12.00 basic hourly rate; £13.45 including holiday pay allowance).
More information about this opportunity can be found on the SHU vacancies website.
The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) is a prestigious funding opportunity designed to support exceptional researchers and innovators in the UK. Funded by the UK government, it supports early career scientists, engineers, and researchers the chance to develop their leadership potential and conduct ambitious, transformative research across a wide range of disciplines. Through this program, fellows are empowered to drive innovation, address societal challenges, and make significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of society. In December 2023 it was announced that I was one of 75 FLF recipients – securing ~£1.6million and the first ever UKRI FLF for Sheffield Hallam University (SHU).
During the application process I found reading blogs of, and chatting with, previous awardees massively encouraging and informative. Thus, I figured it was only fair I repaid the favour – consequently in this blog I will be reflecting on my experience of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship application process.
Background
But first let me set the scene a little … Following the completion of my PhD in 2018 and subsequent employment with the Sports Engineering Research Group at SHU, I had a novel research specialism to those around me. This meant there was no senior academic bringing in funding or projects within my field for me to assist on. And being a new ‘Dr’ meant I had neither the previous experience in grant writing or research projects to be successful in being awarded such funding or projects myself. Thus, I worked on everything and anything I could contribute to in order to justify my employment. Whilst this allowed me to develop a massively broad spectrum of experiences and skills sets, it meant trying to a grasp of my specialism on the side.
However, in 2019 I was awarded an Innovate UK ICURe award. This provided me the opportunity to travel the world to meet and talk with experts in my specialism about research and innovation – with the focus of commercialism.
Whilst at the end we deemed commercialisation (at that time) to not be suitable, I left with the most profound understanding of my specialism and – most importantly an idea!
This idea was this was that body measures underpin life as we know it; from the trivial: the shape of the chair you’re sat on, the clothes you are wearing and the dimension of your devices, to the critical: the design of your seat belt, your qualification for medical treatments and the dosages of those treatment. However, children – particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds, are poorly represented within the anthropometric databases that such items and decisions are based upon, as well as the guidelines and standards used to create them. Which, for the trivial items is an annoyance but for critical items jeopardises – such as in the assessment of health – poses a risk to life. As such I became set on critically evaluate the body measurement measures and methods used in the assessment of child health, with a focus on childhood obesity.
Overflowing with enthusiasm, I headed back home to pursue this idea at SHU. Then BAM! … Covid. Funding calls were cancelled and projects suspended. For the next year I explored every avenue that would allow me to push this idea forward, seeking and engaging in opportunities and experiences that would ensure I have the necessary skills sets to tackle this idea once the world re opened.
In Spring 2021, whilst on maternity leave, I was awarded a Early Career Researchers Fellowship internally, from SHU. This fellowship awarded me with time (6 months) to solely work on the progression of this idea upon my return from maternity leave. I attended conferences, wrote papers, spoke with experts in the field – seeking and engaging in every opportunity and experience that would allow me to progress this idea. Moreover, having returned from maternity leave I felt possessed with determination – if I was to leave my child at child care then the reason for me doing so needed to be excellent, I needed to be contributing or working towards something that would make an impact. Then, at the end of this fellowship – the timing really was truly super! UKRI announced round 7 of their FLF scheme.
I had always olged at the FLF scheme, since becoming aware of it in 2019, with Dr Dan Humphrey’s award at the University of Sheffield. But I had always felt it was something a little too ambitious for me. But in September 2022 the FLF call came at a timely and critical point, whereby I had built a substantial network and ambitious research vision. However, substantial support in scale, flexibility, and duration – beyond that of a standard project grant, was essential to realise and maximise impact of a research vision of this scale and complexity.
Internal selection
For round 7 UKRI capped the number of applicants each institution / business could submit. Within SHU this meant an internal selection process of two stages in which the ‘outline’ of your application progressively got larger.
Written application
Once I had the green light from SHU I worked on finalising the written application. This included:
discussions with experts in the field to finalise methods.
liaison with existing FLF fellows, locally and within similar specialisms.
identification and agreement from the co-investigators, project partners and mentors.
internal and external (including co-investigators, project partners and mentors) review, and rewriting based on the feedback.
itemisation of costings.
confirmation of the support provided by SHU, project partners, sub-contractors and mentors.
liaison with SHU research & innovation support staff.
My dyslexia means that writing is a challenge. Thus, for me, writing this application took a lot of time. From starting the application; in September, to submission; in the first few days of December, took ~450 hours of which I had to compress into the 3 months before submission, alongside my regular work. The support of the SHU research & innovation support staff was invaluable in providing guidance, motivation and support.
To combine the FLF with personal responsibilities and extend the total duration of the fellowship to accommodate longitudinal data collection, I write in that I was to complete the FLF on a part-time basis (0.8FTE; 100% working time). In hindsight I wish I had enquired with existing FLF fellows as to their starting salary, and costed in my family to join me on my international secondments.
Reviewers comments / response to reviewers
In May 2023 I received the comments from reviewers, and submitted my response to reviewers. This was 5 1/2 months after submission. Thus, the first task was to ensure I refamiliasered myself with my application. As you are restricted on space in which to respond, I then went through and categorised each statement from the reviewers into theme, sub theme and connotation to ensure I could address every comment and collate all similar comments. In responding I tried to retain a concise, positive, honest and graceful approach.
Interview
At the start of August 2023 I was informed I had been selected for interview. Ahead of the interview, I had 3 mock interviews, using the example questions provided by UKRI. These mock interviews were extremely helpful in ensuring I was able to communicate my ambition and research in the most clear and concise manner, calm my nerves and ensure I had my environmental ‘set up’ correct.
The interview itself, in the middle of September 2023, was very quick; only 30 minutes (including a 5 minute presentation). All the guidance from UKRI was helpful and true to their description. As it was online I ensured I was set up early and video called a colleague just before the interview to ensure that all my call settings were correct.
Outcome
It took 6 weeks from interview to outcome was 6 weeks, and I was a nervous wreck for every single one of those days. I know people say don’t put all your eggs in one basket, but I definitely had – and my nerves knew it! I am so very grateful to have been awarded this fellowship, and to be provided the opportunity to pursue my research vision. I hope that by identifying the most accurate and suitable measures and methods to assess child obesity and health we will ensure accurate diagnosis and monitoring to underpin treatment for individuals and the planning of appropriate services. Ultimately, with the aim is to reduce child obesity rates and improve child health and wellbeing in the UK and globally.
If you have any questions or queries about my project please don’t hesitate to get in contact. To keep up to speed with progress of my fellowship please give me a follow on Linkedin and Twitter.
Malek Mecherques is a PhD student and ISAK level 3 accredited anthropometrist that joined the Morphology Research Theme from October 2023 to January 2024 to learn more about 3D external body surface imaging.
What did you do? What did you work on? What equipment did you use? Please give us a summary of your time working with us.
During my three-month doctoral stay at Sheffield Hallam University, I had the invaluable opportunity to work alongside the esteemed Sports Engineering Research Group. My focus was on exploring body composition through the utilization of 3D scanners. With full access to state-of-the-art facilities, including various scanning equipment and anthropometry tools, I delved into my research with enthusiasm. The supportive and welcoming atmosphere within the research group facilitated seamless integration, and weekly meetings provided structured guidance for my tasks and progress. Additionally, collaborating with Dr. Alice Bullas, we successfully organized the first ISAK level 1 certification event at SHU, attracting over 15 eager participants.
Were you interested in 3D body scanning and human measurement before working with us? If not, has your experience changed that?
My interest in 3D body scanning and human measurement was ignited by Dr. Bullas’ enlightening presentation at the International Congress on Anthropometry ISAK in Alicante, Spain in July 2022. However, it was my time in Sheffield that truly deepened my understanding of the method’s intricacies, its potential applications, and its limitations.
Has your experience helped you in your career? Or, how do you hope it will help you in the future?
Professionally, this experience has been transformative. It has enriched my expertise in body composition analysis and will undoubtedly enhance my future endeavors. I am committed to sharing my newfound knowledge with my students and colleagues, furthering the field of nutrition and training.
On a personal level, I am profoundly grateful for the friendships forged and the invaluable connections made during my time at Sheffield Hallam University. This experience has not only enriched my academic journey but also enriched my life.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sheffield Hallam University for warmly welcoming me and providing an enriching environment for academic growth and personal development. Thank you for everything!!!!!!!
TOPIC: Development of automated whole-body shape analysis techniques.
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 15th May 2024 at 12:00 GMT.
Human body measurement is an essential tool for life as we know it; from the trivial: such as the fit of the clothes you wear, to the critical: such as the prescribed dosages of your medical treatments. For all these applications we typically rely on simple body measures – lengths, breaths, areas – which are seldom based upon their accuracy but the absence of an alternative. Three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging provides an alternative method through which we can not only acquire anthropometrics but explore sophisticated methods of shape analysis.
The Morphology Research Theme based within the Sports Engineering Research Group (SERG) at SHU are international leaders within the field of 3D imaging and advanced human body measurement. The origin of this research theme lies within elite sport biomechanical analyses and using 3D imaging for the design, modelling and simulation of sports equipment for improved performance. More recently, the Morphology Research Theme has been translating this knowledge into health and wellbeing applications, as discussed in this previous SERG blog post. New research by this group has shown how shape analysis can reveal the potential for misclassification using existing body measures and improve the prediction of body composition, which could redefine how we conduct individual and population-level diagnostics within healthcare.
However, further research is required to further develop our current methodologies and apply them in practice. This funded PhD research programme will aim to develop automated processing algorithms capable of assessing the shape of the entire human body and investigate the diagnostic and predictive capabilities of these methods within health and wellbeing applications. The work conducted during this PhD will also contribute directly into several ongoing research projects, including:
An internal research fellowship led by Dr Michael Thelwell investigating how advanced body measurement can improve chemotherapy dosing methods;
A £1.6m UKRI Future Leaders Research Fellowship led by Dr Alice Bullas investigating new approaches for assessing the overall health of children;
An international research collaboration with Leipzig University, investigating links between external body shape and cardio-metabolic health risk;
Collaborative research with La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia investigating new ways of analysing the human foot shape to improve footwear and foot orthoses design.
Interested in applying?
We are offering a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) scholarship to explore the use of technology to support care pathways for joint replacement surgery. The GTA scheme aims to develop highly skilled postgraduate researchers who are well prepared to enter a career in academia or research. The GTA scheme is an opportunity for you to receive a 3.5-year full-time PhD scholarship at Sheffield Hallam University. While supporting the PhD research, you will carry out up to 180 hours of teaching or teaching-related activity per academic year, with the intention of providing opportunities to develop a rounded academic portfolio.
Interested applicants should be proactive, willing to learn and have a passion for health and wellbeing research. Experience of data analytics and data processing of large datasets using programming languages such as MATLAB, Python or C++ or software development would be desirable, but not essential.
For further details on the research project, the scholarship and details of how to apply please follow this LINK or contact the lead supervisor – Dr Michael Thelwell (m.thelwell@shu.ac.uk).
To apply for the GTA scholarship, you will need to complete and submit an application form here along with a detailed 1,500-word research proposal addressing the project title.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 15th May 2024 at 12:00 GMT.
In January 2024 the Morphology Research Theme at SHU held their first ISAK accreditation course, under the leadership of Malek Mecherques and Dr Alice Bullas.
We intend on hosting multiple courses a year from 2024. If you are interested in attending an ISAK training course – or in us hosting one at your institution, please get in contact.
Three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging (also known as 3D body, optical or photonic scanning) creates digital 3D images of the external geometry of the human body, which when stitched together creates a digital -to scale – representation, herein referred to as a digital model (also known as a humanoid, avatar, or twin). Within the Sports Engineering Group (SERG) at Sheffield Hallam Univeristy (SHU) we use an array of 3D imaging system to capture, in a digital 3D form, the human body and equipment for the purpose of critically evaluating or designing, methods and equipment in performance and health.
However, we have recently been working on a fascinating intersection of sports engineering expertise and the worlds of art and theatre. Within this blog article we will revisit two recent case studies of or work and delve into the profound impact when technological acumen meets the unrestrained world of artistic innovation, opening new dimensions for expression and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the intersection of sports engineering, art, and theatre.
CASE STUDY: Integrating 3D imaging into theatre
Beck Gadsby, Founder of Inside Theatre and Sheffield-based Theatre Director and Producer, has a passion for experimenting with innovative digital technology for the future of performance. As the director of 5 Years, a new play written by Hayley Davis, Beck sought our 3D imaging and modelling expertise. This was used to create an animated model to explore the play’s theme of the perfect body, and what people would do to achieve it. 3D imaging experts from our Sports Engineering Research Group, Dr John Hart and Dr Alice Bullas, scanned and generated digital 3D and miniature physical models of both actors in the play. The 3D model of the lead actor was then animated by Games Art Course Lecturer and Character Design Specialist, Jamie Gibson.
Images provided by Mark Turner
The animated 3D and miniature physical models are now integrated into the 5 years play, set to tour around the UK in 2023.
“By using this technology, we were able to demonstrate the concept of the piece – what do we lose in the pursuit of perfection – in a more tangible and visual way. It has been very well received by audiences who have said it is like a third actor on stage.” Beck Gadsby, Director, 5 years
CASE STUDY: Integrating 3D imaging into theatre
Jennifer (Jen) Booth, is a Lens Based Artist & Educator who’s work responds to the labour of the female body after & during disease, with conceptual methodologies, engagement, photo installation & education. Jen sought to generate several 3D images of her external form from which moulds could be developed into order to help process her project titled: *Ah Pooka SAKE : *. Within which Jen explores *Porcelain Doll Syndrome and the post environmental effects & trauma on the diseased female form, and how this is documented and explored through installation and performative based creative practice *
Once again, the 3D imaging experts from our Sports Engineering Research Group, Dr John Hart and Dr Alice Bullas, 3D scanned and generated digital 3D and, miniature and life size, physical models of Jen. Simon Goodwill, Head of the Sports Engineering Research Group said: “The potential translational applications of our sports engineering are vast from health to, as this project has shown, art. We are delighted we have been able to assist Jen with progressing her project and look forward to all visiting and celebrating the exhibition once complete.”
The digital 3D and, miniature and life size, physical models are now being used by Jen to generate the moulds for her project and assessing the future development and funding of subsequent work.
“This experience has given me the opportunity to have a physical model to enable creative dialogue and to nurture cooperative practice and knowledge across the Arts, Science Wellbeing and Sport, and to explore with industry & Academic specialist .” Jennifer Booth, Artist & Director of Typeset.
This work demonstrates the potential, wide, interdisciplinary impact of our imaging technology in Sports Engineering, from the arts and theatre to ergonomics, fashion or design. The research, in combination with our Sheffield Multimodal Imaging Centre and the strategic partnership between Canon Medical and the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre provides the perfect opportunity for body imaging research and consultancy.
This work was funded through the European Regional Development Fund: Digital Innovation for Growth (DIfG). While DIFG is no longer accepting projects.
High quality digital anatomical models are used in a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, archaeology, zoology, sport, and art and design. Using 3D surface imaging technology at the Sheffield Multimodal Imaging Centre (SMIC), Sheffield Hallam researchers have developed detailed digital models for education, research, prototyping and product development.
From dentistry to design
The Sheffield Hallam Sports Engineering Research Group (SERG) has a history of delivering scanning services in the creation of detailed human and veterinary anatomical headform models. These have been used by a wide range of businesses and are always tailored to the end user’s needs.
Examples include the creation of a digital model of a human skull for use in a dental school, and model headforms for research with a speech and language therapy unit. They also worked with an artisan jeweller on a solid silver cat skull, creating a geometric model for use in the casting process.
Testing Cardiovascular devices
SMIC’s scanning equipment has also been used by cardiovascular researchers, who needed models of commercially available cardiovascular devices to understand their performance. Key to this was the accuracy of the underlying geometrical representation of the device.
Working with medical researchers from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Romanian Institutes, SERG used the scanning solutions at SMIC to measure a series of heart valve types and generate accurate digital simulations.
Developing bespoke products
Accuracy is also key to developing and prototyping bespoke products. The scanning technology at SMIC has been used to develop orthotic products, face masks, ergonomic grips for paralympians and equipment for Olympic athletes. It’s also benefited product developers across the sports industry, allowing them to create bespoke, more representative products and methods.
Sheffield Hallam University morphology researcher, Dr Alice Bullas, been awarded a £1.6m Future Leaders Fellowship from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to develop new body measurement methods for children living with obesity.
Alice has been recognised as one of the most promising science and research leaders in the UK, securing one of 75 fellowships announced today (Monday 4 December).
The Fellowship will fund a five-year study to identify the most accurate and suitable ways to assess the health of children, with a focus on childhood obesity. The project is centred around developing new approaches for data collection of external body shapes, body composition and health measures from 400 children from diverse backgrounds across Sheffield.
The Morphology Research Theme will be running an ISAK level 1 accreditation training course for SHU students from 16th – 18th January at the AWRC 10:00-16:00. If you are interested in attending please get in contact with Dr Alice Bullas.
Advanced Human Body Measurement – service development, research execution & publication development.
4-week paid research internship
Sport Engineering Research Group (Dr Simon Choppin – Lead)
Project description:
Body measurement is fundamental to several research fields, including: ergonomics, health, nutrition, sport and fashion. In the Morphology Research Group at the AWRC, we specialise in body measurement and are currently developing an ‘Advanced Human Body Measurement’ service. This service will open the laboratory and our expertise to members of the public, sports clubs and weight loss groups. They will be able to take advantage of advanced body measurement to monitor changes to their body following training regimes or weight loss programmes (for example). Our service gives the ability to track body fat percentage, body size and shape. Due to the advanced information we can capture, we can create detailed reports over time. These reports will not only show changes in body weight and fat percentage, but will include detailed 3D information about where the body has changed in size and shape. This information can be navigated in 3D using computer visualisation, or even printed into a physical representation. We hope that access to more detailed information will help users of the service to maintain motivational drive and make lifestyle interventions more effective in the long-term. As well as, help the research group build a database of body scans that can be used in future research.
We seek a an intern to assist in:
The development of our service – 7 days
Recruit participants from the University Staff
Assist in capturing body measurement data, using our 3D scanner an manual tools
Help to process the measurement data and develop measurement reports
Assess satisfaction of participants, gaining feedback on the service
Research appropriate timings and costings for the service, make enquiries with other companies offering similar services
Consider the logistics of delivering a service within the AWRC.
Research into the efficacy of childhood measurement processes – 5 days
Assist in developing an ethics submission
Help to pilot and prepare for a data collection involving measurement of children aged 4 – 12 years old
Assist with the editing of an research publication: “3D surface imaging devices and body composition estimation” – 1 day
Help to process a large datasets for a research publication: “Assessing the efficacy of shape measurement in the prediction of Type II diabetes risk” – 7 days.
Student outcomes:
Experience of the development and execution of consultancy research / services
Teamwork
Training and practice with anthropometry techniques (including: BodPod and 3D body scanning training)
Experience of working with a large dataset
Experience of academic writing
Candidate Profile:
We are looking for candidates that have experience of working with the public and/or research participants. The applicant should be proactive and have experience of working independently. An interest in health and wellbeing research and the area of health assessment is desirable. If you have experience of data processing or working with large datasets this is desirable but not essential. We will cater to the skills, experience and desires of the successful candidate.
The morphology research group consists of Dr Alice Bullas, Dr Michael Thelwell and Dr Simon Choppin who will all support the student during the placement. We have a dedicated morphology Laboratory at the AWRC in which the intern will be able to work, we will also ensure that at least one member of the group is present every day during the internship for on-going contact and support. We have a laptop and computing resources the intern can work on during the internship and a general office is available at the AWRC that the student will be able to access and use as they wish. There is an operational support team at the AWRC that will induct the intern, giving them access to the building and spaces for use during the internship.
We will co-ordinate weekly update meetings for the whole team so that progress and any problems can be discussed with everyone.
If you wish to discuss this opportunity with us please contact: Dr Simon Choppin (s.choppin@shu.ac.uk)
