| Project Supervisor | Diana Varaden |
| Institution & Department | Imperial College London – School of Public Health – Environmental Research Group |
| Research Area | RA 4: Environment and Sustainability |
| Project Start Date | 1st July 2026 – flexible start date offered. |
| Project Duration | 3 months |
| Application Deadline | 12th June 2026 |
| Working Pattern | Full-time (5 days per week over 3 months) |
| Working Arrangements | Hybrid |
| The student is expected to spend approximately 60% of their time in our offices, where a dedicated desk and computer will be provided. We believe this represents the minimum in-person engagement necessary for the student to fully benefit from working alongside other researchers and actively participating in the broader activities of the ERG team. | |
| How to Apply | View Guidance Here |
Project Description
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This project offers an opportunity for a LISS DTP PhD student to collaborate with the multidisciplinary WellHome research team. The WellHome study is a community-based research project conducted in West London since 2021, focused on investigating indoor and outdoor air pollution and its impact on asthma. As part of the study, indoor air quality was monitored in 110 homes across two 28-day periods. Data were collected on pollutants including gases and particulate matter, using sensors placed in key household locations (kitchen, living room, and children’s bedrooms). In addition, passive samplers were used to capture a wide range of environmental contaminants, including chemical compounds, biological particles (mould spores), and microplastics.
Following data collection and analysis, the WellHome team conducted a series of focus groups with participating families to co-design personalised data reports. These sessions aimed to ensure that the reports were accessible, meaningful, and engaging. Participants contributed actively to report design, providing feedback on data visualisation, clarity of language, and the communication of complex scientific concepts. Ethnographic observation notes and anonymised transcripts of these discussions were collected with appropriate ethical approval.
The primary aim of the proposed project is to analyse the qualitative data generated through these focus groups to produce an academic publication that offers a detailed account of the processes, challenges, and opportunities involved in co-producing participant-facing environmental health reports.
The anticipated contribution of this research lies in advancing understanding of effective participant engagement and co-production in environmental health research. Specifically, the project will generate practical insights into how complex environmental exposure data can be communicated in ways that are both scientifically robust and accessible to non-specialist audiences. These findings will inform best practices for participatory research design, enhance the quality of researcher–participant interactions, and contribute to broader methodological discussions on public engagement and knowledge translation in environmental and public health research.
Internship Details
The student will engage directly with the WellHome study, contributing to the analysis of qualitative data, co-production processes, and participant engagement strategies. WellHome has become a highly recognised and influential study in the field of indoor air quality research, thanks to its innovative design and impactful deliverables.
What sets WellHome apart is its deep engagement with the local community. Through a diverse range of methods—including participatory arts projects and co-production activities, the study has fostered collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful participation. WellHome’s approach has been widely acknowledged: in 2024, it was highlighted in the CaSE (Campaign for Science and Engineering) report for conducting research that directly benefits local communities. In the same year, the WellHome Community Ambassadors were awarded the Imperial President’s Societal Engagement Award in the ‘Community Partner’ category.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
• Conduct a narrative review of the literature on challenges, opportunities, and best practices in co-producing participant-facing environmental health reports, with a focus on participant engagement in residential research.
• Perform a qualitative analysis of existing focus group transcripts and ethnographic observation notes to explore the processes, challenges, and opportunities in co-production.
• Collaborate on academic writing, contributing as a co-author to a peer-reviewed journal article disseminating the study’s findings.
Targets and Goals
• Complete a narrative literature review by the end of Month 1.
• Conduct a thematic analysis of focus group transcripts and ethnographic observation notes and identify key themes by the end of Month 2.
• Prepare a draft manuscript for submission to an academic journal by the end of Month 3.
Anticipated Benefits for the Student
Through this internship, the student will develop the following doctoral-level research and transferable skills:
- Practical training in qualitative research methods, including data management, coding, and thematic analysis.
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary research team, enhancing communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
- Development of personal and professional skills through interactions with researchers involved in the co-production of participant-facing reports, as well as guidance from the academic supervisor and wider team.
- Hands-on experience in academic writing through co-authoring a peer-reviewed journal article, strengthening skills in scientific communication and publication
Skills, Experience and Knowledge Requirements
• Academic background in social sciences, public health, environmental studies, or related disciplines.
• Experience or strong interest in qualitative research methods, including analysing focus group’s data.
• Proficiency in academic writing and a demonstrated interest in publishing research findings.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Experience with or interest in community-based participatory research and engaging with diverse participant groups.