By scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com 
Fully Funded PhD Ireland🎓 Calling ambitious researchers in food science, nutrition, and biochemistry! The University College Cork (UCC), in collaboration with VistaMilk Research Centre and Teagasc, is offering a prestigious, fully funded PhD position in Ireland. The research focuses on the valorisation and enhancement of buttermilk as a dairy ingredient enriched in essential nutrients—especially for the elderly.
If you’re passionate about food innovation, functional ingredients, and improving health outcomes for aging populations, this is your golden opportunity!
📍 Host Institution:
University College Cork (UCC) – School of Food and Nutritional Sciences
In collaboration with VistaMilk, Teagasc, University College Dublin, and Valio Ltd (Finland)
🧪 Project Title:
“Valorisation and value enhancement of buttermilk as a dairy ingredient platform enriched in beneficial nutrients for targeted cohorts such as vulnerable elderly populations”
🔬 Project Background
This exciting PhD project is part of the world-renowned VistaMilk Research Centre, operating under Teagasc since 2018. The objective is to transform underutilized buttermilk into a potent, functional ingredient by enriching it with health-promoting nutrients for elderly consumers.
Buttermilk is rich in milk-fat-globule-membrane (MFGM) components, such as phospholipids and sphingomyelins—proven to support both cognitive and physical functions in aging populations. The successful candidate will work on developing and characterizing a prototype dairy product with a focus on:
- Nutritional enhancement
- Bioavailability
- Functional efficacy
- Safety and stability
This research combines food technology, nutritional science, and biochemical analysis—making it highly interdisciplinary and impactful for public health.
🎯 PhD Objectives
- Design and formulate a functional dairy product using buttermilk
- Isolate and concentrate beneficial MFGM components
- Evaluate the techno-functional properties of enriched buttermilk
- Perform in vitro testing of nutrient profiles
- Support nutritional needs of vulnerable elderly populations
💡 Why Apply for This PhD at UCC?
- 🇮🇪 Study at one of Ireland’s top-ranked universities
- 🤝 Collaborate with top researchers across Europe
- 🧬 Gain expertise in functional foods, aging nutrition, and dairy innovation
- 🌍 Opportunity for international conference participation
- 🏢 Industry connection with Valio Ltd, Finland
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (Grade One) undergraduate degree in:
- Food Science
- Nutritional Sciences
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- General Science or related fields
- OR have a relevant Master’s degree
- Be highly motivated, capable of working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team
💬 Note: Product development experience is preferred but not mandatory.
🌐 English Language Requirements:
- Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5 overall (with 6.0 in each component)
👉 English requirements: UCC Guidelines
💰 Scholarship and Financial Support
This is a fully funded PhD scholarship, including:
- 💸 Annual Stipend: €25,000
- 🎓 Tuition Fees: Covered up to €5,500 per year
- ⏳ Duration: 4 years
The successful candidate will also receive:
- 🎤 Opportunities to present at international conferences
- 🧪 Professional development training
- 🌍 Global networking via VistaMilk’s collaborative ecosystem
📅 Start Date
October 2025
✅ Application Deadline
🕐 August 4th, 2025
📝 How to Apply
Application is a two-step process.
📥 Apply directly using this official form:
👉 Apply Here (Microsoft Forms)
Or use the QR code in the official poster.
🧑🔬 Supervisory Team
- Dr. Tom O’Callaghan
- Dr. Elaine McCarthy
- Dr. Miriam Clegg
The successful candidate will be based full-time at UCC and will collaborate with Teagasc, VistaMilk, and University College Dublin.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is eligible to apply for this PhD?
A1: Applicants with a relevant undergraduate or Master’s degree in food science, nutrition, chemistry, or biochemistry are eligible. IELTS 6.5 is required for non-native speakers.
Q2: Is this PhD fully funded?
A2: Yes. It includes an annual stipend of €25,000 and full tuition fees up to €5,500/year, funded for four years.
Q3: What is the focus of the research?
A3: The project focuses on using buttermilk enriched with MFGM components to develop a functional food product for elderly consumers.
Q4: What is the deadline to apply?
A4: August 4th, 2025.
Q5: When will the program start?
A5: The PhD is expected to start in October 2025.
Q6: Where will the candidate be based?
A6: At the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, UCC, Ireland, in partnership with VistaMilk and other research organizations.
📢 Final Words
If you are passionate about functional foods, public health, and innovation in dairy nutrition, then this PhD opportunity at UCC is a perfect fit for you. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to world-leading research, enhance your academic career, and make a real difference in elderly nutrition.
Apply now and become part of Ireland’s pioneering research network with VistaMilk and UCC! 🍀
Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.
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