Funded PhD: Commercial determinants of health and health inequalities

Social determinants have been known to contribute to health inequalities between and within countries, with large spreads in life expectancy and disease burden between the most and least advantaged groups. New evidence has begun to emerge regarding the impact that commercial determinants of health have on exacerbating these inequalities.

In 2024, the WHO Europe published a report that estimated that four commercial products: tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy food and fossil fuels contribute to 2.7 million deaths in the region each year. However, it is suspected that the health burdens created by these industries are not evenly spread among the population.

Health-harming industries appear to be targeting already vulnerable groups, which may exacerbate existing health inequalities. For instance, evidence from the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia suggests that unhealthy food advertising may be disproportionally targeted at children from minority and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, driving a preference for unhealthy foods from a young age.

The location density of alcohol and tobacco retailers is also found to be higher in more socially-deprived areas; and higher density of alcohol and tobacco outlets has been associated with higher rates of smoking and alcohol related mortality. Public policies which try to reduce the impacts of commercial determinants of health, such as restrictions of unhealthy food advertising. However, industry actors try to undermine and delay such policies, casting doubt on existing evidence and generating unsubstantiated concerns about harms to the economy.

Four phase study:

  1. A systematic review examining the international economic evidence of public procurement policies, and impact on health inequalities.
  2. Structural frameworks/models guiding commercial actions and influence on health equity.
  3. Commercial influences and health equity recommendations.
  4. Regulatory systems and policy.

It is implicit that all government policies in Ireland should consistently measure the economic, environmental social and environmental outcomes if these are achieved and what are the resulting impact on health inequalities.

Objectives

  • Examine the regulatory systems which favour commercial interests, and levels of transparency in addressing health inequalities in Ireland.
  • Scrutinise the monitoring and effectiveness of the implemented regulations and policies.
  • Make recommendations to influence policy change.

This research project is funded by the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, RCSI.

Tenure: Three years (stipend + domestic fees) with stipend for €25,000 per annum.

Start date: 1 October 2025

Specification

Minimum requirements

  • Candidates for this project will require a background in public health, health systems, economics, psychology, social sciences, or other cognate discipline.
  • All candidates should have a minimum of 2:1 honours degree (level 8) in the disciplinary area outlined or in a cognate discipline. Candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals.

Application process

Please apply for the research project through the link below.

Applications must include:

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Interviews: 1 September 2025

Application deadline: 18 August 2025 (midnight)

Please note:

  • It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application form is completed in full and on time – late and/or incomplete applications will not normally be assessed.
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview (applicants may attend a virtual interview, although in-person is preferred).
  • At this stage only successful candidates will be contacted to submit, CV, transcripts and other relevant documentation.
  • Only their referees will also be contacted at this stage for a reference.