A ‘groundbreaking’ initiative in Scotland will fund six PhD studentships to explore the relationship between healthcare and the built environment.
Thanks to funding from NHS Scotland and additional university support, Glasgow Caledonian University will establish the Healthcare Built Environment Doctoral Academy — a research hub focused on how hospital buildings and healthcare spaces impact patient care and staff wellbeing. The aim is to bring together experts and students to investigate ways to improve healthcare facilities, ensuring they are more efficient, sustainable and supportive of patients and medical professionals.
The funding, totalling almost £300,000, comes from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (£148,350), NHS Scotland Assure (£151,034) and the University Investment in Research (UIR), which is covering two additional PhD studentships. The project will run until September 2028, with Professors Billy Hare and Rohinton Emmanuel, along with Dr Michael Tong, overseeing the academy’s development.
The students will spend part of their time working within NHS offices, increasing their engagement with stakeholders and sharing office facilities between NHS Scotland and Glasgow Caledonian. They will also benefit from exposure to NHS events and personal development opportunities as they take on a more integrated role.
This academy forms the foundation for a larger Healthcare Built Environment Academy, aligning with long-term research goals at Glasgow Caledonian’s BEAM Centre.
Professor Hare said, “By bringing together cutting-edge research and real-world healthcare challenges, the academy aims to shape the future of hospital and healthcare facility design, improving outcomes for both patients and staff across Scotland.”
Professor Tom Steele, director of estates and facilities, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, added, “I am personally delighted about this collaboration. The research will aim to give a better understanding of, if not resolve, contemporary issues within many aspects of the healthcare sector’s built environment.
“Hosting the researchers within our site-based hospital teams will not only help integration, but it will also allow for a greater level of knowledge exchange. The Doctoral Academy within BEAM will strengthen its centre of expertise, with academics, researchers and industry partners collaborating across all sectors.”
Dr Geraldine Obrien, research lead, NHS Scotland Assure, said, “These PhD programmes have enabled significant collaboration between NHSScotland boards and academia, to develop the evidence base to support continuous improvement around healthcare outcomes and the safety of healthcare environments. The PhD will afford successful candidates a chance to gain practical experience with real-life healthcare challenges, helping to advance research and develop solutions.”
