Early Vascular Ageing from Childhood: Identifying High-Risk Populations and Predictive Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

About the research project

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide and places a major burden on individuals, families and healthcare systems. As a result, preventing CVD is a global public health priority. Effective prevention depends on identifying people at increased risk before symptoms develop, creating opportunities for early intervention and risk reduction. Although cardiovascular risk assessment has traditionally focused on adults, growing evidence shows that the biological processes underlying CVD begin much earlier in life. Understanding how cardiovascular risk develops during childhood and adolescence is therefore essential for reducing disease burden across the lifespan.

A promising approach to early risk detection is the assessment of vascular ageing. Vascular ageing refers to the progressive decline in blood vessel structure and function over time. Healthy blood vessels are flexible and responsive, enabling efficient regulation of blood flow and delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. However, adverse environmental exposures and genetic factors can accelerate this process, leading to increased arterial stiffness, impaired endothelial function and other vascular abnormalities. These changes reflect cumulative stress on the cardiovascular system and are important indicators of future disease risk. Accelerated vascular ageing has been associated with adverse outcomes affecting not only the cardiovascular system but also the brain, kidneys and other organs.

Evidence suggests that the foundations of vascular health are established early in life. Risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, elevated blood pressure, adverse social environments and genetic predisposition can initiate vascular changes during childhood. Over time, these influences contribute to subclinical vascular damage and premature vascular ageing. Despite increasing recognition of the developmental origins of CVD, research examining vascular ageing in children and adolescents remains limited. This is a significant knowledge gap given the rising prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in young people and the potential benefits of identifying high-risk individuals before irreversible damage occurs.

This PhD project will address this gap through the integration of epidemiological and clinical research approaches. The research will identify paediatric populations most likely to benefit from assessment of vascular age, including those with established cardiovascular risk factors or conditions linked to accelerated vascular decline. It will also evaluate a range of vascular biomarkers to determine which measures provide the strongest prediction of future cardiovascular risk. By identifying the most clinically useful indicators of vascular ageing, this project will support targeted screening, monitoring and early intervention strategies aimed at improving lifelong cardiovascular health.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Rachel Climie

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Rachel Climie to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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