Dr Niharika Duggal

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research group aims to uncover new mechanisms of ageing alongside the development and translation of biomarker panels. We answer research questions through the application of three inter-related research themes:

Employ immunophenotypic analysis, alongside cell-based assays and genomic analysis to identify immunesenescence features with biomarker potential in inflammatory conditions [such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis and critically ill cohorts].

Dissecting novel mechanisms of immune-microbiome cross-talk across lifespan and to develop a better understanding of how an individual’s lifestyle choices [ such as physical activity levels, diet,] contribute to an individual’s immune health status.

Development of a portfolio of pharmacological and nutritional supplementation targets [targeting the microbiome] with anti-immunesenescence potential that can be used to boost health span in healthy and frail older adults in clinical trials.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: My supervisory approach is student-centred and supportive, combining a detail-oriented and technique-focused approach with a strong focus on outcomes and goal achievement. I aim to create an inclusive and collaborative environment, fostering open discussion, curiosity, and independent thinking. By being understanding and approachable, I ensure students feel empowered to develop their skills, achieve project milestones, and gain confidence in both technical and professional aspects of their research.

Provision of Training

I provide structured training initially, taking responsibility for technical guidance, before progressively encouraging the student to work independently and adapt methodologies. Throughout, training is supported by experienced postdocs and PhD students, ensuring continuous mentorship and skill development.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I expect the student to take ownership of their progression while keeping me updated regularly, with evidence of method development and data generation reviewed weekly. I provide guidance and support to troubleshoot challenges, set clear expectations, and collaboratively develop action plans to ensure the student achieves their full potential.

Communication

I maintain open and regular communication with my team via email and group messaging, and I expect the student to stay informed while managing a healthy work/life balance. I am always available to discuss any issues affecting progress or wellbeing.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

A placebo-controlled blinded trial to determine the potential of a prebiotic to reduce immune and physical frailty

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

A placebo-controlled blinded trial to determine the potential of a prebiotic to reduce immune and physical frailty

Secondary Supervisor(s): Professor Joao Pedro Magalhaes

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

Project Outline

Advancing age is accompanied by profound physiological changes, including remodelling of the immune system (immunosenescence), decline in physical function (frailty), and disruption of gut microbial communities (dysbiosis). Our preliminary data reveal a causal link between microbial dysbiosis, reduced dietary fibre intake, and intestinal barrier dysfunction in driving thymic involution and T-cell ageing. Restoration of microbiome homeostasis has already shown anti-immunosenescence benefits in older Clostridioides difficile patients, underscoring the therapeutic potential of microbiome-targeted interventions. Recent evidence suggests that age-associated T-cell alterations are closely linked to frailty, a relationship also observed in frail hip-fracture patients. Together, these findings establish a strong rationale for this translational project, which will test whether prebiotic nutraceutical therapies can combat T-cell ageing and inflammaging, while improving resilience and quality of life in older adults.

The objectives are:

1. Evaluate the efficacy of 12-week prebiotic supplementation in reducing inflammaging and T-cell ageing in healthy and frail older cohorts.

2. Determine impact on physical function and skeletal muscle ageing, key drivers of independence and frailty risk.

3. Integrate multi-omics data using machine learning to uncover novel interactions within the immune–muscle–gut axis.

Gut microbiota dysregulation lies at the core of many ageing-related changes, including immune dysfunction, sarcopenia, and vulnerability to infection. Modulating the microbiome through targeted dietary strategies offers a practical, scalable, and low-cost approach with direct relevance to older populations. If successful, this work could deliver a nutritional intervention to extend healthy lifespan, delay frailty, and reduce healthcare burden, providing both biological insights and a clear pathway to translation into clinical and community settings.

APPLY HERE