Alexander Carswell

Alexander Carswell is a Lecturer in Medical Education (Physiology) at the Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia (UEA), where he has been affiliated since 2019. He previously served as a Senior Research Associate (2019–2024) and Lecturer in Physiology at the School of Health Sciences (2023–2024). He is a member of the Lifespan Health research group and is currently accepting PhD students.

• Doctor of Philosophy, Bangor University
• Master of Science, Bangor University
• Bachelor of Science, University of Dundee
• Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education, University of East Anglia

Alex’s research centers on applied physiology, with a focus on human health, physical performance, exercise, and nutrition. His work often involves military populations, examining factors such as iron status, vitamin D, hormonal contraception, and musculoskeletal injuries during training. He is particularly interested in how physiological responses to exercise and nutrition impact long-term health and performance outcomes.

The recent publications of Alexander Carswell predominantly explore physiological adaptations in military recruits, with a strong emphasis on bone health, micronutrient status, and performance. The research integrates clinical trials and longitudinal cohort studies, often funded by the UK Ministry of Defence, and is published in leading journals such as Journal of Bone and Mineral Research and Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Key themes include vitamin D metabolism, iron regulation, and the impact of hormonal contraceptives on physical performance.

Alex is an editorial board member of Physiology News, the magazine of The Physiological Society, which highlights his engagement in disseminating advances in physiology research and education.

He has been involved in mentoring and collaborative research, particularly through his role in major research projects like The Role of PTH in Treatment of Stress Fractures in Army Recruits, funded by the Ministry of Defence. While no specific grants are listed, his work is clearly embedded in externally funded, policy-relevant research. He collaborates extensively with the Norwich Clinical Trials Unit and researchers across the UK.

Alex is affiliated with the Lifespan Health research group at UEA, which focuses on understanding health and disease across the human lifespan, particularly through physiological and clinical research approaches.