Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in western civilisation (World Health Organisation, 2014). Vascular dysfunction precedes the onset and progression of CVD, and thus can be used as an early clinically relevant marker for future CVD risk. In fact, vascular dysfunction may result in the shift from anti-, to pro-inflammation, with circulating immune cells promoting inflammation within our blood vessels, leading to reductions in nitric oxide bioavailability, promoting endothelial cell senescence and apoptosis. We know that lifestyle factors such as ageing, physical inactivity and obesity are associated with inflammation, and some evidence suggests that these promote the production of inflammatory myeloid cells by the bone marrow. However, studies using lifestyle interventions to counteract this inflammatory myelopoiesis are lacking. The aim of this PhD is to determine influence of age on vascular dysfunction and inflammatory myelopoiesis, and the influence of exercise training and/or diet on reversing or attenuating these negative effects of ageing. You will be given the opportunity to engage in an active postgraduate research group. You will be provided with extensive training in vascular ultrasound, phlebotomy, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. You will be given the opportunity to engage with an active postgraduate research community (including the chance to present at national/international conferences) and take part in a full training programme aimed at supporting progression to a successful research career.