PhD Study : Large-Scale Multimodal Brain Connectivity Analysis to Discover Neuromarkers for Early Detection of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Summary

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is one of the fatal and most commonly occurring motor neurone diseases (MNDs) that affect the functionality of cortical and spinal motor neurons. Currently, there is no single test for definitive diagnosis of ALS and depending on the neurons that are impaired, clinical symptoms vary a lot across ALS subjects. Further, there are multiple subtypes of ALS depending on where it starts. Moreover, currently there is no cure for ALS [2, 6], most therapeutic techniques focus on improving the quality of life for ALS subjects.

To address these challenges associated with ALS, several studies involving multiple brain imaging modalities like EEG [3], MEG [4] and MRI are being undertaken. Particularly, MEG is a neuroimaging modality providing highest spatio-temporal  resolution, most suited to measure dynamic neural activity non-invasively and has recently been increasingly applied in the study of ALS [4, 5].

Research Programme

PhD student will first undertake a detailed review of the existing ALS literature, mainly focusing on alterations in functional properties of motor cortices and other cortical areas. Having developed a theoretical understanding of functional impairments in ALS subjects, student will learn appropriate pre-processing and data analysis steps on existing MEG data to accumulate deeper insights. Next s/he will leverage existing representation modelling [7] and feature extraction [5] approaches from computational intelligence modelling literature for identifying superior neuromarkers for discriminating cognitively normal individuals from ALS patients in early stages.

The focus will be on identifying brain regions that are indicative of differences in functional connectivity [5] in ALS subjects. The identified superior neuromarkers will be validated on the data obtained from new ALS patients who will be invited to ISRC’s NIFBM facility for MEG scanning in resting state and while performing suitable motor tasks.

Anticipated Outcomes

The identified neuromarkers will have strong potential for inclusion in clinical procedures, enabling clinicians to routinely use MEG and other neuroimaging data in assessing individuals exhibiting symptoms consistent with early stages of MND. Further, identified brain regions might serve as possible therapeutic targets in drug development for different subtypes of ALS.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Applicants will be shortlisted if they have an average of 75% or greater in a first (honours) degree (or a GPA of 8.75/10). For applicants with a first degree average in the range of 70% to 74% (GPA 3.3): If they are undertaking an Masters, then the average of their first degree marks and their Masters marks will be used for shortlisting.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living