Wellcome Trust 4 year PhD in Neural Dynamics

Closing Date

18 Jun 2017

Address

University of Bristol

What is neural dynamics?

Neural dynamics is the study of the nervous system's remarkable capacity to change, and, at a systems level, the dynamic interplay between integration and segregation of brain regions enables all aspects of behaviour, including learning, memory, homeostasis and sensorimotor control.

The mechanisms that underpin this activity can be explored at multiple levels, from the molecular level of epigenetic changes through to dendritic remodelling, synaptic plasticity and neural networks. These may be very rapid at molecular and synaptic levels through to days at the network level and even years for the development of new motor skills.

Why study neural dynamics at the University of Bristol?

A different kind of postgraduate education

The Wellcome Trust PhD programme is different to a traditional PhD route, providing you with a year of taught units and two extensive research projects before you embark on your primary research focus. Through this innovative structure, you have the opportunity to explore several areas of neural dynamics research, allowing you a broad understanding of the foundation that underpins your core interests. This structure gives you the confidence to make a fully-informed decision on your major research focus for the remaining three years of your PhD.

There are a wide choice of projects to choose from, which can be tailored to your own interests. Projects will include the opportunity to combine the very latest molecular and systems level techniques, with computational and engineering methods.

Our programme also includes the option for an industrial placement or an overseas training visit to one of our many international collaborators.

A concentration of neuroscience research

Bristol has one of the largest concentrations of neuroscientists in Europe and is a major centre for basic and clinical neuroscience. We are an acknowledged world leader in many key areas of neural dynamics research, from both an experimental and theoretical perspective, spanning molecular, cellular and systems levels of neuroscience. Together with experts in systems dynamics, based in the Departments of Engineering Mathematics, Computer Science, the School of Mathematics and the Bristol Robotics Lab, we can provide considerable scope for ground-breaking, integrative research projects.

A lively community

Bristol is also a fantastic place to live with a lively neuroscience student community that creates and is involved in several groups and activities.

What funding does the programme provide?

This programme is fully-funded by the Wellcome Trust. The Trust provides funding to cover PhD programme fees at UK/EU student rate, research expenses, a stipend for living expenses, contribution towards travel and a contribution towards transferable-skills training.

Further information on fees and funding is available.

For more information and to apply visit bristol.ac.uk/neural-dynamics/programme-details