Research projects

All self-funded projects can be applied to throughout the year. Please note that not all projects are available in the IPhD route. 

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Functional MRI of visual predictions in cortex

Supervisors: Prof Lars Muckli, Dr Bianca van Kemenade

Project outline: Perception is an active and dynamic process. Our senses are constantly bombarded by sensory input, and in order to make sense of this (sometimes noisy) information, it is thought that we generate predictions that enable us to either enhance the signal to allow for more veridical perception, or to suppress expected input to allow for more resources processing unexpected input. There are still many questions regarding how we generate such sensory predictions, where they are generated in the brain, and how they influence our perception. This project will combine psychophysics and fMRI to answer such questions.

Summary aim: To determine how sensory predictions are generated in the human brain, and how these predictions influence our perception.

Techniques to be used:

• Brain imaging (fMRI)
• Behavioural methods (psychophysics)
• Python programming

References

1. Petro et al., (2014), Contributions of cortical feedback to sensory processing in primary visual cortex. Frontiers in Psychology
2. Press et al., (2019), The perceptual prediction paradox. Trends in Cognitive Sciences.

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Neurobiology of reward learning and decision making in humans

Supervisor: Dr. Marios Philiastides

Project outline: Imagine picking wild berries in a forest when suddenly a swarm of bees flies out from behind a bush. In a split second, your motor system has already reacted to flee the swarm. This automatic response constitutes a powerful survival mechanism that allows efficient behaviour switching to escape from a potential hazard in the environment. In turn, a separate and more deliberate process of learning to avoid similar situations will also occur, rendering future berry picking attempts less appealing.

Our lab is interested in understanding the neural pathways and mechanistic principles guiding these processes. To this end we use a multimodal neuroimaging approach in combination with computational modelling and advanced statistical data analysis techniques to closely scrutinise the data collected from human participants.

Our ultimate goal in characterising these neural processes is to further improve our understanding of how everyday responses to rewarding or stressful events can affect our capacity to make optimal decisions, as well as facilitate the study of how mental disorders—such as chronic stress, obsessive-compulsive-disorder, post-traumatic disorder and depression—affect learning and strategic planning. 

Summary aim: Projects are available to investigate the neurobiological basis of reward learning and decision making in humans using multimodal neuroimaging (e.g. MEG/EEG, fMRI, simultaneous EEG/fMRI) and computational modelling. These projects are designed to characterize the patterns of brain activity underlying reward and value-based decisions, the computational principles underlying such decisions, and how these can be used to identify biomarkers for disorders known to compromise ones decision making faculties to be used in future neurobiological or clinical research.

Techniques to be used: 

• M/EEG
• fMRI
• ultra-high field (7T) fMRI
• simultaneous EEG/fMRI
• tES
• pupillometry
• multivariate pattern analysis
• computational modelling

References

1. Elsa Fouragnan, Chris Retzler, Karen Mullinger and Marios G. Philiastides (2015), Two spatiotemporally distinct value systems shape reward-based learning in the human brain, Nature Communications, 6: 8107.
2. Marios G. Philiastides, Guido Biele, and Hauke R. Heekeren (2010), A mechanistic account of value computation in the human brain, PNAS, 107 (20): 9430-9435.
3. Marios G. Philiastides, Guido Biele, Niki Vavatzanidis, Philipp Kazzer and Hauke R. Heekeren (2010), Temporal dynamics of prediction error processing during reward-based decision making, NeuroImage, 53 (1): 221-232.

School of Psychology and Neuroscience, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging (CCNi), University of Glasgow, 58 Hillhead Street, Glasgow G12 8QB, UK. Phone: +44 (0) 141 330 4774

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Integrated PhD (October-April)

Our Integrated PhD combines an MSc and PhD project in a 1+3+1 format. There are two options when choosing to apply for the IPhD and these are shown below. Please review how to apply section for more information. 

Option A: Choose from the listed projects.

You can select from the listed projects below and choose your MSc from the options listed on that project. 

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A neuroanatomical study of spinal cord circuits in health and chronic pain states (available as IPhD)

Supervisor: Dr. David I Hughes

MSc choice: Brain Sciences [MSc]

Project outline: Chronic (persistent) pain affects approximately 20% of the global population, however, one in three of these patients do not respond to any form of treatments that are currently available. Our failure to offer effective pain relief for a significant proportion of the population not only presents serious welfare problems, but also serves to highlight how little is known about the anatomical, physiological and pharmacological basis of sensory systems in health and disease.

Chronic pain can arise from the skin, from joints or from internal organs and in these projects, we will aim to identify circuits in the spinal cord that contribute to the development and maintenance of these conditions.

These projects will use a variety of molecular, cellular and systems level techniques to study somatosensory circuits in rodent models and determine how these change in pathological states.

Summary aim: To identify spinal circuits implicated in the development of chronic pain from the skin, from joints and from internal organs.

Techniques to be used: 

A variety of molecular, cellular and systems level techniques will be used, including

• recovery surgical techniques
• optogenetics, chemogenetics and targeted silencing
• behavioural testing
• general histological techniques and immunocytochemistry
• confocal microscopy
• transmission electron microscopy
• image analysis using dedicated software (eg Neurolucida for confocal, Neurolucida Explorer, Meta Morph and Image J)

References

1. Hughes DI and Todd AJ. (2020). Inhibitory interneurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Special issue on Pain: Aligning New Approaches to Accelerate the Development of Analgesic Therapies. Neurotherapeutics 17: 874-885. (doi: 10.1007/s13311-020-00936-0)
2. Boyle KA, Gradwell MA, Yasaka T, Dickie AC, Polgár E, Ganley RP, Orr DPH, Watanabe M, Abraira VE, Kuehn ED, Zimmerman AL, Ginty DD, Callister RJ, Graham BA, Hughes DI. (2019).  Defining a spinal microcircuit that gates myelinated afferent input: implications for tactile allodynia. Cell Reports 28 28: 526-540.e6. (doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.040)
3. Abraira VE, Kuehn ED, Chirila AM, Springel MW, Toliver AA, Zimmerman AL, Orefice LL, Boyle KA, Bai L, Song BJ, Bashista KA, O’Neill TG, Zhuo J, Tsan C, Hoynoski J, Rutlin M, Kus L, Niederkofler V, Watanabe M, Dymecki SM, Nelson SB, Heintz N, Hughes DI, Ginty DD. (2017). The cellular and synaptic architecture of the mechanosensory dorsal horn Cell 168: 295-310 (doi:10.1016/j.cell.2016.12.010)
4. Smith KM, Boyle KA, Madden JF, Dickinson SA, Jobling P, Callister RJ, Hughes DI, Graham BA. (2015). Functional heterogeneity of calretinin-expressing neurons in the mouse superficial dorsal horn: implications for spinal pain processing. Journal of Physiology 593: 4319-4339 (doi:10.1113/JP270855)
5. Hughes DI, Sikander S, Kinnon CM, Boyle KA, Watanabe M, Callister RJ, Graham BA. (2012). Morphological, neurochemical and electrophysiological features of parvalbumin-expressing cells: a likely source of axo-axonic inputs in the mouse spinal dorsal horn. Journal of Physiology 590: 3927-3951 (doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2012.235655)
6. Yasaka T, Tiong SY, Hughes DI, Riddell JS, Todd AJ. (2010). Populations of inhibitory and excitatory interneurons in lamina II of the adult rat spinal dorsal horn revealed by a combined electrophysiological and anatomical approach. Pain 151: 475-488 (doi:10.1016/j.pain.2010.08.008)

Contact:

Dr David I Hughes, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ

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Building a sense of direction: how do thalamus and cortex interact? (available as IPhD)

Supervisors: Prof. Kate Jeffery, Dr. Mick Craig 

MSc choice: Brain Sciences [MSc]

Project background: The “sense of direction” is created by the brain in the form of head direction cells, which are neurons that become active when the had faces in a particular direction (a different direction for each cell). We are studying these neurons in rats, in order to find out how the cells “know” which direction the animal is facing. This process involves a mixture of sensory perception (for example of the visual scene) and learning (is this scene familiar?) and is thus a good model system with which to study how primary sensory inputs are transformed into “knowledge” in the brain.

Project outline: This project focuses on retrosplenial cortex (RSC), which is a brain region close to the visual system that has head direction cells. These cells form two populations: one (unidirectional) which responds to the overall facing direction of the animal irrespective of the visual scene, and another (multidirectional) that responds according to the visual scene irrespective of the overall facing direction of the animal. Our discovery of these neuronal sub-types was a surprise, and we are trying to understand what accounts for their different properties, and why these different sub-types exist. The overall facing direction of the animal is conveyed to RSC from another brain region called the thalamus: specifically the anterior thalamus. We aim to find out what happens in RSC if the inputs from thalamus or from visual cortex are independently manipulated, and then to use this manipulation to try and understand how they are normally combined (as for example when learning that a particular visual scene indicates a particular facing direction).

References

1. Jacob, P. Y., Casali, G., Spieser, L., Page, H., Overington, D., & Jeffery, K. (2017). An independent, landmark-dominated head-direction signal in dysgranular retrosplenial cortex. Nature Neuroscience https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.4465
2. Lomi, E., Jeffery, K. J., & Mitchell, A. S. (2023). Convergence of location, direction, and theta in the rat anteroventral thalamic nucleus. IScience https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.106993
3. Lomi, E., Mathiasen, M. L., Cheng, H. Y., Zhang, N., Aggleton, J. P., Mitchell, A. S., & Jeffery, K. J. (2021). Evidence for two distinct thalamocortical circuits in retrosplenial cortex. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107525

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Defining the sensory neuron response to nerve injury (available as IPhD)

Supervisors: Dr Greg Weir

MSc choice: Brain Sciences [MSc]

A PhD position is available in the Spinal Cord Group (SCG) at the University of Glasgow, researching the mammalian somatosensory nervous system. This opportunity is open to candidates who have the means to self-fund their studies or who have a sponsor who will cover this cost.

Project background
Neuropathic pain affects over 5 million people in the UK, the majority of whom are failed by current treatments and live with often disabling pain. Pain arises following nerve damage and results from changes in the way that the somatosensory nervous system functions. Under normal conditions, sensory neurons detect and signal the sensory stimuli that underlie touch, temperature discrimination, pain, and itch. However, after nerve injury these neurons increase their electrical activity, a phenomenon which is thought to contribute to the pain experienced by patients. Our ability to therapeutically reverse the pain state is limited by us not having a detailed picture of the exact molecular and physiological changes that happen, nor their functional relevance to pain. This project will use newly developed transgenic and transcriptomic technology, in combination with chemogenetics and sensory testing of preclinical models, to address these knowledge gaps. The bold ambition of this project is to better understand underlying mechanisms and define new druggable targets to treat chronic pain.

Environment 
The student will be part of the SCG and the wider School of Psychology and Neuroscience. The SCG is composed of a vibrant group of research teams, with an international reputation of excellence for studies on the neuronal organisation of pain pathways. Student development will be prioritised and they will have the opportunity to join other group members at international neuroscience meetings to present their work.

Skills/Attributes

• A strong ability to solve challenges and willingness to learn new techniques and work across disciplines.
• Demonstrable self-motivation and independent initiative.
• Excellent team working and communication skills (oral and written).
• Some laboratory experience and basic skills in molecular biology techniques and/or some familiarity working with cell lines would be advantageous.

References

1. Weir, G. A. et al. Using an engineered glutamate-gated chloride channel to silence sensory neurons and treat neuropathic pain at the source. Brain 140, 2570–2585 (2017).
2. A.McDermott, L. et al. Defining the Functional Role of NaV1.7 in Human Nociception. Neuron (2019).
3. Cooper, A. H. et al. Peripheral nerve injury results in a biased loss of sensory neuron sub-populations. bioRxiv 2023.11.14.566863 (2023) doi:10.1101/2023.11.14.566863.

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Developing and applying hierarchical Bayesian models to cognitive processes (available as IPhD)

Supervisor: Dr Martin Lages

MSc choice: MSc Research Methods of Psychological Science

Project aims: New variants of hierarchical Bayesian models of cognitive processes can be investigated using simulated, existing and new data sets. Novel applications and model extensions may allow estimation of previously unobservable parameters. These model extensions provide promising alternatives to standard (non)hierarchical cognitive models and improve our understanding of cognitive processes (perception, memory, decision making).  Recently, for example, it was shown that it is possible to extend an equal-variance signal detection model to a more flexible unequal-variance model  in a hierarchical Bayesian approach (Lages, 2024).

Techniques used: Computational modelling, Bayesian inference, sampling and simulation techniques, prior distributions and posterior predictive checks, model comparison, programming in R (python/Matlab), implementations using R-packages rstan/JAGS and brms/STAN or equivalent interfaces.

References

1. Lages, M. A hierarchical signal detection model with unequal variance for binary responses. Psychon Bull Rev (2024). https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-024-02504-5
2. Gelman, A., Carlin, J.B., Stern, H.S., Dunson, D.B., Vehtari, A., & Rubin, D.B. (2013). Bayesian Data Analysis (3rd ed.). Chapman and Hall/CRC. https://doi.org/10.1201/b16018 

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Does thalamic control of entorhinal cortex contribute to circuit mechanisms of memory consolidation? (available as IPhD)

Supervisors: Dr Mick Craig, Prof Kate Jeffery

MSc choice: Brain Sciences [MSc]

Project outline: Interactions between prefrontal cortex and brain regions such as hippocampus and entorhinal cortex are essential for processes such as working memory and decision-making. Remarkably, no direct connection from prefrontal cortex to hippocampus exists (1), with information being relayed via midline thalamic nuclei such as nucleus reuniens (2). Recently, we have found that the hippocampus does not appear to be the major target of nucleus reuniens (3, 4), with the connections between this region and entorhinal cortex being overlooked by most researchers.

In this project, the student will use electrophysiological, optogenetic and anatomical methods to unravel the cellular circuitry through which nucleus reuniens exerts control over entorhinal circuitry. Then, using cutting-edge in vivo chemogenetic and electrophysiological methods, the student will determine whether specific connections between reuniens and entorhinal cortex are necessary for the long-term consolidation of memories.

Summary: This project will use ex vivo and in vivo electrophysiology and behaviour combined with optogenetic & chemogenetic manipulations to understand how connections between thalamic nucleus reuniens and entorhinal cortex support memory & decision-making.

Techniques: Patch clamp electrophysiology, stereotaxic surgery, in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, behaviour, microscopy.

References

1. L. Andrianova, S. Yanakieva, G. Margetts-Smith, S. Kohli, E. S. Brady, J. P. Aggleton, M. T. Craig, No evidence from complementary data sources of a direct glutamatergic projection from the mouse anterior cingulate area to the hippocampal formation. eLife. 12 (2023), doi:10.7554/elife.77364.
2. M. J. Dolleman-van der Weel, A. L. Griffin, H. T. Ito, M. L. Shapiro, M. P. Witter, R. P. Vertes, T. A. Allen, The nucleus reuniens of the thalamus sits at the nexus of a hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex circuit enabling memory and behavior. Learn Memory. 26, 191–205 (2019).
3. M. T. Craig, J. Witton, A cellular switchboard in memory circuits. Science. 377, 262–263 (2022).
4. L. Andrianova, E. S. Brady, G. Margetts-Smith, S. Kohli, C. J. McBain, M. T. Craig, Hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells do not receive monosynaptic input from thalamic nucleus reuniens. bioRxiv (2021), doi:10.1101/2021.09.30.462517.

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Investigating the effects of expectation on cortical feedback processing using fMRI (available as IPhD)

Supervisors: Prof. Lars Muckli, Dr. Lucy Petro 

MSc choice: Brain Sciences [MSc], Research Methods of Psychological Science [MSc]

Project background: Contextual information and prior knowledge facilitate the brain’s processing of our visual world, aiding in the recognition of distorted or obstructed visual inputs. As a result, neuronal processing elicited by identical sensory inputs varies depending on the context in which we encounter those inputs. This modulation is in line with predictive processing accounts of vision which suggest that the brain uses internal models of the world to predict sensory inputs, with cortical feedback processing in sensory areas encoding beliefs about those inputs. Visual occlusion is a paradigmatic example in which top-down processing provides input layers with additional contextual information beyond what is available from bottom-up thalamic input (e.g. Smith and Muckli, 2010). By partially occluding visual scenes, cortical retinotopic regions or neurons that receive only lateral and cortical top-down input can be isolated. Here, the remaining signals relate to contextual information or to internally-generated model-based predictions of the missing stimulus features.

Project outline: In this project, we will investigate how top-down knowledge carried in cortical feedback signals affects the processing of sensory information at the earliest level of cortex, V1. We will use fMRI and natural scene stimuli to measure how cortical feedback signals are modulated by our  expectations of predictable sensory inputs. We will investigate the microcircuitry of this corital feedback processing by measuring cortical layers in V1 using 7T fMRI. 

References

1. Muckli, L., De Martino, F., Vizioli, L., Petro, L. S., Smith, F. W., Ugurbil, K., ... & Yacoub, E. (2015). Contextual feedback to superficial layers of V1. Current Biology, 25(20), 2690-2695.

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Investigation of the somatosensory coding mechanism in the spinal cord (available as IPhD)

Supervisor: Dr Junichi Hachisuka

MSc choice: Brain Sciences [MSc]

Project outline: Somatosensory information including pain and itch is conveyed through the spinal cord to the brain. However, the physiological and anatomical basis of somatosensory processing in the spinal cord is still largely unknown. Our goal is to understand how the spinal dorsal horn neurons differentiate various somatosensory stimuli, especially those associated with pain and itch. To tackle this question, we have developed a semi-intact somatosensory preparation that enables us to record the spinal dorsal horn neuron activity in response to natural stimulation of the skin. Combining this with molecular, genetic and anatomical approaches, we will examine the physiological properties of spinal cord neurons to the natural sensory stimuli.

Summary aim: To reveal the coding mechanism for somatosensory perception including pain and itch in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons.

Techniques to be used:

• Whole-cell patch clamp recording
• Retrograde neuronal tracing
• Immunocytochemistry
• Neuronal reconstruction
• Behavioural testing

References

• Choi, S. et al. Parallel ascending spinal pathways for affective touch and pain. Nature (2020).
• Hachisuka, J. et al. Semi-intact ex vivo approach to investigate spinal somatosensory circuits. Elife 5, 1–19 (2016).
• Hachisuka, J., Koerber, H. R. & Ross, S. E. Selective-cold output through a distinct subset of lamina I spinoparabrachial neurons. Pain 161, 185–194 (2020).
• Hachisuka, J. et al. Wind-up in lamina I spinoparabrachial neurons: A role for reverberatory circuits. Pain 159, 1484–1493 (2018).
• Kardon, A. P. et al. Dynorphin acts as a neuromodulator to inhibit itch in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Neuron 82, 573–86 (2014).
• Snyder, L. M. et al. Kappa Opioid Receptor Distribution and Function in Primary Afferents. Neuron 99, 1274-1288.e6 (2018).

Contact:

Dr Junichi Hachisuka, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ

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Spinal cord neuronal pathways for pain and itch (available as IPhD)

Supervisor: Prof. Andrew Todd

MSc choice: Brain Sciences [MSc]

Project outline: The dorsal horn of the spinal cord plays an important role in processing sensory information that is perceived as pain and itch, but despite its importance we know little about the organisation of neural circuits in this region. Sensory information is conveyed to the brain via projection neurons, which are concentrated in lamina I and scattered through the deeper dorsal horn laminae. However, the vast majority of neurons in laminae I-III are interneurons, with axons that arborise locally. Around two-thirds of these are glutamatergic (excitatory), while the remainder are inhibitory and use GABA and/or glycine.

Recent studies have demonstrated that the inhibitory interneurons can be divided into a number of distinct neurochemical populations that differ in their synaptic inputs and outputs, and this has begun to shed light on how the inhibitory circuits are organised. We offer a variety of projects that will explore the neuronal organisation and synaptic circuitry of the dorsal horn, and how these circuits contribute to the transmission and modulation of sensory information at the spinal level.

Summary aim: To identify distinct functional populations among dorsal horn neurons and to define their roles in synaptic circuits that are responsible for the perception of pain and itch.

Techniques to be used: 

• immunocytochemistry
• confocal and electron microscopy
• neuronal reconstruction
• retrograde neuronal tracing
• PCR (for genotyping).

References

1. Todd AJ (2010) Neuronal circuitry for pain processing in the dorsal horn. Nature Reviews of Neuroscience 11:823-836.
2. Polgár E, Sardella TCP, Tiong SYX, Locke S, Watanabe M, Todd AJ (2013) Functional differences between neurochemically-defined populations of inhibitory interneurons in the rat spinal cord. Pain 154:2606-2615.
3. Kardon AP, Polgár E, Hachisuka J, Snyder LM, Cameron D, Savage S , Cai X, Karnup S, Fan CR,. Hemenway GM, Bernard CS, Schwartz ES, Nagase H, Schwarzer C, Watanabe M, Furuta T, Kaneko T, Koerber HR, Todd AJ, Ross SE (2014) Dynorphin acts as a neuromodulator to inhibit itch in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Neuron 82:573-586.

Contact:

• Prof Andrew J Todd MBBS, PhD, FSB, Professor of Neuroscience, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ;
• Dr John S Riddell, PhD, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ

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Synaptic plasticity deficits in schizophrenia (available as IPhD)

Supervisor: Prof. Brian Morris

MSc choice: Brain Sciences [MSc]

Project outline: Schizophrenia is a common and severe disease with a strong genetic influence. A number of functionally-related genes are believed to interact with environmental factors, such as stress or infection during early development (in utero), to cause the disease. We have recently identified a gene involved in glutamatergic signalling in the CNS that shows strong genetic association with schizophrenia. This gene becomes especially interesting, considering that it is also activated during maternal exposure to infection during pregnancy. This project aims to test the hypothesis that dysfunction in this gene mediates stress and immune influences on disease risk, and contributes to the neurochemical and cognitive impairments of the disease. 

Summary aim: To determine the extent to which the gene is involved in synaptic plasticity in the CNS, and in stress and immune responses, and whether gene deficiency produces cortical GABAergic deficits, impairs glutamatergic signalling or produces behavioural changes characteristic of schizophrenia (deficits in working memory and attentional processing).

Techniques to be used: A variety of molecular, cellular and systems level techniques will be used, including

• Neuronal and microglial cell cultures
• gene transfection
• immunofluorescence
• RT-PCR
• western blotting
• mouse behavioural analysis.

References:

1. Morris, B. J. and J. A. Pratt (2014). "Novel treatment strategies for schizophrenia from improved understanding of genetic risk." Clinical Genetics. (DOI 10.1111/cge.12485)
2. Winchester, C. L., H. Ohzeki, et al. (2012). "Converging evidence that sequence variations in the novel candidate gene MAP2K7 (MKK7) are functionally associated with schizophrenia." Human Molecular Genetics 21: 4910-21.
3. Coffey, E. T. (2014). "Nuclear and cytosolic JNK signalling in neurons." Nature Reviews Neuroscience 15: 285-99
4. Openshaw, R.L et al., (2019) “JNK signalling mediates aspects of maternal immune activation: importance of maternal genotype in relation to schizophrenia risk” Journal of Neuroinflammation. 16: 18
5. Bristow, G.C. et al (2020) “16p11 Duplication Disrupts Hippocampal-Orbitofrontal-Amygdala Connectivity, Revealing a Neural Circuit Endophenotype for Schizophrenia” Cell Reports, 31, 107536, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107536.

Contact:

Prof Brian Morris,  Professor of Molecular Neurobiology, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ

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Using iPSC technology to model the sensory nerve and discover new analgesics (available as IPhD)

Supervisors: Dr Greg Weir

MSc choice: Brain Sciences [MSc]

A PhD position is available in the Spinal Cord Group (SCG) at the University of Glasgow, researching the mammalian somatosensory nervous system. This opportunity is open to candidates who have the means to self-fund their studies or who have a sponsor who will cover this cost.

Project background
Neuropathic pain affects over 5 million people in the UK, the majority of whom are failed by current treatments and live with often disabling pain. Pain arises following nerve damage and because of changes in the way the somatosensory nervous system works after damage. Excessive electrical activity of sensory neurons is key to the initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain, however, the environmental and cellular cues which influence hyperexcitability are not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests that non-neuronal cells in the sensory nerve make an important contribution. This project will use induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to model cellular interactions in the healthy and damaged sensory nerve. We will study the signalling between neurons, glia, and innate immune cells, all derived from human iPSC. Critically, using this model system means that all information gleaned is from human cells, increasing its translational relevance. Neuronal activity will be monitored by patch clamp electrophysiology and calcium imaging, while signalling pathways are investigated by RNA sequencing and profiling of soluble pain-associated inflammatory mediators. The ambitious goal of this project is to further our understanding of pathological pain mechanisms and define exciting opportunities to disrupt signalling and treat neuropathic pain.

Environment
The student will be part of the SCG and the wider School of Psychology and Neuroscience. The SCG is composed of a vibrant group of research teams, with an international reputation of excellence for studies on the neuronal organisation of pain pathways. Student development will be prioritised and they will have the opportunity to join other group members at international neuroscience meetings to present their work.

Skills/Attributes

• A strong ability to solve challenges and willingness to learn new techniques and work across disciplines.
• Demonstrable self-motivation and independent initiative.
• Excellent team working and communication skills (oral and written).
• Some laboratory experience and basic skills in molecular biology techniques and/or some familiarity working with cell lines would be advantageous.

References

1. Weir, G. A. et al. Using an engineered glutamate-gated chloride channel to silence sensory neurons and treat neuropathic pain at the source. Brain 140, 2570–2585 (2017).
2. A. McDermott, L. et al. Defining the Functional Role of NaV1.7 in Human Nociception. Neuron (2019).
3. Chrysostomidou, L., Cooper, A. H. & Weir, G. A. Cellular models of pain: New technologies and their potential to progress preclinical research. Neurobiology of Pain 10, 100063 (2021).
4. Calvo, M. et al. The Genetics of Neuropathic Pain from Model Organisms to Clinical Application. Neuron 104, 637–653 (2019).

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Option B: Create your own research proposal

You can create your own project, source a supervisor and they will choose an MSc programme that aligns with your research proposal. 

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Create your own PhD proposal

1. Create your own proposal - approximately 1000 words and must include:
   • a straightforward, descriptive, and informative title
   • the question that your research will address
   • an account of why this question is important and worth investigating
   • an assessment of how your own research will engage with recent research in the field
   • a brief account of the methodology and approach you will take.
2. You will need to contact a supervisor prior to application, using the search function.

Supervisor Search

Based on your proposal, your supervisor will choose an MSc programme that aligns with your research interests. 

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Overview

Discovering how the central nervous system functions normally and how it is affected by disease and injury present major challenges for biological and medical research in the 21^st century. Over the last two decades there has been an explosion of interest in understanding the normal function of the brain illustrated by launching of the Human Brain Project and the Brain Initiative. In parallel the huge burden of neurological and psychiatric disorders on society and the current lack of effective treatments means there is an urgent need to develop new approaches.

Four centres of excellence

• Neuroscience
• Stroke and Brain Imaging
• Cognitive Neuroimaging
• Social Interaction

Via their interactions, our centres aim to understand brain networks at multiple levels of function, from cells to cognition with a strong emphasis on imaging and computational analyses of each level. Our translational efforts are directed at a range of disorders including pain, stroke, spinal cord injury, neurodevelopmental disorder and schizophrenia.

Our staff and students have access to world-class imaging infrastructure and supporting high-performance computing facilities. This provides strong unifying technological and methodological links across the different centres of the INP, including a state-of-the-art platform of cognitive imaging in humans, a high field small bore animal scanner, dedicated confocal and electron microscopy facilities, as well as cutting edge equipment to measure dynamic social signals.

A PhD programme in Neuroscience and Psychology is based on individual research projects covering an exciting range of topics including:

• non-invasive multimodal brain imaging using fMRI
• dynamics of auditory and visual processing
• functions of brain oscillations
• neuroendocrine effects on social interactions
• neuromodulation via TMS
• spinal cord and brainstem circuits in pain
• molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission and plasticity
• neural control of respiration
• schizophrenia
• spinal cord injury
• rett syndrome
• imaging in acute stroke
• stroke clinical trial and design
• stem cells as treatment for stroke
• experimental stroke
• cortical circuits mediating perception and memory
• circadian rhythms

Study options

PhD

• Duration: 3/4 years full-time; 5 years part-time

Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators.

Integrated PhD programmes (5 years)

Our Integrated PhD allows you to combine masters level teaching with your chosen research direction in a 1+3+1 format. 

International students with MSc and PhD scholarships/funding do not have to apply for 2 visas or exit and re-enter the country between programmes. International and UK/EU students may apply.

Year 1

Taught masters level modules are taken alongside students on our masters programmes. Our research-led teaching supports you to fine tune your research ideas and discuss these with potential PhD supervisors. You will gain a valuable introduction to academic topics, research methods, laboratory skills and the critical evaluation of research data. Your grades must meet our requirements in order to gain entry on to your pre-selected PhD research project. If not, you will have the options to pay outstanding MSc fees and complete with masters degree only.

Years 2, 3 and 4

PhD programme with research/lab work, completing an examinable piece of independent research in year 4.

Year 5

Thesis write up.

MD (Doctor of Medicine)

• Duration: 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time (for medically-qualified graduates only)