Prof Colleen Loo
Applications accepted all year round
Awaiting Funding Decision/Possible External Funding
About the Project
The Sydney Neurostimulation Centre (SyNC) located within the Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia is seeking a Ph.D student to undertake research investigating how the pattern of brain stimulation from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is associated with memory side-effects. This project is part of a larger randomised controlled trial which will additionally use computer modelling to examine stimulation effects in relevant brain regions using individualised and anatomically-accurate 3D head models.
ECT is the most effective treatment for severe treatment-resistant depression, but can be associated with memory side effects. Recent advances in ECT technique, involving modification of the electrical stimulus and electrode placements, have led to dissociation between therapeutic and memory side-effects, theoretically due to stimulation of different brain regions associated with therapeutic effects and memory. This project will specifically investigate how modification of these treatment parameters activates different brain regions, to dissociate memory side effects and therapeutic effects. The aim is to develop forms of ECT with high efficacy and minimal effects on memory.
This project is suited to a student with a background in psychology, neuroscience or psychiatry. The successful applicant will join an internationally leading research team in the field of brain stimulation based within the Black Dog Institute, Sydney, which is highly regarded for pioneering research in the treatment and prevention of mental illness.
Funding Notes
Applicants must meet the PhD entry requirements of UNSW Australia, be enrolling full-time and must hold an Honours degree (1st Class or 2nd Class upper) or a research Masters degree.
Post-graduate scholarships are available to support tuition and living expenses for Australian domestic students (Australian Postgraduate Award APA). More information is available at:
http://research.unsw.edu.au/domestic-research-candidate-scholarships
Post-graduate scholarships are also available to support tuition and living expenses for international students to study in Australia. More information is available at:
http://research.unsw.edu.au/international-research-candidate-scholarships
Top-up scholarships are available from SyNC for $5K per annum.
Interested applicants should contact Prof. Colleen Loo: [Email Address Removed]
References
http://www.sync.unsw.edu.au/
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