NATURE & SCOPE
Most of what we know about how the brain process visual information comes from studies in which animals are immobilised. However, in real-life situations, vision is always coupled to actions such as eye, head and body movements. Therefore, in order to understand visual processing in natural conditions, we need to understand how eye, head and body movements displace the images projected on the retina and how such displacements affect visuomotor coordination. Achieving this will also provide a better understanding of how pharmacological treatments change the way subjects perceive and engage with their visual environment.
This project (i) will develop the technological solutions to measure eye and body movements and projections of the visual scene on retinas in natural freely moving conditions; (ii) will provide a quantitative understanding of visuomotor transformations during natural unconstrained behaviours; (iii) will determine how visuomotor transformations are affected by antidepressant drugs.
TRAINING
Storchi’s group was one of the first to develop the hardware and software techniques to obtain robust 3D reconstruction of head and body in freely moving mice (Storchi, Current Biology 2020; Orlowska-Feuer, Current Biology 2022; Ebrahimi, Scientific Reports 2023). In Storchi’s group the student will learn to apply deep learning software for animal tracking and 3D statistical shape models for 3D reconstruction.
Montazeri’s group has a strong track record in developing cutting-edge ray tracing software for industry (e.g. Pixar Animation Studios; Disney Research; DreamWorks Animation) and academia. In Montazeri’s group the student will learn to apply these techniques and to further develop them in order to capture optical and physiological properties of the mouse eye.
Gigg’s group has established track-record in conducting pharmacological studies for academia and industry (John Gigg is part fot the b-neuro company, b-neuro.com). Both Gigg’s and Storchi’s groups have established expertise of behavioural testing in rodents. In Gigg’s and Storchi’s group the student will learn how to design and conduct pharmacological studies of mouse behaviour.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
How to Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a single formal online application form. Please select EPSRC PhD Programme on the online application form. For information on how to apply for this project, full entry requirements please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). You can apply for up to two EPSRC projects on one application form.
Applicants interested in this project should make direct contact with the Primary Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further before making an online application. Formal panel interviews will be held in late June.
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadline. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
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