Using neuroimaging to better understand sensory sensitivity in autism at Cardiff University on FindAPhD.com

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Dr C Jones, Prof P Sumner, Prof K Singh No more applications being accepted Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

Cardiff United Kingdom Developmental Psychology Neurology Neuropsychology Neuroscience Psychology

About the Project

Autistic people experience differences in sensory processing, including hypersensitivity to sensory input such as lights, sounds and touch, which can cause distraction and distress. Conversely, some unusual sensory experiences can be a source of pleasure and fascination.

This PhD project will use magnetoencephalography with optically pumped magnetometers (OPM-MEG) to better understand differences in sensory processing in autistic adults. OPM-MEG measures neural activity through the measurement of magnetic fields. Unlike traditional MEG, it enables the participant to move freely, which broadens the scope of possible experiments. It is anticipated that the PhD will combine this cutting edge technology with other methods, potentially psychophysics and first-person accounts of sensory difference. There will be ample scope for the PhD student to develop novel hypotheses to deepen understanding of sensory processing in autism.

The student will be part of the Wales Autism Research Centre, the UKs first national autism centre, which is housed within the Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS). CUCHDS has a suite of neuroimaging equipment, including the MEG-OPM that will be used in the PhD. The student will also be a part of the Cardiff University Brain Imaging Research Centre (CUBRIC), and will benefit from an active community of research scientists and practitioners across the three centres.

Funding Notes

Applications from Home and International students are welcome. Studentships are awarded on a competitive basis in competition with other projects in the Open School competition. The number of international studentships is limited.
The studentship commences in October 2023, covers 3 years tuition fees and maintenance, with submission deadline of 4 years. The 2022/23 full-time maintenance grant was £17,668 p.a. School of Psychology students receive conference and participant money (~£2,250), computer, office space, access to courses and become members of the Doctoral Academy.
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References

Home students are UK Nationals and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements (students must have been in the UK for >3 years before start of course).
As only a limited number of studentships are available across the Open School competition and a very high standard of applications is typically received, the successful applicants are likely to have a very good first degree (a First or Upper Second class BSc Honours or equivalent) and/or be distinguished by having relevant research experience.

Where will I study?

Cardiff University

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