Prof David Simpson
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
About the Project
Blood flow to the brain is controlled by a series of interacting complex physiological mechanisms that ensure an adequate supply at all times. Of particular interest in this project is the control of flow in response to changes in blood pressure, generally known as ‘cerebral autoregulation’, whose dysfunction has been associated with many clinical conditions, from prematurity in babies to dementia, head-trauma and stroke. Knowledge of patients’ autoregulatory impairment is expected to impact the management of their blood pressure. Methods to assess autoregulation in patients still present many challenges, and usually involve simultaneous monitoring of blood flow (from Doppler ultrasound) and blood pressure, as well as other physiological variables. Mathematical modelling of the interaction between these signals can then provide measures of regulatory activity.
Most research in this field has focused on time-invariant models, but there is strong evidence that this is inadequate. Changes in the strength of blood flow control over time may be occurring spontaneous or in response to the size of blood pressure fluctuations, or other factors. Neglecting this variability will degrade the assessment of patients’ cerebral blood supply and hence their clinical management.
In the current project we will develop, test and optimise signal analysis methods to tackle this time-varying and signal dependent behaviour of blood flow control. The methods will be applied to data collected in previous research studies. The aims are to improve understanding of the physiological control system and identify markers of function/impairment that can be used in clinical practice.
Successful candidates will have a strong background in signal processing, and previous experience with biomedical applications will be advantageous. The project will be carried out in collaboration with partners at Southampton General Hospital and the Universities of Leicester and Oxford.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. David Simpson, Human Sciences Research Group, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 3221.
Funding Notes
This project is in competition with others for funding; the projects which receive the best applicants will be awarded a full studentship. This 3 year studentship covers home-rate tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend at the standard EPSRC rate, which is £14,777 for 2018/19.
The funding is only available to UK citizens or EU citizens who have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship and not mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education. For further guidance on funding, please contact [Email Address Removed]
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