PhD Studentship in the Impact of Nutrients/Foods on (Neuro)-Cognitive and Affective Processes

Supervisors:  Dr Piril Hepsomali & Dr Daniel Lamport

Project Overview:   

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic graduate with a background in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience or related disciplines.

The prevalence of cognitive decline (CD) is expected to reach 152 million by 2050. This increase imply remarkable economic and social burden for healthcare systems, families, caregivers, and the elderly themselves. However, a disease-modifying pharmacological treatment has yet to be identified. Therefore, it is imperative that non-pharmacological effective solutions are developed to curb/manage current projections. Diet is one of the largest risk factor in neurological diseases, and therefore dietary interventions may represent an alternative approach towards preventing and/or slowing age-related functional decline and loss of resilience.

The aim of this PhD project is to understand the neuroprotective and other wellbeing effects of certain nutrients/foods, and how nutrients/foods can positively influence cognitive function and mood outcomes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The project will also examine neural and biological changes (such as the neurotransmitters and inflammatory biomarkers) underpinning any observed effects.

For more information or informal enquiries, please contact Dr Piril Hepsomali (P.Hepsomali@reading.ac.uk).

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor Degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience or a related discipline.
• An MSc (merit or distinction) in a relevant subject would also be advantageous.
• Due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is open to UK applicants.

Funding Details:  The studentship commences in October 2024, covers 3 years tuition fees and maintenance of £18,622 (this is the current amount for the 2023/24 academic year)

*Important notes*

1. Please quote the reference ‘DRC24-010’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
2. If the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, please paste in the project title and move on to the next step in the application.

Application Deadline:  31^st March 2024

Further Enquiries:  

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria. 

For further details please contact p.hepsomali@reading.ac.uk

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