Back to search results

PhD studentship: Graph deep learning for neurodegenerative disease detection

Coventry University Group - Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Coventry
Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students
Funding amount: Tuition fees and stipend
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 1st August 2025
Closes: 30th September 2025

Introduction

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), affect tens of millions of people worldwide and cause a heavy economic burden on societies. Early diagnosis and an accurate characterization of disease progression are critical for treatment and improving patients' quality of life. However, current methods rely on expensive and time-consuming mental status examinations and neuroimaging scans, which are often inaccurate. There is an urgent need for cost-effective and accurate diagnostic tools for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

Project details

In this project we aim to develop graph deep learning methods that model spatial-temporal brain dynamics for accurate and interpretable detection of neurodegenerative diseases. Electroencephalography (EEG) has emerged as a non-invasive and economical alternative technique for studying neurological disorders. However, current approaches rely primarily on single-channel or pairwise connectivity analysis, focused on selected electrodes or brain regions. We would like to investigate how graph deep learning models can be designed to capture dynamics in brain signals for the accurate detection, and how the interpretability of these models can be enhanced to support clinical decision-making. This project will leverage the complementary expertise of both supervisory teams in EEG signal processing, graph deep learning, dynamical systems and statistical physics. The candidate will be jointly supervised by the Coventry team Dr Fei He and the Stellenbosch team Prof. Francesco Petruccione. This project will contribute to the new theoretical development of graph deep learning, and contribute to the research community of brain connectivity and network neuroscience.

This is a joint Phd studentship between Coventry (UK) and Stellenbosch (South Africa) you will  registered for a PhD at both Universities. The successful candidate will be based at Coventry University and will spend a few months at Stellenbosch (South Africa) 

This project will leverage the complementary expertise of both supervisory teams in EEG signal processing and statistical physics. You will be  jointly supervised by the Coventry team Dr Fei He and the Stellenbosch team Prof. Francesco Petruccione

Funding

Tuition fees and bursary

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry requirements 

  • A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
  • A Masters’s degree with a minimum mark of 60% in the dissertation

PLUS

  • The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
  • A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
  •  

How to apply

In the first instance please submit your expression of interest via the button below with a supporting statement detailing your suitability with evidence of the following: 

  •  Have backgrounds in computer science (or engineering), system engineering, or physics/mathematics.
  •  Knowledgeable in machine learning techniques (had successful courses or projects)
  •  Be proficient in programming (preferably in Python ot Matlab).
  •  Ideally familiar with machine/deep learning, signal processing, dynamical system or mathematical modelling

To find out more about the about the technical details of the project, please contact: Dr Fei He 

We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback
Advert information

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):

PhD tools
 

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Ok Ok

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Account Verification Missing

In order to create multiple job alerts, you must first verify your email address to complete your account creation

Request verification email Request verification email

jobs.ac.uk Account Required

In order to create multiple alerts, you must create a jobs.ac.uk jobseeker account

Create Account Create Account

Alert Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your account is currently blocked. Please login to unblock your account.

Email Address Blocked

We received a delivery failure message when attempting to send you an email and therefore your email address has been blocked. You will not receive job alerts until your email address is unblocked. To do so, please choose from one of the two options below.

Max Alerts Reached

A maximum of 5 Job Alerts can be created against your account. Please remove an existing alert in order to create this new Job Alert

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your alert was not created at this time. Please try again.

Ok Ok

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

 
 
 
More PhDs like this
Join in and follow us

Browser Upgrade Recommended

jobs.ac.uk has been optimised for the latest browsers.

For the best user experience, we recommend viewing jobs.ac.uk on one of the following:

Google Chrome Firefox Microsoft Edge