EPSRC PhD Studentship: Behaviour Change for Brain Health Supported by AI Imagery

As we age, we may experience changes in our brain health. For most people, these changes are related to ageing; for some they reflect underlying diseases of the brain leading to dementia. There is growing evidence about the lifestyles and behaviours that promote and protect brain health across the life course, and those that reduce or delay changes when we’re older. Identifying these protective factors is a global research priority, as is transforming that knowledge into action. Developing interventions to reduce or slow age-related cognitive decline can harness new technologies to deliver those at scale; these must ensure behaviour change principles are embedded in their design to ensure their effectiveness.

The School of Social Sciences at Heriot-Watt University is offering a full-time PhD studentship to start in May or September 2026. The studentship includes a tuition fee waiver and an annual stipend set at £20,789 for 2025-26. The duration of the studentship is 3.5 years.

The proposed project is in collaboration with an industry partner which is developing image-based interventions to support people living with dementia. Their interactive platform presents images that serve as prompts for reminiscence, social connection and activity. The first images presented are from a standardised pool of images with personal or local relevance. Based on the images selected and the responses they elicit, new images are generated to deepen and extend interactions and subsequent behaviour change. This platform provides the basis for the proposed project, to be adapted for older adults living in the community with no current cognitive impairment; a pivot towards behaviour change and risk reduction. The aim is to consider how individualised AI-generated imagery can be used to promote behaviour change for brain health.

Full entry criteria are available when you click “apply”. Candidates (UK students only) must ensure all required documents are uploaded, including the cover letter and an outline research proposal (max. 1500 words). The proposal should include relevant background literature leading to a statement of the aim above, and the PhD candidate’s proposed objectives. The proposal should then outline the research to be conducted within the following phases: Scoping and ideation; Co-design; Short-term behaviour change; Proof-of-concept behaviour change for brain health. In addition, ethical considerations and dissemination activities should be clearly described.

Candidates should apply for a full-time psychology PhD at the Edinburgh campus via www.hw.ac.uk/study/apply/uk/postgraduate.htm. When completing the online application form, please indicate that you are applying to the ‘SoSS EPSRC PhD Studentship’ in the field that asks how you will fund your studies. Please ensure that Prof Alan Gow is specified as the Primary Supervisor of the project in the field relating to supervisor details.

Interviews will be conducted via video conferencing (e.g. MS Teams or similar) on Wednesday 4^th March 2026. Interview support for those with disabilities will be available where required (e.g. a BSL interpreter).

At Heriot-Watt University we understand that being diverse makes us better which is why we support a culture of respect and equal opportunity, and value diversity at the heart of what we do. We want to increase the diversity of our workplace to underpin a dynamic and creative environment and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Heriot-Watt is committed to giving access and opportunities to student carers, and received the Going Higher for Student Carers Recognition Award from Carers Trust Scotland in 2020.

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