PhD Studentship: Reconstruction and Visualization of Neuron Structures of the Brain

Bournemouth University

Brain Research has recently received a lot of attention; examples include the heavily funded EU flagship project Human Brain Project (HBP) and US Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neuro-technologies (BRAIN) Initiative. These two ambitious projects hope to advance our understanding of both normal and pathological brain functions; offering potentially enormous benefits to society. One should also recognize that neuroscience is generating exponentially growing volumes of imaging data from both healthy and diseased brains in animals and humans. This enormous quantity of data, however, has created a number of substantial bottleneck issues for the ambitious neurological projects, both in data processing and in need of heavy manual intervention. The lack of powerful and effective computational tools for automatic segmentation and registration of neuron structures has emerged as a major technical obstacle in Brain Research.
The aim of this project is to develop novel neuron registration algorithms and tools towards the goal of automatic production of 3D digital atlas of nervous system for animals.
Training Opportunities
The training programme will be directed by Dr H. Yu, with co-supervision provided by Dr H. Peng. The training programme will concentrate on facilitating the delivery of the four primary objectives:
(1) Computer visualization and graphics methodology. Dr H. Yu also runs a series of advanced seminars on geometry modelling, 3D reconstruction, visualization and rendering;
(2) Software development. Dr H. Peng and Dr H. Yu will provide hands-on training in the use of Vaa3D system and medical volume data;
(3) Placement with leading research group and industry partner. Dr H. Peng’s group will provide the world leading research placement—Allen Institute for Brain Science (USA);
(4) Communication skills, including the preparation of oral/poster symposium communications and peer-reviewed publications; delivery will be through attendance of BU's extensive training course for new researchers and through active participation in BU internal seminars and external formal/informal research activities outside BU.
SUPERVISORY TEAM
First Supervisor: Dr Hongchuan Yu, BU
Additional Supervisors: Dr Hanchuan Peng, Allen Institute for Brain Science, USA
Eligibility Criteria
All candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2:1) and/or an appropriate Masters degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.
Additional Eligibility
As there is a requirement that the successful applicant undertakes work placements in the Matched funder’s company (Canada) for more than 18 months during the PhD program, applicants will be required to show that they are willing and able to do this.

Funding information

Funding applies to:

Open to applicants from a range of countries

Funding notes:

To discuss this opportunity further, please contact Dr Hongchuan Yu via email: hyu@bournemouth.ac.uk

Contacts and how to apply

Administrative contact and how to apply:

Please complete the online application form by 9 August 2016. For further information and details of how to apply please see here.

Application deadline:

9 August 2016