Developing “intelligent” information technologies using neural markers of multisensory decision-making and learning

Summary

The School of Biomedical Sciences invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2024/25. This opportunity is open to candidates who have the means to self-fund their studies or who have a sponsor who will cover this cost.

This project aims to tackle core questions of how our brain makes decisions, learns from its mistakes, and develops expertise. The candidate will develop a Brain-Computer Interface to improve perceptual decision-making in high-stakes and complex environments, such as piloting a plane, playing or refereeing a sport, or enforcing the law. We will devise computer programs that are informed by brain activity and employ decision measurements and learning protocols to train individuals and optimize their performance in such real-life settings.

Consider a radiologist monitoring videos of the heart to identify defects in its shape. Her ability to do this depends on her years of training and on the available evidence. For example, if the videos also contain sound (e.g. heart beat), this may increase the efficiency of her decisions. This example highlights that the use of multisensory information combined with training/experience can enhance our ability to make decisions based on ambiguous information. Despite the utility of this phenomenon (e.g. learn about our surroundings to make better predictions and plan future actions), its neural substrates remain elusive.

In this project, we will characterise the computational principles and neural systems mediating multisensory learning. To achieve this, we will combine a novel experimental design using multisensory stimulation with state-of-the-art neuroimaging (Electroencephalography - EEG) and advanced multivariate data analysis to intercept and exploit the relevant neural signals.

This research will have strong clinical applications in ageing as well as sensory impairments, learning difficulties and developmental disorders. We will employ our experimental paradigms and the exposed neural signatures as diagnostic indicators and biomarkers of treatment response in cognitive ageing, learning difficulties and mental disorders. Specifically, in normal and abnormal ageing, even simple decision making is affected, as evidenced by changes in behavioural measures such as accuracy and response time and multisensory information can alleviate this deficit. Furthermore, multisensory benefits are known to develop late in life and to be impaired in neurodiverse populations. The identified biomarkers will be used for enhancing multisensory learning in childhood, which can serve as a prehabilitation strategy for learning difficulties.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.