PhD Research Opportunity: Cerebral Harmony: Integrating Science, Sports, and Engineering to study gender inclusive Brain Biomechanics for Brain Health and Healthy Ageing (THRIVE 5)

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise, Scheme (TU RISE) is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund  (ERDF) via the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021- 27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27

The Postgraduate Research Programme Translational Health Research Innovation preVention & Equity (THRIVE) offers 12 PhD research scholarships to commence in 2024. Each project will include an enterprise placement of minimum 12 weeks duration

PhD Project Title: (THRIVE 5) Cerebral Harmony: Integrating Science, Sports, and Engineering to study gender inclusive Brain Biomechanics for Brain Health and Healthy Ageing

Brain injury can lead to a number of cognitive disorders which may have long term implications for brain health. Our pioneering project delves into the intricate realm of brain biomechanics, specifically focusing on the distinctive impact of forces on male and female subjects. By utilizing cutting edge technology, we will extract profound insights from diverse patients, constructing detailed 3D models from their brain scans. Preliminary data have been generated revealing the varied repercussions of forces on the brain. These models will be integrated into specialized software, allowing us to meticulously examine the effects of forces such as rotational acceleration, principal stress, strain, shear, and deformation on the brain. This detail will improve medical technologies to identify the impact of force on the brain and also inform therapies to support brain health and healthy aging.  

 Project Objectives: 

1) Establish and validate the 3D model for brain injury research

2) Explore the effects of forces such as rotational acceleration, principal stress, strain, shear, and deformation on the brain

3) Determine and characterise sex-based differences of force impacts on the brain 

Requirements/Qualifications

A minimum of 2.1 honours degree (Level 8) in a relevant discipline.

Project Duration:

48 months (PhD)

Preferred Location:

ATU Galway Campus

Applications:

Application Form / Terms and Conditions can be obtained on the website:https://www.atu.ie/TU-RISE

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, (GMT) Monday 29th April, 2024.

Only selected applicants will be called for an online interview (shortlisting may apply).