Measuring the brain’s energy dynamics to establish crucial biomarkers for mood disorders

The brain is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body, consuming a disproportionately large amount of energy compared to its size. Measuring its energy dynamics is essential for understanding brain function and addressing various mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, where dysregulation of brain energy metabolism is implicated. This PhD project aims to advance our understanding of these disorders by developing a robust, multi-modal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) method for in vivo assessment of the brain’s energy dynamics specifically tailored for mood disorder applications.  By capturing the key components of brain energy dynamics through imaging, we seek to construct a model that sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of mood disorders.  Such efforts are critical for the advancement of more effective treatments.

The PhD student involved in this project will collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, including neuroscientists, psychiatrists, and MRI physicists.  Our MRI centre offers an ideal environment for cutting-edge translational research. The campus is located in the lively coastal city of Brighton, offering students a variety of opportunities for engagement in diverse activities both on and off-campus.