2024 Projects

Below is a full list of the available projects for our 2024 cohort. Projects are grouped by theme and host institution. The list specifies the name of the lead project supervisor and their institution. To view more information about the individual projects, please click the project title.

Please note that the institution of your lead supervisor would be where you will be registered for your PhD if you are offered a place on the 2024 cohort for your chosen project.

Ensure that you have fully read the before you apply information prior to reaching out to project leads. Project lead contact details can be found by clicking on the name as stated in the project details page.

2024 Projects by Theme & Institution

Children, Young People and Perinatal Mental Health

Led by Professor Kapil Sayal (Children and Young People Mental Health) and Professor Helen Spiby (Perinatal Mental Health)

University of Birmingham
Project Title
Supervisor
Investigating the social determinants of suicide among young people: A comparative case study in UK and Australia Dr Maria Michail
Testing the ecophenotype model of conduct disorder Dr Stephane De Brito
A longitudinal investigation of the role of infants’ behavioural and neural sensory processing differences in mental health outcomes for infants and parents Prof. Andrew J. Bremner
Feasibility of preventive intervention programme for individuals under 5 at Clinical High Risk for Behaviours that Challenge Professor Caroline Richards
Brain dynamics associated with bottom-up and top-down processing of social interaction in children with autism spectrum disorders Prof. Ole Jensen
Understanding and Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Condition in Children Using Optically-Pumped Magnetometer and Deep-Learning-Based Gaze Analysis

Dr Sang-Hoon Yeo
University of Leicester
Project Title
Supervisor
Exploring and Modifying BarrieRs to enhance ACcess to mental health support for Ethnic minority Children and Young People in acute paediatric settings: The EMBRACE study Professor Joseph Manning

A qualitative exploration of children’s use of digital media and their mental health

 Dr Michelle O’Reilly
University of Nottingham
Project Title
Supervisor
The mental health needs of children and young people with neurodisability and their families  Professor Jane Coad
Insecure work and risks to the mental health of pregnant women Elizabeth Such
Sonic biofeedback to promote autonomic and attentional control in ADHD Dr Elizabeth Liddle
Understanding the consequences of severe obstructive sleep apnoea in children on mental health and the brain  Dr Andrew Prayle
University of Warwick
Project Title
Supervisor and University
Investigating mechanisms of action, and outcomes, of creative arts psychotherapy intervention for adolescents with mental health difficultie Prof. Domenico Giacco
Investigating emerging vulnerabilities to mental ill-health amongst marginalised school pupils in a diverse urban environment through focus on drivers of self-harm and school absenteeism Dr Helena Tuomainen
Mental Health and Transition during Adolescence Dr Carla Toro

Common Mental Health

Led by Professor Richard Morriss and Professor Steven Marwaha

University of Birmingham
Project Title
Supervisor
Pharmacological treatment of affective instability: Network Meta-analysis of treatment of a transdiagnostic symptom Professor Steven Marwaha
Synergistic effect of extreme temperature and air pollution on mental health inequality: Time for action Zongbo Shi
Air pollution and cognitive health Prof. Francis Pope
Diagnosing and ameliorating sleep problems affecting empathy, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life in the elderly population Dr Renate Reniers
Serotoninergic control of risk control Dr Carolina Rezaval
University of Leicester
Project Title
Supervisor
Common mental disorder lifecourse pattern evidence and models for prevention and treatment for years lived with better mental health. Traolach Brugha
Development of an intervention to support people through their journey to stopping an antidepressant Dr Sion Scott
Exploring the use of behavioural interventions on the experience of managing cancer in the workplace Dr Catherine Steele
University of Nottingham
Project Title
Supervisor
An examination of sex-specific changes in the metabolome and proteome of the prefrontal cortex in alcoholism and depression. Dr Wayne Carter
Comparing the impact of the NEON Intervention on self-compassion between people in ethnic minority groups and people from the white majority group Professor Mike Slade

Dementia

Led by Professor Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska and Dr Zsuzsanna Nagy

University of Birmingham
Project Title
Supervisor
Probing Cognitive Baselines Before Major Surgery: Predicting Dementia Risk in the Elderly Ali Mazaheri
University of Leicester
Project Title
Supervisor
Discovering blood-based RNA biomarkers for improving clinical diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy bodies Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska
Refinement and validation of a new computerised tool for the culture-fair screening for early signs Alzheimer’s disease Carlo De Lillo
Development and evaluation of a clinical test battery to measure age-related changes in sensation and cognition Dr Doug Barrett
University of Nottingham
Project Title
Supervisor
Establishing confidence in the sensitivity of Arterial Spin Labelling Perfusion MRI for diagnostic applications in dementia Michael Chappell
Needs in people with dementia Martin Orrell
What is the prevalence of hearing loss amongst populations with mild cognitive impairment or dementia? Dr Helen Henshaw
Studying cerebral control of gait in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Professor Nikos Evangelou

Physical Health and Mental Health Multimorbidity

Led by Professor Kavita Vedhara and Professor Holly Blake

University of Birmingham
Project Title
Supervisor
Impact of mindfulness activities, expressive writing interventions and contact with nature on young peoples wellbeing. Prof. Jon Catling
Sleep disturbance as a predictor of mental health and wellbeing following mild traumatic brain injury Professor Andrew Bagshaw
Developing non-invasive brain stimulation interventions for neurorehabilitation after acquired brain injury Dr Davinia Fernández-Espejo
Applying a psychological tool to support community rehabilitation for people with stroke Dr Andrew Soundy
Development and application of native ambient mass spectrometry imaging in understanding the molecular mechanisms of dementia Professor Helen Cooper
Aquatic exercise to optimise brain physiological and mental health for individuals with neurological disorders Dr Thomas Nightingale
Anosognosia for hemiparesis following stroke: Theory, function and rehabilitation
 Dr David Punt
University of Leicester
Project Title
Supervisor
Addressing mental health inequalities in cancer patients from ethnic minority groups across different cancer care pathways Gianina-Ioana Postavaru
A Patient-Centric Approach to Menopause Assessment Professor John Maltby
Investigating Visual Pathway Defects in Albinism through Precision Medicine and Advanced Imaging Techniques Dr Mervyn Thomas
University of Nottingham
Project Title
Supervisor
The use of lived experience narratives to promote help-seeking and reduce stigma in patients with dual diagnoses of mental health and alcohol use disorder  Professor Stephen D Ryder
Improving shared decision making for dependence forming medicines Roger Knaggs
University of Warwick
Project Title
Supervisor
Exploring the mental health experiences and needs of women with congenital heart disease during pregnancy and postpartum: a longitudinal interview study Frances Griffiths
Developing a Hybrid Chronic Pain and Insomnia Treatment Professor Nicole Tang

Severe Mental Health

Led by Professor Rachel Upthegrove and Dr Vivek Furtado

University of Birmingham
Project Title
Supervisor
Improved Stratification of Individuals at Clinical High-Risk for Psychosis Using Inflammatory and Neurobiological Profiles Dr Jack Rogers
Testing the ecophenotype model of conduct disorder Dr Stephane De Brito
University of Leicester
Project Title
Supervisor
The Ebb and Flow of Attention in Schizophrenia: Developing Biomarkers of Attentional Deficits Dr David Souto
University of Nottingham
Project Title
Supervisor
The influence of explanatory models on posttraumatic growth in psychosis Dr Fiona Ng
Brighter Mind: Combined ultrasound and magnetic stimulation for depression treatment Prof. Marcus Kaiser
SAFERAP – Safe and Fair Reintegration and healthcare Access after Prison release  Dr Melanie Jordan