Neuroimaging Research MPhil/PhD at Kings College London

Overview

Neuroimaging at the IoPPN is world-renowned. The Department of Neuroimaging is embedded in the Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, a joint venture between the IoPPN and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM). The Centre provides, under one roof, an interdisciplinary research environment that combines the development of high resolution structural, functional and metabolic mapping techniques, with expertise in the definition, diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. By early 2018 the CNS will house 2 research-dedicated MRI scanners plus a 3rd used jointly for research and clinical studies; all three scanners, along with another in the adjacent NIHR / Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility, have a field strength of 3T, and are capable of performing functional, spectroscopic, anatomical and pathological mapping techniques. A 9.4T pre-clinical MRI system is based at the James Black centre on the Denmark Hill Campus.

Current research projects span neurodegeneration, epilepsy, stroke, pain, psychosis, affective disorders, developmental disorders and normal brain function, using a battery of neuroimaging techniques which include perfusion, diffusion, functional and structural imaging. Complementary research in imaging physics and analysis supports these applications, and the PhD program supports both image acquisition and analysis, and application driven, research projects.

Basic scientific research is also performed in models of neuropsychiatric disease, again using a diverse array of neuroimaging techniques, including pharmacological MRI and spectroscopy techniques. In conjunction with non-MR methods such as microscopy and autoradiography, this multifaceted approach enhances our understanding of the patho-physiological mechanisms underlying disease and informs the development of novel therapeutic interventions. In addition, improved understanding of the biological processes that underlie MR signal changes advances the crucial role of MR in non-invasive assessment of neuropsychiatric disease. Again, the PhD program supports research projects in all these area.

Key benefits of this course:

• Access to state-of-the-art imaging equipment.
• Interaction with internationally recognised researchers in a wide range of neuroimaging topics.
• Excellence in both technical and applied neuroimaging research and development.
• Strong partnerships with hospitals, industry and other research centres.
• Access to rich and varied clinical populations.
• PhD students have access to a wide range of educational resources, ranging from neuroimaging specific lectures from the Department’s MSc Neuroimaging to transferable skills and career development resources at the KCL level.
• Opportunities to be involved in tutorials and laboratory demonstrations for undergraduate and taught post-graduate students.

Course study environment

Graduate research students work closely with their supervisors and enjoy regular meetings to discuss their progress. They also liaise with other members of staff with relevant research interests and are encouraged to attend and participate in departmental research presentations and other Institute seminars. There is a full induction for new graduate students on commencing their studies. Each full-time graduate research student is allocated their own workspace and computer; facilities for part-time students can be arranged according to their needs.