A full understanding of the neural basis of memory depends on
establishing exactly how the hippocampus operates. Focal damage to
other brain areas rarely impacts on the memory system in the same way
as the dense and debilitating amnesia caused by significant bilateral
hippocampal pathology. While there have been impressive technical
strides in recording from hippocampal neurons in non-humans in greater
numbers, it is not possible to record from many thousands of neurons
simultaneously, and in humans opportunities for recording are very
limited. However, key information may well be represented in the
ensemble patterns of neuronal responses. This project will capitalise
on recent developments in functional MRI analysis techniques by
employing multivariate analyses that take into account the patterns of
response present across multiple voxels in the human hippocampus during
memory and virtual reality tasks. This opens up a range of exciting
opportunities to explore in a truly novel way what information the
human hippocampus represents and how and why it is so crucial to the
brain’s memory system. The student will have access to state-of-the-art
neuroimaging facilities and methods support in a world class
intellectual environment. There will also be opportunities to conduct
parallel neuropsychological studies in patients with hippocampal
pathology.
The Brain research Trust (BRT) Studentships are for three years, and offer an initial stipend of £19,508 per annum, plus home tuition fees and £500 per annum for travel. Please note, funding covers only UK/EU fees. A non-EU applicant would need to find additional funding to support the difference between the home and the overseas tuition fee.
Applications: Applications (preferably in electronic format pdf or word doc) are invited from graduates holding First or Upper Second Class Honours degrees in basic biological or physical sciences, or from final year undergraduate students expecting to be awarded similar degrees in 2008. Closing date for receipt of applications: 31st January 2008
Please submit a full curriculum vitae, including contact details of
3 referees and a statement of research interests indicating how these
would complement project on offer to: Dr Jennifer Pocock, Institute of
Neurology, The National Hospital, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG. Email:
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Informal enquiries to Eleanor Maguire ([log in to unmask])