PhD projects we are currently recruiting for

The aim of this project is to study of physiometabolic signals to better characterise the aggressiveness of brain tumours. This study will apply and further develop our novel, bespoke ultra-high-field (UHF) neuroimaging sequences to provide pathophysiological image signals as biomarkers of brain tumour microstructure and disease aggressiveness. The proposed project will combine the development of 7T anatomical and functional (Susceptibility Weighted Imaging, Arterial Spin Labelling , diffusion IVIM, vessel size imaging, oxygenation) and metabolic (CEST, oncometabolite spectroscopy, ²³Na MRI) sequences for multimodal analysis. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods will be used to enable joint multimodal analysis. These developments will lead to early projects when the 11.7T Ultrahigh field MRI scanner is commissioned. The project will involve experimental work including human scanning and complex image and data analysis, and will provide a broad knowledge of MRI and MRS techniques and how they are used in clinical research. These developments will lead to early projects when the 11.7T ultrahigh field MRI scanner is commissioned.

Contact: Penny Gowland or Susan Francis.

The aim of this project is to develop whole body imaging and spectroscopy at 7T. This is particularly challenging as the radiofrequency RF that we use to excite the signal is inhomogeneously distributed in the abdomen. We aim to study liver fat composition and energetics with 1H and 31P MRS respectively, and 1H and 23Na in the kidney. This will be used in studies related to metabolic diseases associated with poor nutrition and inactivity. These developments will lead to early projects when the 11.7T ultrahigh field MRI scanner is commissioned. The project will involve experimental work including human scanning and complex image and data analysis, and will provide a detailed knowledge of advanced MRI and MRS techniques.

Contact: Penny Gowland or Susan Francis.