Outline

Recent evidence from our laboratory Evans et al., (2020; Acta Neuropathologica) indicates that promoting the activity of the brain’s regulatory renin angiotensin system (via boosting ACE2 activity) both protects against the development of and reverses established cognitive deficits and reduces amyloid pathology in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. This project will elaborate on the mechanism of action using knock-in mouse models of amyloid pathology. We aim to understand how ACE2 activation influences memory processes in knock-in mouse models and how ACE2 activation changes normal and age-related decline in synaptic plasticity in AD mice. The student will use behavioural tests, molecular techniques (such as western blots, ELISA) and two-photon microscopy to record the pattern of Ca2+ transients in brain cells during resting state and stimulus-induced cortical activity. The project will be supervised by a team with a successful track record of publishing in this area.

What is funded

The studentship will commence in October 2020 and will cover your tuition fees (at UK/EU level) as well as a maintenance grant. In 2019-2020 the maintenance grant for full-time students was £15,009 per annum. As well as tuition fees and a maintenance grant, all School of Psychology students receive conference and participant money (approx. £2250 for the duration of the studentship).They also receive a computer, office space and access to courses offered by the University’s Doctoral Academy and become members of the University Doctoral Academy.

Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals, and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements. To be eligible for the full award, EU Nationals must have been in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the course for which they are seeking funding, including for the purposes of full-time education.

Eligibility

As only one studentship is available and a very high standard of applications is typically received, the successful applicant is likely to have a very good first degree (a First or Upper Second class BSc Honours or equivalent) and/or be distinguished by having relevant research experience.

How to Apply

You can apply online - consideration is automatic on applying for a PhD in Psychology, with an October 2020 start date (programme code RFPDPSYA).

Please use our online application service at https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/progra…

and specify in the funding section that you wish to be considered for School funding.

Please specify that you are applying for this particular project and the supervisor.