Underlying neuroscience of depression and loneliness and drug use and social policy

My research interests have always been within the field of psychiatry and I have a specific interest in depression and loneliness. My research has explored these conditions from a multi-disciplinary perspective (from molecular to clinical and epidemiology to social policy) thus I have experience with a wide variety of research approaches including experimental techniques, cognitive testing and the use of large databases. I am also interested in young people’s knowledge of the harms associated the use of legal and illegal drugs and stigma towards mental health. I would be very interested to supervise PhD projects that address any one of the following themes (i) investigating and understanding the cognitive processes underlying loneliness (ii) cognitive and reward biases in depression and at risk populations (iii) exploring young people’s knowledge of alcohol harms, particularly across different populations and cultures (iv) understanding the relationship between mental well-being and stigmatizing attitudes towards the mentally ill. I would be very interested to supervise PhD projects that address any one of the following themes (i) investigating and understanding the cognitive processes underlying loneliness (ii) cognitive and reward biases in depression and at risk populations (iii) exploring young people’s knowledge of alcohol harms, particularly across different populations and cultures (iv) understanding the relationship between mental well-being and stigmatizing attitudes towards the mentally ill.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.