Research Projects & Scholarships
Projects Offered as Scholarships Including Waving of Tuition Fees and Monthly Stipend:
PhD Project in Epidemiology
Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality Resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic (C-MOR)
Main Supervisor: Dr Christiana Demetriou
PhD Project in Neuroscience
Characterization of circadian rhythm modulations in intracranial EEG and their relationship to seizure onsets in focal epilepsy
Main Supervisor: Dr Avgis Hadjipapas
Projects Offered as Scholarships (Waving of Tuition Fees):
PhD project in Neuroscience and Engineering
Development of a closed-loop controller for automatic administration of anaesthetic and analgesic agents during surgery using machine learning methods
Main Supervisor: Dr Nicoletta Nicolaou
PhD in Epidemiology and Public Health
Efficacy of dietary supplement use in cancer survivorship care: Meta-analysis for guiding evidence-based patient care
Main Supervisor: Dr Elena Critselis
Self-Funded Projects:
PhD Project in Neuroscience
Empirically-validated model of a cortical column expressing gamma oscillations
Main Supervisor: Dr Avgis Hadjipapas
PhD Project in Neuroscience
Laminar interactions and information flow in primary visual cortex–
Main Supervisor: Dr Avgis Hadjipapas
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of Epidemiology and Public Health for the PhD Research Project ‘Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality Resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic (C-MOR)’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting applications through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for one PhD Scholarship for a project in the field of Epidemiology and Public Health. The successful candidate will enrol on the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Christiana Demetriou, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Nicosia Medical School.
Project Description
Title of research project: Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality Resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic (C-MOR project: https://www.unic.ac.cy/coronavirus/mortality/).
Background and rationale: At the end of December 2019, Chinese public health authorities reported several cases of acute respiratory syndrome in Wuhan City, China. The new zoonotic disease, now referred to as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), spread rapidly in practically all parts of the world.
Initial estimates on COVID-related mortality reported a case fatality ratio – CFR (% of individuals with symptomatic or confirmed disease who die from the disease) of 2-3%, a figure also adopted by the WHO. More recent estimates though, based on model-based approaches adjusting for demography and age-based and location-based under-ascertainment, bring the CFR down to 1.4%. Similarly, the model-based infection fatality ratio – IFR (% of infected individuals who die from the disease, including those with mild disease) was estimated to be 0.7%.
Despite the sophisticated modelling behind the estimates reported above, there are several factors not taken into consideration in regards to the total mortality burden: (a) the possible underreporting of COVID-related deaths; (b) the effects of the pandemic to total (all-cause) mortality and indirect cause-specific mortality (i.e. resulting from other major causes of death); (c) the impact of the pandemic on premature mortality (i.e. total years of life lost); and (d) the long-term impact of the pandemic on mortality. Reflecting on the above, the 9th ECDC report update on COVID-19 highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive assessment of the mortality impact of the pandemic and identification of the most affected population groups in a timely manner, noting that this is essential for the overall evaluation of the pandemic’s burden.
Aims and Objectives:
The proposed study aims to answer the following four research questions:
- Is there evidence for underreporting of COVID-19 related deaths and COVID-19 specific mortality in specific countries?
- What is the overall mortality impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in selected countries, taking into consideration fluctuations in COVID-19 related indirect mortality from other causes and healthcare system overload?
- What is the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in selected countries, in regards to premature mortality?
- What is the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in selected countries, in regards to long-term mortality and what will be the impact of potential subsequent epidemic waves?
This research project is an ongoing study with rolling data collection from all international partners and continuous statistical analysis. The specific research question(s) to be addressed by the PhD candidate will depend on the time of the PhD initiation, and the background/interests of the candidate. Examples of potential topics for analysis include:
- Identification of the independent and synergistic effect of potential sociodemographic and economic determinants on excess mortality in participating countries.
- Contribution of non COVID-19 deaths to excess mortality observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in participating countries; cause specific mortalities to be investigated include influenza, cardiovascular, cardio-metabolic, and cancer mortalities.
- Comparison of mortality characteristics of the COVID-19 waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in participating countries.
The Scholarship:
The Scholarship will have a duration of three to four years and will cover:
- The tuition fees for the PhD programme which are €13,500 in total for the first 3 years and €1,500 for year 4.
- A monthly stipend of €1,000 for the duration of three to four years.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence i.e. February 2022) a recognised degree (a Bachelor’s degree in Science or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MBBS or MD degree).
- Relevant disciplines for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees include the Medical Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Medical Physics), Mathematics, Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics or related fields.
- Candidates should have sufficient background gained from their previous degrees in Epidemiology and/or Biostatistics and should be confident in using statistical analysis software (i.e. STATA, SAS, R or SPSS).
Application for the PhD Scholarship:
Candidates should submit an online application through this link and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Scholarship in the field of Epidemiology for the PhD project the field of Epidemiology and Public Health ‘Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality Resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic (C-MOR)’.
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD Programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD Programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency: the candidate should either complete previous degree(s) in an English-speaking country or should have passed IELTS (score of 7 overall, with a minimum score of 7 in writing) or should have achieved an equivalent score in an internationally recognized English language qualification.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Applications should be submitted by Monday, December 13, 2021 at 5pm. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents and with application fee paid will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of Neuroscience for the PhD Research Project ‘Characterization of circadian rhythm modulations in intracranial EEG and their relationship to seizure onsets in focal epilepsy’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting application through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for one PhD Scholarship in the field of Neuroscience. The successful candidate will enrol on the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Avgis Hadjipapas, Professor of Neuroscience and Research Methods at the University of Nicosia Medical School. The project is based on an international collaboration between the University of Nicosia Medical School, (UN) the University Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht University (MU) and McGill University (McGill U).
Project Description
Title of research project: Characterization of circadian rhythm modulations in intracranial EEG and their relationship to seizure onsets in focal epilepsy.
Background, rationale and objectives: Epilepsy affects roughly 1% of the population, and about a third of patients have unpredictable seizures which cannot be adequately controlled with medication (Kuhlmann et al., 2018). Therefore, better understanding of seizure generation and improving seizure predictability are central goals in epilepsy research to prevent seizures from occurring. Recent investigations by our own (Mitsis et al., 2020) and other groups (Leguia et al., 2021) have shown that seizure onsets exhibit a tight correlation to certain phases of circadian rhythms, which leads to improved seizure predictability (Karoly et al., 2017). However, our previous work (Mitsis et al., 2020) also raised questions as to the spatial-scale of the EEG state, which best captures this correlation. Interestingly, using surface EEG we found that global measures of brain states are more correlated to seizure onset than local EEG measures. However, this work utilized an indirect estimate of the local brain state obtained by surface EEG, which may have not been sensitive and specific enough to capture relevant epileptogenic activity sufficiently. In this project, and based on a collaboration formed between the University of Nicosia Medical School (UN), Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht University (MU), and McGill University (McGill U), we will address this question by examining intracranial recordings provided by the MUMC partner, obtained directly from the area of the suspected epileptogenic focus. We will then employ a battery of time series analysis methods to obtain a faithful characterization of the circadian modulations of the local brain state. This will include measures obtained by singular spectrum decomposition, measures of dynamic complexity of the time series, as well as measures derived by graph theory. We will then characterize the phase coupling (phase correlation) of the such characterized local brain state to seizure onsets using circular statistics. This correlation will then be compared to the one obtained from the global brain state as estimated from surface EEG recordings. This will inform both important pathophysiological questions in terms of the extent of the functional seizure generating network but also practical questions related to what EEG recording modality is likely to be most useful in terms of seizure predictability. Further, analysis of this correlation at the level of individual patient recordings will inform the feasibility of seizure forecasting informed by circadian rhythms. Successful candidates will benefit from interacting with an international and interdisciplinary consortium of neuroscientists, neurologists and engineers throughout the duration of the project.
References
Karoly, P.J., Ung, H., Grayden, D.B., Kuhlmann, L., Leyde, K., Cook, M.J., Freestone, D.R., 2017. The circadian profile of epilepsy improves seizure forecasting. Brain 140, 2169–2182. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awx173
Kuhlmann, L., Lehnertz, K., Richardson, M.P., Schelter, B., Zaveri, H.P., 2018. Seizure prediction — ready for a new era. Nat. Rev. Neurol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-018-0055-2
Leguia, M.G., Andrzejak, R.G., Rummel, C., Fan, J.M., Mirro, E.A., Tcheng, T.K., Rao, V.R., Baud, M.O., 2021. Seizure Cycles in Focal Epilepsy. JAMA Neurol. In press, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.5370
Mitsis, G.D., Anastasiadou, M.N., Christodoulakis, M., Papathanasiou, E.S., Papacostas, S.S., Hadjipapas, A., 2020. Functional brain networks of patients with epilepsy exhibit pronounced multiscale periodicities, which correlate with seizure onset. Hum. Brain Mapp. hbm.24930. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.24930
The Scholarship:
The Scholarship will have a duration of three to four years and will cover:
- The tuition fees for the PhD programme which are €13,500 in total for the first 3 years and €1,500 for year 4.
- A monthly stipend of €1,000 for the duration of three to four years.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence i.e. February 2022) a recognised degree (a Bachelor’s degree or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MBBS or MD degree).
- It would be preferable for candidate to have a first-degree qualification in Physical or Mathematical Sciences (including Statistics), Computer Science or Engineering
- Candidates must have some experience in programming, preferably in MATLAB or Python
Application for the PhD Scholarship:
Candidates should submit an online application through this link and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Scholarship in the field of Neuroscience for the PhD Research Project ‘Characterization of circadian rhythm modulations in intracranial EEG and their relationship to seizure onsets in focal epilepsy.’
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency: the candidate should either complete previous degree(s) in an English-speaking country or should have passed IELTS (score of 7 overall, with a minimum score of 7 in writing) or should have achieved an equivalent score in an internationally recognized English language qualification.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Applications should be submitted by Monday, December 13, 2021 at 5pm. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents and with application fee paid will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.
Acceptance of Applications for the PhD Programme in Medical Sciences in the field of Neuroscience for the PhD Research Project ‘Laminar interactions and information flow in primary visual cortex’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting application through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for the below PhD Project in the field of Neuroscience. The successful candidate will enrol on the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Avgis Hadjipapas, Professor of Neuroscience and Research Methods at the University of Nicosia Medical School. The project is based on an international collaboration between the University of Nicosia Medical School, and Maastricht University (MU).
Project Description
Title of research project: Laminar interactions and information flow in primary visual cortex.
Background, rationale and objectives: Understanding how neuronal networks in the brain communicate in order to perform various computations is a major goal of systems neuroscience today. Networks in the cortex are exquisitely organized in layers and form well defined and repeating microcircuits (Gilbert and Wiesel, 1983). The anatomical connectivity between layers and the single cell behaviour in these layers have been studied in the past leading to important insights into the workings of the cortical circuit (reviewed in (Bastos et al., 2012)). At the same time, it has become clear that neurons engage in synchronous oscillations in the gamma band (20-90Hz). These have been observed in all laminar compartments of the cortex (Maier et al., 2010; Roberts et al., 2013; Xing et al., 2012).
How are these oscillations to be reconciled with the laminar structure of the cortical microcircuits? Does the presence of oscillations constrain the way that layers communicate with each other? What is the means of communication between layers in the presence of these oscillations? These are important open questions that this project will help address. The main aim of the project will be to characterize interactions between different laminar compartments, and the observed frequencies of the oscillations expressed in these compartments. This search for interactions is theoretically- motivated; the main argument is that laminar compartments can be viewed as weakly coupled oscillators and therefore powerful concepts of synchronization theory apply. Depending on the relationship between the expressed oscillation frequencies in each compartment and their anatomical coupling, synchronization can be employed to derive theoretical predictions(Hadjipapas et al., 2009; Lowet et al., 2017, 2015). Among other possibilities, it is possible that directed interactions between laminar compartments may ensue, resulting in a directed flow of information across the cortical circuit (Ferro et al., 2021; van Kerkoerle et al., 2014). In directed interactions, frequency differences between laminar compartments are important because these, shape the ensuing synchronization process (Hadjipapas et al., 2009; Lowet et al., 2017, 2015). Directed interactions may be important to prioritize feedforward (bottom-up) influences from feedback influences (top down) when these are required by the stimulus or task at hand.
In this project interactions across laminar compartments will be characterized and the information flow between compartments will be examined as a function of stimulus luminance contrast (bottom up input) and attention (top down input). This will be pursued in already existing data acquired by laminar probes in the awake behaving monkey, provided by the Maastricht collaboration. This data allows for the characterization of oscillations across laminar compartments. A computational neuronal model for communication between the layers will also be produced , which will be constrained by the data similar to the approach taken in (Zachariou et al., 2021). This model will aid data interpretations and produce further testable predictions.
In sum, this project aims to help reconcile oscillatory activity with appropriate/adaptive information flow in the cortical circuit by producing a framework for studying the interactions within the fundamental cortical circuit including a computational model. Successful candidates will further benefit from interacting with an international consortium of neuroscientists throughout the duration of the project.
References
Bastos, A.M., Usrey, W.M., Adams, R.A., Mangun, G.R., Fries, P., Friston, K.J., 2012. Canonical Microcircuits for Predictive Coding. Neuron 76, 695–711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.10.038
Ferro, D., Kempen, J. van, Boyd, M., Panzeri, S., Thiele, A., 2021. Directed information exchange between cortical layers in macaque V1 and V4 and its modulation by selective attention. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 118. https://doi.org/10.1073/PNAS.2022097118
Gilbert, C.D., Wiesel, T.N., 1983. Functional Organization of the Visual Cortex. Prog. Brain Res. 58, 209–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-6123(08)60022-9
Hadjipapas, A, Casagrande, E., Nevado, A., Barnes, G.R., Green, G., Holliday, I.E., 2009. Can we observe collective neuronal activity from macroscopic aggregate signals? Neuroimage 44, 1290–1303.
Lowet, E., Roberts, M., Hadjipapas, A., Peter, A., van der Eerden, J., De Weerd, P., 2015. Input-Dependent Frequency Modulation of Cortical Gamma Oscillations Shapes Spatial Synchronization and Enables Phase Coding. PLOS Comput. Biol. 11, e1004072. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004072
Lowet, E., Roberts, M.J., Peter, A., Gips, B., Weerd, P. De, 2017. A quantitative theory of gamma synchronization in macaque V1 1–44.
Maier, A., Adams, G.K., Aura, C., Leopold, D. a, 2010. Distinct superficial and deep laminar domains of activity in the visual cortex during rest and stimulation. Front. Syst. Neurosci. 4, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2010.00031
Roberts, M.J., Lowet, E., Brunet, N.M., Ter Wal, M., Tiesinga, P., Fries, P., De Weerd, P., 2013. Robust gamma coherence between macaque V1 and V2 by dynamic frequency matching. Neuron 78, 523–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2013.03.003
van Kerkoerle, T., Self, M.W., Dagnino, B., Gariel-Mathis, M.A., Poort, J., van der Togt, C., Roelfsema, P.R., 2014. Alpha and gamma oscillations characterize feedback and feedforward processing in monkey visual cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 111, 14332–14341. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1402773111
Xing, D., Yeh, C.-I., Burns, S., Shapley, R.M., 2012. Laminar analysis of visually evoked activity in the primary visual cortex. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 109, 13871–6. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1201478109
Zachariou, M., Roberts, M., Lowet, E., De Weerd, P., Hadjipapas, A., 2021. Empirically constrained network models for contrast-dependent modulation of gamma rhythm in V1. Neuroimage 229, 117748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.117748
Tuition Fees:
The tuition fees are €13,500 in total for the first 3 years. For each additional academic year, tuition is €1,500 per year.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence i.e. February 2022) a recognised degree (a Bachelor’s degree or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MBBS or MD degree).
- It would be preferable for candidates to have a first-degree qualification in Physical or Mathematical Sciences (including statistics), Computer Science or Engineering.
- Candidates must have some experience in Programming, preferably in MATLAB or Python.
Application for the PhD Research Project:
Candidates should submit an online application through this link and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Research Project in the field of Neuroscience ‘Laminar interactions and information flow in primary visual cortex.’
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency: the candidate should either complete previous degree(s) in an English-speaking country or should have passed IELTS (score of 7 overall, with a minimum score of 7 in writing) or should have achieved an equivalent score in an internationally recognized English language qualification.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Applications should be submitted by Monday, December 13, 2021 at 5pm. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents and with application fee paid will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.
Acceptance of Applications for the PhD Programme in Medical Sciences in the field of Neuroscience for the PhD Research Project ‘Empirically-validated model of a cortical column expressing gamma oscillations’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting application through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for the below PhD Project in the field of Neuroscience. The successful candidate will enrol on the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Avgis Hadjipapas, Professor of Neuroscience and Research Methods at the University of Nicosia Medical School. The project is based on a collaboration between the University of Nicosia Medical School, Maastricht University (MU) and the Cyprus Institute for Neurology and Genetics (CING).
Project Description
Title of research project: Empirically-validated model of a cortical column expressing gamma oscillations.
Background, rationale and objectives: Gamma oscillations from the awake, behaving animal which have been observed widely during sensory and cognitive processing (Bosman et al., 2014) can now be measured at multiple spatial scales (Hadjipapas et al., 2015) and across cortical depth (Roberts et al., 2013; van Kerkoerle et al., 2014). A key aim is to identify the true laminar network circuitry that produces these oscillations. In our previous work, a computational biophysical model was created and its unknown parameters were appropriately constrained such that it yielded realistic behaviour at the scale of single neurons and local field potential (LFP) (Zachariou et al., 2021). The model provided insight into the role of the excitatory and inhibitory neurons and external (thalamic) input in shaping the gamma oscillation as observed experimentally in primary visual cortex. However, the model was relatively simple, as it did not take into account the laminar structure of the cortex or important neuronal morphology, factors, which in turn affect the generation of population signals such as the LFP and the Electro-/Magneto-encephalogram (EEG/MEG). In this project we aim to construct an empirically-validated model of a cortical column, compartmentalised in cortical layers, which produces realistic gamma oscillations in the modelled LFP. To this end, we propose to implement a hybrid modelling scheme(Hagen et al., 2016), in which multicompartmental neuronal models will be used to derive accurate LFP forward models, while the multicompartment neurons themselves will be driven by our previously-derived empirically-validated models of networks consisting of point neurons. These in turn, will accurately encode the neuronal dynamics related to specific experimental observations. The model will be constrained at the laminar level by empirical data provided by the Maastricht partner, which are laminarly- resolved. The main outcome will be a computational model of a cortical column, which is empirically validated by laminarly-resolved data. This validated model can then be used for identifying mechanisms of gamma oscillations at the level of layers within a cortical column. The proposed project is part of a longer-term research program, the future outlook of which is to laterally expand this model. Such expanded models can then be used to simulate electrophysiological signals at multiple scales (spikes, LFP, ECoG, MEG), which in turn, can facilitate the interpretation of the experimentally-measured signals and their interrelations.
Successful candidates will benefit from interacting with an international consortium of neuroscientists throughout the duration of the project
References
Bosman, C.A., Lansink, C.S., Pennartz, C.M.A., 2014. Functions of gamma-band synchronization in cognition: from single circuits to functional diversity across cortical and subcortical systems. Eur. J. Neurosci. 39, 1982–1999. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.12606
Hadjipapas, A., Lowet, E., Roberts, M.J., Peter, A., De Weerd, P., 2015. Parametric variation of gamma frequency and power with luminance contrast: A comparative study of human MEG and monkey LFP and spike responses. Neuroimage 112, 327–340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.02.062
Hagen, E., Dahmen, D., Stavrinou, M.L., Lindén, H., Tetzlaff, T., Albada, S.J. Van, Grün, S., Diesmann, M., Einevoll, G.T., 2016. Hybrid Scheme for Modeling Local Field Potentials from Point-Neuron Networks 4461–4496. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhw237
Roberts, M.J., Lowet, E., Brunet, N.M., Ter Wal, M., Tiesinga, P., Fries, P., De Weerd, P., 2013. Robust gamma coherence between macaque V1 and V2 by dynamic frequency matching. Neuron 78, 523–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2013.03.003
van Kerkoerle, T., Self, M.W., Dagnino, B., Gariel-Mathis, M.A., Poort, J., van der Togt, C., Roelfsema, P.R., 2014. Alpha and gamma oscillations characterize feedback and feedforward processing in monkey visual cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 111, 14332–14341. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1402773111
Zachariou, M., Roberts, M., Lowet, E., De Weerd, P., Hadjipapas, A., 2021. Empirically constrained network models for contrast-dependent modulation of gamma rhythm in V1. Neuroimage 229, 117748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.117748
Tuition Fees:
The tuition fees are €13,500 in total for the first 3 years. For each additional academic year, tuition is €1,500 per year.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence i.e. February 2021) a recognised degree (a Bachelor’s degree or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MBBS or MD degree).
- It would be preferable for candidate to have a first-degree qualification in physical or Mathematical Sciences (including Statistics), Computer Science or Engineering.
- Candidates must have some experience in Programming, preferably in MATLAB or Python
Application for the PhD Research Project:
Candidates should submit an online application through this link and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Research Project in the field of Neuroscience ‘Empirically-validated model of a cortical column expressing gamma oscillations’
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency: the candidate should either complete previous degree(s) in an English-speaking country or should have passed IELTS (score of 7 overall, with a minimum score of 7 in writing) or should have achieved an equivalent score in an internationally recognized English language qualification.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Applications should be submitted by Monday, December 13, 2021 at 5pm. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents and with application fee paid will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the fields of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering for the PhD Research Project ‘Development of a closed-loop controller for automatic administration of anaesthetic and analgesic agents during surgery using machine learning methods’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting application through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for one PhD Scholarship in the fields of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering. The successful candidate will enrol on the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Nicoletta Nicolaou with expertise in the fields of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Nicosia Medical School.
Project Description
Title of research project: Development of a closed-loop controller for automatic administration of anaesthetic and analgesic agents during surgery using machine learning methods.
Background and Rationale:
Current practice of anaesthesia during surgery involves administration of a “cocktail” of drugs (anaesthetics, analgesics, myorelaxants) to achieve the desired state of surgical anaesthesia. During surgery the patient is connected to a number of sensors that monitor vital signs (e.g. cardiovascular parameters, breathing etc.). The anaesthesiologist monitors these vital signs (visually on the monitoring device) and makes manual adjustments to the dosages of the different agents (anaesthetics, analgesics, muscle relaxants). In this open-loop approach the anaesthesiologist is effectively the one who manually closes the loop. The disadvantages of this open-loop approach are related mainly to the fact that the anaesthesiologist monitors the vital signs and is required to make a judgement call based on these visual observations as to whether or not adjustments are required to the dosages of the agents administered. These vital signs provide clues as to the underlying patient state, but they are not considered to be reliable indicators of the underlying “level of consciousness” or “depth of anaesthesia”.
In a closed-loop system, the loop is closed automatically: the patient state is estimated from the patient vital signs, and the dosages of agents are adjusted automatically by the device. The anaesthesiologist is not part of the automated closed loop, but still has the ability to bypass this automation and intervene manually. Closed-loop (CL) systems provide better stability of cardiovascular parameters (longer duration of heart rate and mean arterial pressure control), better performance and faster recovery compared to open-loop systems. The development of a CL anaesthetic administration system is a very complex process that must integrate information from a number of biological signals coming from the central and autonomic nervous systems. To date there are only a handful of CL systems that have been developed, but not yet routinely available for commercial use in routine surgery.
Aims and Objectives:
In this PhD Research Project, a CL system for automatic agent administration during surgery under general anaesthesia will be developed and simulated, using machine learning methods. The system will utilize features from the central and autonomic nervous systems (CNS and ANS respectively) for discrimination between awareness, anaesthesia and different levels of anaesthesia (light, surgical, deep anaesthesia). The system will offer improved anaesthetic experience that will be individualized, leading to a better experience (e.g. maintenance at surgical anaesthetic level, stability of cardiovascular activity, less time in recovery, minimal side effects from over-anaesthesia, faster release from hospital).
The main aims and objectives of this PhD research project are:
- Characterize the relationships of real brain and brain-cardiovascular data recorded during surgeries under general anaesthesia using machine learning methods, as well as the relationships between these physiological signals and concentration of anaesthetic and analgesic agents.
- Develop a closed-loop controller that utilizes the developed machine learning models to automatically modify the volume of anaesthetics and analgesics to achieve and maintain a desired level of (un)consciousness.
- Develop a simulation that maps an observed or desired anaesthetic state to specific anaesthetic and analgesic dosages.
- Test the performance of the developed machine learning controller on automatically modifying the anaesthetic and analgesic dosages to maintain a desired level of (un)consciousness as defined in the simulated data.
The Scholarship:
The Scholarship will have a duration of three to four years and will cover:
- The tuition fees for the PhD programme which are €13,500 in total for the first 3 years and €1,500 for year 4.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence i.e. February 2022) a recognised degree (BSc or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree (MSc) in the field(s) of Neuroscience and/or Biomedical Engineering and/or Computer Science, or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MBBS or MD degree). Programming skills (e.g. MATLAB®, Python) would be a plus.
Application for the PhD Scholarship:
Candidates should submit an online application through this link and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Scholarship in the fields of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering for the PhD Research Project ‘Development of a closed-loop controller for automatic administration of anaesthetic and analgesic agents during surgery using machine learning methods.’
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency: the candidate should either complete previous degree(s) in an English-speaking country or should have passed IELTS (score of 7 overall, with a minimum score of 7 in writing) or should have achieved an equivalent score in an internationally recognized English language qualification.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Applications should be submitted by Monday, December 13, 2021 at 5pm. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents and with application fee paid will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.
Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of Epidemiology and Public Health for the PhD Research Project ‘Efficacy of dietary supplement use in cancer survivorship care: Meta-analysis for guiding evidence-based patient care’
The PhD in Medical Sciences:
The University of Nicosia Medical School offers the degree PhD in Medical Sciences in Epidemiology and Public Health. The degree is awarded to students who successfully complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.
The Research Project:
We are currently inviting applications through a competitive process for high calibre candidates to apply for one PhD Scholarship for a project in the field of Epidemiology and Public Health. The successful candidate will enrol on the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Elena Critselis, Associate Professor in Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Nicosia Medical School.
Project Description
Research Project Title: Efficacy of dietary supplement use in cancer survivorship care: Meta-analysis for guiding evidence-based patient care.
Background, rationale and objectives: Current nutritional management guidelines for cancer survivors aim to support long-term cancer survivors through the adoption of a healthful diet, a physically active lifestyle, and healthy weight management. Dietary supplement use in cancer survivors is an emerging controversial concern since, despite its frequent and often clandestine use, conclusive evidence supporting its efficacy in cancer survivorship is lacking. As a result, to date, it is recommended that dietary supplement use in cancer survivors is followed with caution until adequate evidence arising from meta-analytical findings support its further use in cancer survivorship care. The successful candidate will conduct a two-part project for evaluating the efficacy of dietary supplement use in cancer survivors so as to guide evidence-based patient care. Specifically, for the first part of the project, the successful candidate will conduct meta-analyses in prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials for assessing the efficacy of dietary supplement use in cancer survivors. For the second part of the project, the successful candidate will assess the current evidence levels for further guiding evidence-based dietary supplement use in cancer survivorship care.
The Scholarship:
The Scholarship will have a duration of three to four years and will cover:
- The tuition fees for the PhD programme which are €13,500 in total for the first 3 years and €1,500 for year 4.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Eligible candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence i.e. February 2022) a recognised degree (a Bachelor’s degree (BSc) or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree, preferably in Dietetics or Nutritional Sciences, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health and/or related Health Sciences field) and a Master’s degree (MSc or MPH, preferably in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health and/or related field of study) or a Doctor of Medicine degree (e.g. MBBS or MD degree).
- Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in using Statistical and/or Meta-analytic software (i.e. SPSS, SAS, STATA, CMA, and/or R software)
- Candidates with demonstrated academic and/or professional experience in the fields of nutritional support for cancer prevention and/or care will be preferred.
Application for the PhD Scholarship:
Candidates should submit an online application through this link and upload the following supporting documents:
- A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Scholarship in the field of Epidemiology and Public Health for the Research Project ‘Efficacy of dietary supplement use in cancer survivorship care: Meta-analysis for guiding evidence-based patient care.’
- Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
- Proof of English language proficiency: the candidate should either complete previous degree(s) in an English-speaking country or should have passed IELTS (score of 7 overall, with a minimum score of 7 in writing) or should have achieved an equivalent score in an internationally recognized English language qualification.
- Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
- A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Applications should be submitted by Monday, December 13, 2021 at 5pm. Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents and with application fee paid will be reviewed.
Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.