Developing and testing novel methods to estimate prevalence of methamphetamine and cocaine dependence

Project Code MRCPHS25Br JonesH Research Theme Population Health Sciences Project Summary Download Summary Drug-related harm from illegal supplies of drugs is changing, including a rise in deaths associated with stimulants in many countries. Estimates of the number of people dependent…

Measurement of mental health in ethnically and geographically diverse populations

Project Code MRCPHS25Br Howe Research Theme Population Health Sciences Project Summary Download Summary Many tools to assess mental health were developed based on behaviours and feelings in white western populations. 18% of the UK population belong to Black, Asian, mixed,…

Characterising the role of inflammation in the development of multiple myeloma

Project Code MRCPHS25Br Goudswaard Research Theme Population Health Sciences Project Summary Download Summary Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable blood cancer, caused by the proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The link between chronic inflammation and the development…

Optimising uptake and personalisation of digital health interventions for under-served groups: a case study with the Drink Less app

Project Code MRCPHS25Br Garnett Research Theme Population Health Sciences Project Summary Download Summary Digital interventions can play a large role in improving public health but we need to boost their uptake and effectiveness among under-served groups (e.g., people experiencing homelessness).…

Use of network analysis to understand the molecular footprint of body mass index

Project Code MRCPHS25Br Corbin Research Theme Population Health Sciences Project Summary Download Summary This project aims to better understand obesity, a disease whose prevalence continues to rise worldwide despite local, national and international strategies to tackle the epidemic. Adiposity, measured…

Novel morphological markers of congenital heart disease: from computational modelling to population data

Project Code MRCPHS25Br Biglino Research Theme Population Health Sciences Project Summary Download Summary Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 1/110 births, causes 220,000 deaths/year and affects 13+ million worldwide. The aetiology of CHD is complex, with evidence of both genetic and…

The MEME project: Making Exercise interventions More Effective for depression and anxiety

Project Code MRCNMH25Br Wootton Research Theme Neuroscience & Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary Exercise has been repeatedly shown to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Therefore, prescribing exercise could be an effective alternative (or adjunct) to treatment for the…

Optical micro-structures and their application in next-generation brain-computer interface systems

Project Code MRCNMH25Br Whitcomb Research Theme Neuroscience & Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary Brain-computer interfacing (BCI) could fundamentally transform how humans interact with computers. Current uses include prosthetic limb control, but future use could involve transformative technologies ranging from…

Finding the missing link in memory networks: Deciphering cortical-thalamic communication pathways critical for successful memory

Project Code MRCNMH25Br Warburton Research Theme Neuroscience & Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary Our memories are stored in networks across the brain.   Two regions, the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) and nucleus reuniens (NRe) are key parts of such a…

Transmission of self-harm from parents to children: identifying mechanisms and informing intervention

Project Code MRCNMH25Br Sallis Research Theme Neuroscience & Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary “This interdisciplinary PhD project will provide training in epidemiology, genetics, and advanced longitudinal methods. Data from two cohort studies will be used to i) investigate the…