EPSRC DLA Studentship - Matching algorithms with real neuronal structures and modelling their performance.

An understanding of the algorithmic functionality of the brain is of great importance to support both practical clinical advances and the development of pure neuroscience.

The aim of the project is to explore the known anatomy and physiology of the brain to find matches to the functional structures required to implement various algorithms, such as reinforcement learning. It should also be possible to predict the anatomy required for certain types of functionality in a way that can be tested experimentally by others. There will be a particular focus on the cerebellum. The work will involve computational simulation of neural networks either at the level of analogue values or in terms of spiking patterns and spiking rates.

EPSRC DLA studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for students eligible for Home fees. EU and international students may be considered for a small number of awards at the Home fees rate. Full eligibility criteria can be found via the following link; https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status.

A strong applicant will have knowledge or experience of building computer simulations at different levels of abstraction and in different programming languages. Familiarity with C++ (or C) and Matlab/Octave would be an advantage.

With, or expected to gain a high 2:1, preferably a 1st class honours degree in a relevant degree such as: engineering, physics, chemistry, neuroscience, computer science, or biotechnology.

Applications should be submitted via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdpeg, with Prof Richard Prager identified as the potential supervisor. In addition, please send an example of a recent technical project report that you have written in English directly to Prof Prager at rwp12@cam.ac.uk.