XClose

UCL EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Integrated Imaging in Healthcare

Home
Menu

CLOSED - PET synthesis from multimodal MRI using deep generative models (23032)

PhD Studentship - PET synthesis from multimodal MRI using deep generative models - NOW CLOSED

22 December 2023

Primary Supervisor:  Prof Gary Zhang
Secondary Supervisor: Dr Phil Weston, Dr Dave Cash, and Dr Ross Callaghan

A 4-year year funded PhD studentship is available in the UCL Centre for Medical Image Computing (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/medical-image-computing) and Dementia Research Centre (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/drc/).  Funding will be at least the UCL minimum. Stipend details can be found here.

The successful candidate will join the UCL CDT in Intelligent, Integrated Imaging in Healthcare (i4health) cohort and benefit from the activities and events organised by the centre.

This scholarship is for students with 'Home' fee status only. 

Background

Neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) play important roles in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.  While MRI can detect abnormal structural changes, PET offers molecular specificity and early diagnosis.  However, PET is expensive, scarce, and involves radiation, which limits its routine acquisition.

Research aims

This project aims to investigate the synthesis of PET from widely available MRI.  Existing PET synthesis approaches primarily make use of structural T1-weighted MRI, which detects gross abnormalities but is less sensitive to subtle changes.  This project will examine the benefit of employing multimodal MRI data for PET synthesis.

Person Specification

Applicants are expected to have achieved (or are predicted) a first-class or upper second-class honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualifications or experience). An MSc is also preferred, though not essential.

Our preferred subject areas are Physical Sciences (Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics). Applicants with degrees in Chemistry or Life Sciences are welcome but applicants must be able to demonstrate strong mathematical skills.

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in medical imaging.

How to Apply

Please complete the following steps to apply:

Application Deadline - 19th January 2024

Application Process:

  • After the deadline, all applicants that specified Project 23032 and with a Portico application will be considered for interview.
  • Candidates will normally be invited for interview within two-weeks of the deadline. If you have not been contacted within this time-period, you have unfortunately not been successful in being shortlisted.
  • The interview panel will normally consist of the supervision team on the project and the CDT Director.
  • The interview will normally consist of a short presentation (5-10mins) by the candidate followed by questions from a panel.
  • The successful candidate will be informed by email and given a week to confirm whether they wish to accept the PhD place and funding.
  • Note that applications without specifying the project they are applying for and/or making a formal Portico application will be automatically rejected.
  • Once accepted, a formal UCL offer of admission will be sent to the applicant as well as an offer of studentship funding.