Grist Group: Translating across scales: combining clinical imaging and neuropathology to understand Multiple Sclerosis.

About the Research 

I am delighted to offer an exciting project looking to unite two key techniques that we have to understand Multiple Sclerosis, namely Magnetic Resonance Imaging and neuropathology.

Our colleagues have identified signatures on ongoing disease-related processes in the post-mortem brains and spines of people with Multiple Sclerosis, which, currently, are invisible on conventional clinical imaging. If we could detect these ongoing disease processes, we could start to treat them.

Therefore, this project will start by optimising sequences to scanning post-mortem brains and spines, and then translate result to clinical scans. Our lab harnesses multiple advanced MRI techniques, with some limited to just a few sites world-wide, to probe the structure and function (perfusion, microstructure, metabolism) of the brain, and so has a large array of approaches available to detect this ongoing damage.

The opportunities to engage in research beyond this project are vast, and we will support you in this. We have a warm and friendly research group, you will be well supported in your work, and actively encouraged to undertake training and skills development to take your career opportunities to the next level. We love to see students become world-experts in the field and hope that you will enjoy your time with us!

Training Opportunities

During your time in the lab, you’ll be trained in the running of clinical studies, 3D printing, and processing of imaging and clinical data. Further training will include dedicated learning surrounding metabolic pathways and imaging.  You’ll have chance to learn to how to operate an MRI scanner, as well as to scan volunteers and patients in the study.

You’ll be given hands on help with the learning and application of Matlab and Python programming languages for data reconstruction, postprocessing, image registration, and analysis.

Students are encouraged to attend the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine DPhil Course, which takes place in the autumn of their first year. Running over several days, this course helps students to develop basic research and presentation skills, as well as introducing them to a wide range of scientific techniques and principles, ensuring that students have the opportunity to build a broad-based understanding of differing research methodologies.

Generic skills training is offered through the Medical Sciences Division's Skills Training Programme. This programme offers a comprehensive range of courses covering many important areas of researcher development: knowledge and intellectual abilities, personal effectiveness, research governance and organisation, and engagement, influence, and impact. Students are actively encouraged to take advantage of the training opportunities available to them.

As well as the specific training detailed above, students will have access to a wide range of seminars and training opportunities through the many research institutes and centres based in Oxford.

The Department has a successful mentoring scheme, open to graduate students, which provides an additional possible channel for personal and professional development outside the regular supervisory framework. We hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of our efforts to build a happy and rewarding environment where all staff and students are supported to achieve their full potential.

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