Possible PhD projects
The EuroSPIN partners are world leading in the Neuroinformatics field, including computational neuroscience, but with complementary strengths. For example, the Stockholm group brings expertise in large-scale neural modeling; the Freiburg group has world-leading expertise in neuro-technology; the Edinburgh group specializes in neural plasticity and development; the Bangalore group performs world leading research on neural systems biology. The associated members (Nordita and Honda Research Institute) allow to extend towards theoretical and applied directions, respectively. This unique constellation of strengths makes it possible to carry out research projects that span from sub-cellular mechanisms to large-scale brain theory, and from basic science to technological applications.
Examples of possible PhD themes for start up during 2010 are listed for the different constellations of partners. The examples below are not guaranteed to start, and additional ones are likely to appear, but the list is provided to allow the presumptive student to get a feeling of possible research areas to work in.
During the application process, the students are asked to indicate their preferences with regard to constellations of partners, and also preferred project ideas/areas can be indicated and motivated.
Constellations of partners, and project fields
Albert-Ludwig University Freiburg - University of Edinburgh:
Multi-synaptic spike-timing synaptic plasticity in acute brain slices
Reliability and precision in dendritic calcium spikes
Information transfer from LGN to V1 in rats
Albert-Ludwig University Freiburg - Royal Institute of Technology:
Modeling reinforcement learning using spiking neuronal networks
Investigating structural and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in spiking networks
Complex dynamics in large-scale neuronal networks (both cortical and subcortical areas)
Albert-Ludwig University Freiburg - National Centre for Biological Science:
Multiscale dynamics in learning and memory
Anatomical, structural, and functional changes in emotional learning
Dynamics of brain function in insect flight
University of Edinburgh - National Centre for Biological Science:
Fragile X and PTSD models
Informatics in the life sciences
Multiscale modeling of neuronal function
Neural representations in the primary senses
University of Edinburgh - Royal Institute of Technology:
Large scale modeling of neuronal mechanisms involved in vision
Spike-timing-dependent-plasticity in spiking networks
Modeling adaptive visual processing
National Centre for Biological Science - Royal Institute of Technology:
Tool development for multi-scale simulations
Olfaction - experiments and modeling
Neuronal network models of memory processes
