This project is closed.
Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Biological sciences
Project description
Adult neurogenesis is the lifelong generation of new neurons in specialized regions of the adult brain. This process is regulated by many different factors, including by changes in the blood. The production of new neurons decreases with age, and this decrease is associated with learning and memory deficits. Physical exercise is a strong positive stimulator of adult neurogenesis, also in aged mice, and reverses cognitive decline associated with aging. The precise mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects of exercise on brain health remain unknown. This project aims to understand how blood-borne factors contribute to boost adult hippocampal neurogenesis following exercise. The project will utilise different in vitro and in vivo techniques, such as neural stem cell cultures and animal work, including behavioural testing in mice. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate new neuron production could help to counteract learning and memory deficits that are associated with ageing and neurodegenerative conditions.
Research environment
This project is based at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) of The University of Queensland. Established in 2003, QBI is a world-leading institute in the field of neuroscience and provides outstanding intellectual and technological capacity to support the proposed project. It houses state-of-the-art facilities, which will be accessible for the PhD candidate, including advanced microscopy, histology, animal behaviour and flow cytometry.
Scholarship
This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
- single overseas student health cover (OSHC).
Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of immunohistochemistry, cell culture or animal behaviour would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of adult neurogenesis and neuroimmunology and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of neuroscience or immunology is highly desirable.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 31 March, 2025 31 December, 2024.
You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- Contact Dr Odette Leiter (o.leiter@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.
When you apply
You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.
In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:
- My higher degree is not collaborative
- I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
- UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.