The project:

A normal swallow is an impressively complex sequence of movements, requiring the coordination of muscles located within the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and oesophagus. The sequence of movements is regulated by a suite of sensory receptors located along the passages, and is a learned response.

Dysphagia, the medical term for swallowing difficulty/disorder, poses acute health risks (e.g. pneumonia, suffocation) as well as severely negatively impacting the lifestyle of individuals in various ways. Dysphagia affects predominantly children, the elderly, and individuals with complications such as neurological related impairment (e.g. post-stroke, trauma), those who suffer from mouth or throat cancer, have undergone surgery or targeted radiotherapy.

Due to the complexity of the swallowing mechanism, very little is known as to what therapy and protocol can be effected to alleviate the disorder, especially for individual patients.

The proposed research project will make use of mathematical modelling, numerical simulations and machine learning to provide a greater insight into the mechanisms of swallowing for individual patients.

The research will include image processing of medical images, the simulation of the ingested bolus as a complex fluid, the activation of the sensory receptors and the signalling pathways that lead to the muscle activations. The complexity of the problem will demand the development of mathematical models and software. The translation of the findings to a clinical setting is a key end result of the research.

The project is multidisciplinary and includes the collaboration of several medical centres, which will be able to provide valuable clinical insight and clinical data. The candidate will play a key role in liaising with the various groups.

Candidate requirements:

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact the project supervisor.

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions [email protected]

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss.

Online applications are made at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply . Please select Engineering Mathematics (PhD) on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of any studentship you would like to be considered for in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form.