Commercial partner: Clarity TechnologiesThis project tackles cognitive decline in aging by capitalizing on the crucial role of sleep in maintaining health and memory. Cognitive decline often correlates with disrupted sleep rhythms, such as slow waves and sleep spindles. Importantly, recent research suggests non-invasive brain stimulation can enhance these rhythms, potentially improving sleep efficiency and memory in the elderly.The core objective is to apply a cost-effective, wearable device to restore the synchronization of slow waves and spindles. This device – developed by our commercial partner Clarity® and customized to use during sleep - uses light and sound as separate channels to entrain endogenous brain rhythms. Unlike medication, it promises a side-effect-free method to improve sleep and cognitive function. Enhancing natural sleep processes, this tool aims to mitigate cognitive decline and promote healthy aging, benefiting millions globally and easing healthcare system burdens.Initially, the device will be tested on young, healthy participants to optimize audiovisual stimulation parameters that enhance slow wave-spindle coupling without disrupting sleep. Subsequent phases will evaluate the impact on overnight memory consolidation using standardized memory tests. Specifically, the experimental methodology involves a dedicated sleep laboratory at the University of Oxford, where participants will undergo two sessions of closed-loop audiovisual stimulation (CLAVS) or sham stimulation. The wearable device will deliver controlled sound and light stimuli to enhance slow wave-spindle coupling, with memory consolidation assessed through recall tests.The urgency of this research is underscored by the projected increase in dementia cases worldwide, from 885,000 in the UK in 2019 to 139 million globally by 2050. Given the critical link between cognitive decline and sleep, this project offers a timely and promising intervention. The success of this research could pave the way for novel, large-scale therapeutic solutions, significantly improving the quality of life for the aging population.Apply using course: DPhil in Experimental Psychology?MRC INDUSTRIAL CASE STUDENTSHIPS 2025Designed to nurture the academic entrepreneurs of the future, the Enterprise studentship programme offers a stimulating educational experience as part of the Oxford-MRC DTP cohort, with the additional benefit of working closely with an industrial partner. This will provide entrepreneurial training opportunities and an insight into how commercial science is conducted alongside a superb academic base within the University. Students will work for at least 3 months in the associated company.ELIGIBILITYThey are open to both UK and non-UK nationals and will follow the UKRI student eligibility requirements. UKRI will normally limit the proportion of international students appointed each year through individual training grants to 30% of the total intake each year.FUNDING PACKAGEEach iCASE studentship is fully-funded - it includes four years of stipend at the UKRI stipend level + £2,500 p.a., course fees, and a generous research training support grant.APPLICATIONS DEADLINEApplications must be received by 12 noon (UK time) Tuesday 3 December 2024. Details on entry requirements and how to apply can be found below.For details of entry requirements please go to the Oxford-MRC DTP iCASE 2025 Projects page.HOW TO APPLYBefore applying for this project we recommend you contact the lead supervisors for informal discussion.To make a formal application, please complete the University’s online application form for the DPhil course specified under the project description above. Please indicate the iCASE project clearly by inserting ‘iCASE’ before the project title and by using the reference code iCASE. You will need to provide a personal statement (500 words max if applying for a project hosted by one of Medical Sciences departments - please note that this limit might be different if a project is hosted by one of MPLS departments in which case follow their requirement) detailing your interest and fit for the studentship. Note that no project proposal is required for the iCASE studentship applications.If you wish to apply for a combination of iCASE and other projects within the hosting department, this can be done on the same application form (max number of projects you can apply for on one application depends on the department you wish to apply to). If you wish to apply for iCASE projects within different departments, you will have to make separate applications directly through those departments.If you have any queries about the iCASE application process (questions about the project should be directed to the lead supervisor), please email [email protected].