This PhD project at the University of Bristol investigates the relationship between sleep patterns and the risk of developing brain diseases such as dementia. Despite advances in experimental data collection—including measurements of brain blood flow and electrical activity—the mechanisms by which sleep influences long-term brain health remain poorly understood. The project aims to develop the first multi-scale mathematical model that links daily sleep patterns to whole-life changes in brain physiology, focusing on parameters such as brain blood flow. Building on recent multi-scale models of exercise and its effects on brain physiology, the research will exploit new mathematical models and multiple scales analysis methods. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with modelling and physiology groups across Europe, contributing to the creation of a pioneering model of whole-life sleep effects. This model will help elucidate how and why different sleep patterns impact individuals' risk of brain disease over time. The project is based in the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, offering a highly interdisciplinary environment that combines biomedical engineering, applied mathematics, and neuroscience. Applicants should have a strong quantitative background and an interest in interdisciplinary research. Funding details are not specified in the position description, and applications are accepted year round. To apply, candidates should submit their application via the University of Bristol postgraduate portal, including a CV, academic transcripts, and a personal statement. For further information, prospective students are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Professor SP Payne. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in mathematical modelling, brain physiology, and collaborative research across Europe.

This PhD opportunity at the University of Bristol focuses on modelling stroke progression and treatment in the brain, specifically targeting ischaemic stroke—a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The project aims to advance computational models of stroke development, blood flow, oxygen transport, and fluid dynamics in the human brain. By expanding these models to simulate diverse population groups, the research seeks to help clinicians tailor treatments more effectively and understand the factors influencing patient outcomes. As part of the EU-wide GEMINI project consortium ( https://www.geminiproject.eu ), you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams working to develop and validate advanced models. The PhD will transition existing models from population-averaged to individual behaviour, incorporating parameters such as age, sex, and medical history to enhance predictive accuracy. This approach will support clinicians in making more informed decisions and improve patient care. There are extensive opportunities for collaboration across the consortium, including involvement in the analysis of large clinical datasets and the construction of statistical models of outcome. The project is based in the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, offering access to cutting-edge research facilities and expertise in biomedical engineering, applied mathematics, and engineering mathematics. Applicants should have a strong quantitative background, ideally in mathematics, engineering, or biomedical engineering, with skills in computational modelling, statistical analysis, or programming. Experience with clinical datasets is advantageous. The University of Bristol requires English language proficiency and a good undergraduate degree (typically a 2:1 or above) in a relevant subject. Applications are accepted year-round, with no fixed deadline. Funding details are not specified; candidates are encouraged to check the project link for updates. To apply, submit your application via the University of Bristol postgraduate portal, including a CV, academic transcripts, and a personal statement. Informal enquiries to the supervisor are welcome. For more information and to apply, visit the project page: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/modelling-stroke-progression-and-treatment-in-the-brain/?p194886 .