About the Project
Supervisors:
Prof Jessica Teeling J.Teeling@soton.ac.uk
Dr Rahman Attar r.attar@soton.ac.uk
n/a n/a
Project Title:
EMBRACE (Enteric–Mind BRAin–Circuit Exploration) Exploring gut-brain circuits to understand emotional and cognitive disorders.
Project Description:
We are building a digital twin of the gut–immune–brain axis to decode how lifestyle and inflammation shape mental health and dementia risk. By integrating multi-omics and clinical data, this pioneering model will simulate disease onset, progression and response to treatment, unlocking personalised strategies for healthier aging.
Mental health disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia are increasingly linked to chronic, low-grade inflammation originating in the gut. The gut–immune–brain (GIBA) axis, a complex communication network involving microbial, immune, neural, and metabolic pathways, plays a critical role in regulating brain function. However, the integrative dynamics of this axis remain poorly understood due to biological complexity and individual variability. This limits our ability to predict disease onset, progression, and response to treatment. Our project aims to address this gap by developing a digital twin of the GIBA axis. This computational model will simulate how lifestyle factors (e.g. diet, sleep, stress) and inflammation influence mental health and cognitive decline. We will integrate publicly available multi-modal datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, neuroimaging, microbiome profiles, and clinical biomarkers. Using systems biology and machine learning, we will build and validate mechanistic models of gut–immune–brain interactions, enabling simulation of disease trajectories and therapeutic responses. The intended outcome is a dynamic, personalised tool that can predict risk and guide interventions for conditions such as depression and dementia. This research matters because it offers a scalable, data-driven approach to understand and mitigate brain disorders, and importantly, ways to modify their outcomes. By bridging biological complexity with digital innovation, our work has the potential to transform mental health and dementia research and promote healthier aging through targeted lifestyle and therapeutic strategies.
For more information, please contact the supervisor: Prof Jessica Teeling J.Teeling@soton.ac.uk
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).
To successfully carry out this project, a PhD student would require technical, analytical, and collaborative skills across computational biology, data science, immunology, microbiology and neuroscience.
This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants.
Funding:
We are pleased to announce that for 2026/27 entry, specific Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) at the University of Southampton have been selected to be part of a pilot programme of funding for UK doctoral candidates launched by The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The funding is delivered through the TechExpert strand of government’s new TechFirst skills programme. TechExpert will fund nationally, a stipend uplift for at least 500 domestic (UK only) doctoral students in priority technology areas over the next four years, strengthening the UK’s innovation pipeline and building a more inclusive, resilient and high-impact research ecosystem. For candidates looking to complete a PhD or EngD full-time we offer an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £31,000 (UKRI minimum + £10,000) per year, along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities.
CISDnS is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break or are transitioning into a new role. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance.
Closing Date:
8th December 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. We encourage early application to avoid disappointment.
Apply:
https://student-selfservice.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Search