Project description
Breakthrough framework for mapping the brain’s internal circuits
Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MINDy project addresses the technical constraints of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging to enable non-invasive, simultaneous quantification of neurotransmitters across distributed neural circuits. By leveraging 7T ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging and parallel transmit technology, it will develop advanced radio frequency pulses to mitigate sensitivity loss, water contamination and lipid interference. These innovations will establish a robust framework for mapping neurochemical dynamics, specifically targeting the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit during motor learning tasks. Validated through simulations and in vivo studies, the methodology will facilitate a direct link between molecular signalling and complex behaviour. Ultimately, the project will provide a tool for high-resolution metabolic imaging in both fundamental neuroscience and clinical investigations of neurological disorders.
Objective
Human cognition relies on finely tuned chemical signalling across distributed brain networks. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is the only non-invasive method for quantifying neurotransmitters, such as glutamate or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Yet, current Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) methods cannot simultaneously capture neurochemical dynamics across spatially distant regions. This limitation prevents investigation of the coordinated chemical activity underlying learning and complex behaviours.
With this project, I will develop next-generation MRSI methods to overcome the key barriers of sensitivity loss, water contamination, and lipid interference that restrict current approaches. Using parallel transmit (pTx) technology on ultra-high-field (7T) MRI, I will design advanced radio-frequency pulses and optimisation strategies to (1) homogenize sensitivity and suppress water signals across the brain, and (2) achieve robust skull and subcutaneous lipid suppression for reliable cortical imaging. These innovations will establish the first framework for robust MRSI across brain circuits. The methodology will be validated through simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo pilot studies, culminating in (3) the first simultaneous mapping of task-related neurochemical modulations in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit during a motor learning task.
By enabling dynamic neurochemical imaging across brain networks, this project will transform our ability to link molecular processes to behaviour, providing a powerful new tool for both fundamental neuroscience and clinical research into brain disorders. I am uniquely positioned to deliver these results, combining the extensive experience in radio-frequency pulse design for quantitative MRI acquired during my PhD with the cutting-edge research in MRS and MRSI of Dr. Clarke's group at the University of Oxford, and the MRSI users in the department conducting world leading neuroscience research.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.