KCL
The neonatal virtual brain - VISI-ON-BRAIN MSCA Doctoral Network
✓ Fully Funded
⏰ Closing Soon
data science
mathematical modelling
biotechnology
biophysics
bioengineering
neuroscience
networks
Develop pioneering computational models that decode neonatal brain connectivity. Explore the interface of neuroscience and advanced computational approaches to revolutionize understanding of brain disorders.
AI-generated overview
Computational Neuroscience
Neonatal Brain
MRI
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Mathematical Modelling
Network Theory
Project Description
This PhD project is part of the VISIONBRAIN MSCA Doctoral Network, aiming to develop advanced computational tools for understanding brain disorders beyond animal models.
The project focuses on building biologically realistic computational models of the neonatal brain using:
diffusion MRI
functional MRI
network theory
mathematical modelling of neuronal activity
The research will:
integrate structural and functional brain connectivity
analyse large-scale MRI datasets (~1000 infants)
study typical and atypical neurodevelopment
improve understanding of conditions such as autism and ADHD
The role include;
completing a PhD thesis
undertaking secondments (3–6 months) across partner institutions
participating in international training and collaboration within the network
Entry Requirements
MSCA Eligibility Rules:
must not already hold a PhD
must not have lived/worked in the UK for more than 12 months in the last 36 months
must be eligible to enrol in a PhD at King’s College London
Candidate Profile:
strong background in neuroscience, mathematics, engineering, or related fields
interest in computational neuroscience and neuroimaging
ability to work independently and collaboratively
must not already hold a PhD
must not have lived/worked in the UK for more than 12 months in the last 36 months
must be eligible to enrol in a PhD at King’s College London
Candidate Profile:
strong background in neuroscience, mathematics, engineering, or related fields
interest in computational neuroscience and neuroimaging
ability to work independently and collaboratively
How to Apply
Apply via King’s College London PhD portal:
https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/
Steps:
select Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences Research MPhil/PhD Full-time
in funding section, select option 5 and include reference: DB-VISIONB-26
Submit:
CV
cover letter (max 500 words)
No research proposal required.
Contact:
dafnis.batalle@kcl.ac.uk
ioppn.pgr@kcl.ac.uk
Application deadline: 4 May 2026 (23:59 GMT)
Interviews: 18–24 May 2026
https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/
Steps:
select Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences Research MPhil/PhD Full-time
in funding section, select option 5 and include reference: DB-VISIONB-26
Submit:
CV
cover letter (max 500 words)
No research proposal required.
Contact:
dafnis.batalle@kcl.ac.uk
ioppn.pgr@kcl.ac.uk
Application deadline: 4 May 2026 (23:59 GMT)
Interviews: 18–24 May 2026
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DD
Dr Dafnis Batalle
King’s College London, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences
Dr Dafnis Batalle is a researcher specializing in computational neuroscience, focusing on integrating biophysical and mathematical models with neuroimaging data. He applies advanced methods to understand neonatal brain connectivity and its development. His work advances next-generation human-relevant computational tools for studying neurodevelopmental disorders.
Key Publications
Neonatal brain functional connectivity and developmental outcomes in preterm infants
This paper demonstrated how early brain connectivity metrics can predict later neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
Multimodal MRI reveals altered brain maturation in newborns with perinatal brain injury
The study identified key neuroimaging biomarkers that reveal disrupted brain development caused by perinatal injury.
Structural and functional brain network development in neonates assessed using advanced MRI techniques
This work provided novel insights into how brain networks form and evolve in the earliest postnatal weeks.