Keeping Time Together: Sensorimotor Timing, Social Synchrony, and their Role in Language and Reading Development

About the project

About the Project Human communication relies on the ability to coordinate actions in time with others. This PhD investigates how sensorimotor timing and interpersonal synchrony relate to phonological awareness and reading ability across development. The project examines how children and adults synchronise with auditory, visual, and socially meaningful cues, and whether key timing components such as prediction, synchronisation, and adaptation, support literacy skills. A central aim is to understand how movement-based learning experiences can scaffold language development in childhood. Rhythmic movement, dance, and coordinated action are thought to strengthen temporal prediction and sensitivity to speech rhythms, processes fundamental to phonological awareness and reading acquisition. The research will therefore test whether timing abilities provide a mechanistic link between bodily coordination and literacy development. Experimental studies will combine laboratory timing paradigms with ecologically valid movement activities, including rhythm training, coordinated movement games, and potentially dance-based educational interventions. Across child and adult populations, the project will identify which aspects of timing are most strongly associated with reading ability and whether observed differences reflect stable deficits or variations in learning and adaptation. By integrating movement science, developmental psychology, and education, the research advances theoretical models of dyslexia while positioning movement-based educational approaches as scalable tools to support learning, wellbeing, and social engagement. Ultimately, this PhD aims to establish sensorimotor timing as a foundational mechanism linking movement, language, and literacy development. University of Reading: The University of Reading , located west of London, England, is ranked at 194 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 120 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport. During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving specialist supervision. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that can help support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this. Eligibility: · Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Linguistics, Education, Sport and Exercise Science, Dance Science, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Music, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Candidates with quantitative or technical backgrounds relevant to movement or behavioural analysis are also welcome. Other strongly-related discipline will also be considered. · International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements. The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community. How to apply: Submit an application for a PhD in PCLS via our online application system . Potential candidates are also invited to discuss their interest in relation to this project by emailing j.j.honisch@reading.ac.uk . Further information: Insert link to department PhD webpage e.g. PhD opportunities in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences Enquiries: Dr. Juliane J Honisch, email: J.J.Honisch@reading.ac.uk Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria.

Research areas