GW4 BioMed3 MRC DLP PhD project: Combining epigenetics and neuroimaging to predict mental health traits across child development

About the project

About the Project This project is one of several in competition for funding from the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme (DLP), which is offering up to 17 studentships for entry in September 2026. The partnership brings together the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter to develop the next generation of biomedical researchers. Students will have access to the combined research strengths, training expertise and resources of the four research-intensive universities. More information may be found on the DLP’s website . Please note that the application process may close early to either home or international candidates (or both) before the stated deadline if an unprecedented number of applications are received – check the DLP’s website for details and updates. Supervisory Team: Professor Esther Walton Dr Paul Yousefi Professor Charlotte Cecil The Project : Epigenetic and structural brain alterations have been separately linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, but little is known about their combined impact on health and how this association changes from infancy to adulthood. The student will lead a set of multi-cohort studies within the international MIND consortium to systematically characterize associations between epigenetic patterns, structural brain variation and mental health outcomes across development. The MIND consortium (co-led by the primary supervisor) was specifically established to advance the new field of Neuroimaging Epigenetics and comprises a global set of researchers and datasets (sample n>5000), including groups from the USA, UK, South Africa, Finland, Brazil, the Netherlands and more (Schuurmans et al., 2026). The student will combine information on DNA methylation (e.g. methylation profile scores for age or inflammation) with neuroimaging phenotypes (e.g. brain age, brain structure) to predict a range of health outcomes (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD). Cohorts span pregnancy to adulthood. Through a meta-analytic approach, they will then describe changing associations across development. Project Objectives: Assess which epigenetic and brain imaging scores are most predictive of anxiety, depression and ADHD Assess whether combining epigenetic and brain imaging scores in one model can improve mental health risk prediction Assess whether the strength of associations change throughout development Requirements: Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of medical sciences, computing, mathematics or the physical sciences. Applicants with a lower second-class degree will only be considered if they have a grade of Merit or above in a master’s degree. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience. Non-UK applicants will also be required to have met the English language entry requirements of the University of Bath. Enquiries and Applications: Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Esther Walton on email address E.Walton@bath.ac.uk . Formal applications must be submitted direct to the GW4 BioMed3 DLP using their online application form . A list of all the projects and details on how to apply are available DLP’s website . You may apply for up to 2 projects and submit one application per candidate only. APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 17:00 (GMT) ON 21 OCTOBER 2026. IMPORTANT: You do NOT need to apply to the University of Bath at this stage – only those applicants who are successful in obtaining an offer of funding from the DTP will be required to submit an application for an offer of study from Bath. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

Research areas