PhD Behaviour Change for Brain Health Supported by AI Imagery

The School of Social Sciences seeks to recruit a high-quality PhD candidate for the project titled "Behaviour change for brain health supported by AI imagery.

Key Information

• Funding: Fully funded (UK students only)
• School: Social Sciences
• Location: Edinburgh
• Award: PhD
• Delivery type: Full-time
• Supervisor: Alan Gow
• Start date: May, September
• Closing date: Thursday, 12 February 2026
• Duration: 42 months

The School of Social Sciences at Heriot-Watt University is offering a full-time PhD studentship funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to start in May or September 2026. The studentship includes a tuition fee waiver and an annual stipend set at £20,789. The duration of the studentship is 3.5 years.

Summary of Project

As we age, we may experience changes in our brain health. For most people, these changes are related to ageing; for some they reflect underlying diseases of the brain leading to dementia. There is growing evidence about the lifestyles and behaviours that promote and protect brain health across the life course, and those that reduce or delay changes when we're older. Identifying these protective factors is a global research priority, as is transforming that knowledge into action. Developing interventions to reduce or slow age-related cognitive decline can harness new technologies to deliver those at scale; these must ensure behaviour change principles are embedded in their design to ensure their effectiveness.

The proposed project is in collaboration with an industry partner which is developing image-based interventions to support people living with dementia. Their interactive platform presents images that serve as prompts for reminiscence, social connection and activity. The first images presented are from a standardised pool of images with personal or local relevance. Based on the images selected and the responses they elicit, new images are generated to deepen and extend interactions and subsequent behaviour change. This platform provides the basis for the proposed project, to be adapted for older adults living in the community with no current cognitive impairment; a pivot towards behaviour change and risk reduction. The aim is to consider how individualised AI-generated imagery can be used to promote behaviour change for brain health.

Project Supervisors

• Professor Alan Gow (Professor in Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Edinburgh)
• Dr Kelly Wolfe (Assistant Professor in Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Edinburgh)
• Professor Mario Parra Rodriguez (Professor in Psychology, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow)

Entry Requirements

• Candidate criteria:
  • Applicants should have an undergraduate degree with a minimum classification of 2:1 in Psychology or a relevant field.
  • For this PhD studentship, relevant fields could include training in computer science, human-computer interaction, etc.
  • A Master's degree is desirable.
  • Applicants must be eligible for UK student fee status.
• English language requirements:
  • If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
  • The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0.

Application Process

Applicants should supply:

1. A full Curriculum Vitae.
2. Copies of full academic transcripts from all previous academic degree courses and copies of degree certificates for degrees already awarded.
3. A brief covering letter outlining why you want to study for a PhD at Heriot-Watt University, and what makes you an excellent candidate.
4. An outline research proposal (max. 1500 words).

Interviews will be conducted via video conferencing on Wednesday 4 March 2026. Interview support for those with disabilities will be available where required.

Funding Information

• Annual stipend for 3.5 years at UKRI stipend rates (set at £20,789), plus tuition fees waived.

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.