Dr Enrico Amico

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

I am a Network Neuroscientist. My research lies at the intersection of network science and neuroscience, aiming to uncover how large-scale brain networks support cognition, perception, and behaviour. I am particularly interested in the organisational principles that shape how brain regions interact, and how these interactions give rise to stable yet flexible patterns of neural activity. Using advanced network analysis, connectomics, and multimodal neuroimaging (fMRI, MEG, EEG, and structural MRI), my work investigates both the individualised architecture of brain networks (e.g., brain fingerprinting) and their dynamic reconfigurations across cognitive states in health and disease.

A key goal of my research is to bridge fundamental network principles with clinically relevant applications: understanding how network disruptions contribute to cognitive decline, attentional dysfunction, and altered states of consciousness. By integrating graph theory, signal processing, and neurostimulation, I aim to develop new tools for mapping, modelling, and ultimately modulating brain networks in health and disease.

Research Groups

Amico Lab

Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine

Centre for Human Brain Health (CHCH)

Mathematical Biology and Healthcare, School of Mathematics

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: inclusive, supportive, laid-back.

Provision of Training

I prefer to take responsibility for your technical training at first, leading to more independence later.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will set out my expectations of your progression on a weekly/monthly basis. If these progression criteria are not met we will always discuss a plan of action together.

Communication

I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per week

Meetings will be a mixture of face to face and via video chat or telephone, and I am usually contactable for an instant response 1 or 2 days a week.

Working Pattern

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Decoding Human Thalamocortical Interactions with Invasive Electrophysiology

Secondary Supervisor(s): Professor Andrew Bagshaw

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Neuroscience and Behaviour)

Project outline

While the majority of human neuroscience focusses on the cerebral cortex, the macroscopic organisation of mammalian brains is extremely consistent, suggesting the existence of preserved organisational principles that confer advantages to brain function and behaviour. In particular, the thalamus occupies a unique position in the hierarchy of sensory information processing: it is crucial for cognitive, motor, and perceptual functions, and many neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders show thalamic abnormalities, including schizophrenia, focal and generalised epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative conditions. Thalamocortical interactions are also essential for attention, sleep, vigilance, and consciousness, areas of particular interest to our work. For example, the reduction in responsiveness to environmental stimuli during sleep onset is accomplished by inhibition of thalamocortical neurons by the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). It has recently been suggested that the same mechanism operates on shorter timescales to regulate shifts in attention. Similarly, functional and metabolic changes caused by cell loss and deafferentation in the thalamus and forebrain structures appear central to disturbances of consciousness after brain injuries.

While these fundamental control principles have been demonstrated in animal models, they remain poorly established in humans. This project will combine advanced, invasive electrophysiology to build a detailed understanding of the human thalamus. This work will leverage intracranial EEG and high-density micro-array data from human epileptic patients. These rare datasets provide direct access to thalamocortical and subcortical circuits, allowing us to test mechanistic hypotheses on oscillatory control and sensory gating in vivo. In doing so, we aim to bridge invasive measurements to establish how thalamic circuits underpin attention, sleep, and consciousness in the human brain.

APPLY HERE

Co-supervisor on projects with: Dr Helen Eachus, Dr Daniel J Shaw, Professor Stephane De Brito and Professor Davinia Fernández-Espejo.