Available Projects
The project list below helps self-funded and externally sponsored applicants (scholarship) connect with a prospective supervisor.
Applications are welcome from those who can support themselves or have funding already arranged. Such applications will go through the same level of academic assessment. Please see the fee arrangementsLink opens in a new window for PGR students.
Combining brain and behaviour measures for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterised by diverse cognitive, sensory, and behavioural differences, making personalised assessment and intervention challenging. This project will combine brain-based measures, such as EEG and neuroimaging, with behavioural and developmental assessments to better understand individual differences in ASD. The research aims to identify objective markers that support earlier diagnosis, personalised interventions, and improved outcomes for autistic children.
Primary supervisor: Christopher James - c.james@warwick.ac.uk
Project detail:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects millions of children worldwide and is characterised by significant variability in social communication, sensory processing, cognition, and behaviour. Despite advances in diagnosis and support, understanding the biological mechanisms underlying this heterogeneity remains a major challenge. Improved methods for linking brain function with behavioural characteristics could lead to more personalised approaches to assessment, intervention, and long-term support.
This PhD project aims to investigate the relationship between neural activity and behavioural outcomes in children with ASD by combining objective measures of brain function with detailed behavioural assessment. The research will integrate data from techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging, physiological monitoring, and digital behavioural assessment to explore how differences in brain activity relate to cognitive performance, sensory processing, communication, attention, and everyday functioning.
A key objective will be to identify biomarkers and patterns that explain variations in behaviour across children with ASD. Rather than treating autism as a single condition, the project will explore individual differences and seek to understand whether combinations of neural and behavioural measures can be used to define meaningful subgroups. Advanced analytical approaches, including machine learning and multimodal data integration, may be used to uncover relationships that are not apparent when examining brain or behavioural data in isolation.
The project will address important questions regarding the development of objective, evidence-based tools that can support clinicians, educators, and families. Improved understanding of brain-behaviour relationships could contribute to earlier identification of support needs, more targeted interventions, and better monitoring of outcomes over time. There is also potential to inform the design of future technologies and therapies aimed at promoting participation, learning, and wellbeing in autistic children.
The successful candidate will work within an interdisciplinary environment spanning biomedical engineering, neuroscience, psychology, data science, and child health. Training opportunities will include advanced signal processing, data analytics, neurotechnology, behavioural assessment methods, and research involving children and clinical populations. Collaboration with clinicians, researchers, and community stakeholders will provide valuable experience in translational and impact-focused research.
By combining objective measures of brain function with real-world behavioural assessment, this project seeks to advance understanding of ASD and contribute to the development of more personalised and effective approaches to supporting autistic children and their families.
How to apply for admission: www.warwick.ac.uk/pgrengineering
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.