Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death and there is a need to better understand modifiable risk factors, such as a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system (ANS). 

We propose that measuring the size different ANS structures within the central nervous system may be a non-invasive technique for understanding a person’s chronic exposure to a dysfunctional ANS. Furthermore, we propose that a molecular imaging technique, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, can identify a real-time measure of ANS dysfunction. In this prospective case-control study, we are inviting three groups of people with differing levels of ANS dysfunction to undergo advanced PET and MRI imaging. All participants will also undergo muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) testing as a gold standard of ANS dysfunction.

This project includes a prospective case-control study purposed to better understand novel imaging biomarkers of ANS dysfunction. This project will also involve a small pre-clinical study, purposed to investigate cellular features of ANS dysfunction. 

If successful, this research will provide novel and scalable non-invasive methods for detecting ANS dysfunction.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of independent, supervised research that is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis, sometimes including a creative work component, that is examined externally. The work presented for a PhD must be a substantial and original contribution to scholarship, demonstrating mastery of the subject of interest as well as an advance in that field of knowledge. 

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The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a program of independent, supervised research and is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis.

Visit the course webpage for full details of this course including admission requirements, course rules and the relevant CRICOS code/s.