This Week in Research

Gatsby Computational Neuroscience and Machine Learning PhD

Study theoretical neuroscience or machine learning through a four-year programme combining intensive first-year training with doctoral research. Students develop expertise in their principal field while engaging with the complementary discipline.

Study computational neuroscience or machine learning through UCL’s four-year Gatsby programme. Applications are open until 17:00 GMT on 9 November 2026; references are due by 23:59 GMT on 10 November. Studentships cover Home and international tuition plus a stipend. The published £30,900 figure is the 2026/27 rate: confirm the amount for 2027 entry. Read the research-interest statement and mathematics requirements before applying.

Finding Changing Patterns In Neural Activity

This 2025 study extends Gaussian Process Factor Analysis with a Bayesian model that can infer which latent factors contribute at different times. Synthetic tests and hippocampal place-cell recordings revealed changing patterns associated with spatial tasks. These are model-based findings in the studied datasets, not a universal account of brain activity.

Professor Maneesh Sahani

UCL’s Professor of Theoretical Neuroscience and Machine Learning connects mathematical models with neural data. His co-authored work on changing neural patterns offers a starting question: how can a model distinguish meaningful changes in population activity from noise?