Introduction to the topic
This research course explores how brain microstructure supports cognitive improvement in individuals with psychiatric disorders. Cognitive impairments are common across depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and psychosis, yet the biological mechanisms behind cognitive change—especially after targeted interventions—are not well understood. Modern diffusion MRI techniques provide a unique way to study these mechanisms by measuring the organization and density of neural tissue in vivo.
Project details
Students will investigate how diffusion MRI markers, such as fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and advanced models like NODDI (neurite density and orientation dispersion), relate to cognitive function and response to interventions.
There are two complementary tracks:
- Statistical Analysis of Existing Data (analysis track):
Students work with a preprocessed dataset containing diffusion MRI measures and cognitive assessments collected before and after cognitive interventions in patients with psychiatric disorders or healthy controls. Tasks include formulating hypotheses, running statistical models, interpreting results, and contributing to manuscript writing. Research questions may explore whether specific white-matter properties predict cognitive improvement or if changes in microstructure correlate with gains in memory or executive function.
2. Systematic Review / Meta-Research (review track):
Students will perform a systematic review of published studies investigating microstructural diffusion MRI and cognition, with particular emphasis on cognitive remediation, computerized cognitive training, and functional recovery. This track teaches PRISMA methodology, study quality assessment, and evidence synthesis.
Students may perform either the analysis or systematic-review track depending on the status of the research projects and interest.
Through this project, students will learn the core principles of diffusion MRI (DTI, NODDI) and their biological interpretation, explore theories of cognitive improvement and neuroplasticity in psychiatric disorders, and formulate hypotheses linking brain structure to cognition. Depending on their track, they will either analyze neuroimaging data to evaluate brain–behavior relationships or conduct a PRISMA-compliant systematic review.
Students will also develop skills in communicating scientific findings in writing and presentations, with the potential to contribute to a publishable manuscript or systematic review under mentor guidance.
The project is ideal for students in neuroscience, psychology, or cognitive science interested in neuroimaging, cognition, psychiatric disorders, and intervention-based improvement. No prior MRI or programming experience is required.
Research Assistantship Hours
You will spend 180 hours directly engaged in research, together with 20 hours in co-curricular activities, during your RAship.
Field Studies: Culture & Language
As a co-curricular complement to your summer research, you will meet every Wednesday, together with faculty from the DIS European Humanities program, for a 6-week introduction to culture and language in Copenhagen.
Syllabus
Additional application required
You will need to submit an additional research application through the Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.
Before you submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.
All application materials must be submitted by 23:59 Central European Time on March 15.
Faculty
Julian Macoveanu
FacultyPh.D. (Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Karolinska Institute, Sweden, 2006). Ph.D. Licentiate of Engineering (Computational Biology), University of Linköping, Sweden, 2005) MSc. (Biochemistry, Stockholm University, 2002). Postdoctoral Research Associate, Danish Research Center for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR) Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre. With DIS since 2014.
More information about your Research Assistantship
Learn more about the Labs, Research, and Practicums Summer Session.