An overview of all the current student projects.
As a research institute, we regularly host MSc research projects or internships on different research lines. The examples below are general and may be adapted to the current state of research and/or the background of the student. We usually have space for several motivated students with a physics, biomedical technology, neuroscience or comparable background. A wide range of possible projects exists, from functional MRI method development or magnetic resonance spectroscopy to cognitive neuroscience.
Please note that these project are only available for students as part of their degree. Current university registration is required to become an intern. All projects are unrenumerated.
Imaging visual processing
Visual information that enters our eyes is relayed to the brain. From there on, it is processed extensively, ultimately resulting in the experience we have of the world around us. In our lab we investigate visual processing in the human brain. We are interested in various aspects of visual processing, like receptive field characteristics, spatial attention, visual illusions, object perception, numerosity perception and clinical disorders (for example glaucoma, hemianopia and amblyopia). We mainly use functional MRI (fMRI), but also other techniques like magneto-encephalography (MEG), intracranial recordings and psychophysics. We often use the population receptive field (pRF) model (Dumoulin & Wandell, 2008). Interns with an interest in computational neuroimaging are encouraged to apply. Students with a background in (cognitive) neuroscience, psychology, AI, or similar may also apply. Programming experience (MATLAB, Python) is desirable. Preferred internship duration is 9 months, minimum duration is 6 months (only when having programming experience). Contact:
Functional MRS
Functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) is a non-invasive technique used to measure dynamic changes in neurometabolites. In contrast to fMRI, which depends on hemodynamic responses, fMRS offers a more direct window into neural activity. It enables time-resolved tracking of metabolite concentrations while participants perform cognitive tasks or respond to stimuli. This allows researchers to investigate the temporal dynamics of metabolites involved in neuroenergetics and neurotransmission in the human brain.
In these projects, we combine functional MRS and MRI to study how specific tasks or (pharmacological) interventions affect brain function. These internships are well-suited for students with a background in neuroscience or a related field. Programming experience in Matlab or Python is highly recommended.
Minimum duration: 5 months (6 preferred)
Contact:
Understanding the role of the cerebellum in MS using ultra-high field MRI (7T)
While disabilities in multiple sclerosis have primarily been linked to damage in the cerebrum and spinal cord, the contribution of the cerebellum remains poorly understood. This structure is often overlooked due to technical challenged association with its location at the back of the brain and highly folded structure. Compared to standard MRI (3T), ultra-high field MRI (7 Tesla) has a much stronger magnetic field allowing higher resolution and therefore detection of smaller, more subtle changes that may go unnoticed on standard 3T MRI. Using 7T MRI also allows to gain more precise insights into the regional functional disturbances during movements and at rest.
We are looking for a motivated intern who speaks Dutch to help recruit MS patients. You will help contact and support patients during the recruitment process, as well as assist with the data collection and processing of the functional data. Programming experience in MATLAB or Python is highly recommended.
Ultra-high field MRI for brain structure and clinical applications
Ultra-high field 7T MRI is increasingly applied in clinical contexts. This transition requires targeted technical development to meet specific neurosurgical needs. Therefore, we offer technical MSc internships focused on 7T MRI, with projects lasting a minimum of 6 months. Topics vary and include AI-based segmentation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) targets, high-resolution imaging of the cerebellum, and sequence development for and validation of clinically relevant 7T MRI techniques. These projects are well-suited for students with a background in physics, biomedical engineering, AI, or related fields who are interested in the technical and translational aspects of neuroimaging. Minimum duration: 6 months. Contact:
MR-Methods: improving image acquisition at 7T.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a very versatile medical imaging modality. The contrast in the images can reflect anything from the distribution of myelin to local brain responses to a task. To optimally benefit from the strength of the 7T system, many components need to be optimized: the hardware components, acquisition strategies and analysis pipelines. Our lab works on all these and has often spaces for interns interested in any of these aspects. Students with a background in physics, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, AI or life sciences may apply. Minimum duration: 6 months Contact: