PhD Studentship - Why are Cluttered Environments so Challenging for Children with Brain-related Visual Impairment?

Project summary: When children have a brain injury around birth (e.g. lack of oxygen), parts of the brain that are responsible for vision can be damaged. These children may have problems with finding their toys, recognising their parents' faces, or dealing with busy classrooms. This is called Cerebral Visual Impairment or CVI. We have little understanding of what is causing these difficulties and in this project we research two possible explanations which are: 1) difficulties combining visual elements like colours and shapes that belong to one object (apperceptive agnosia), or 2) difficulties in perceiving more than one object at a time (simultanagnosia). The project includes secondary analysis of survey data, a new survey with parents, and behavioural experiments, including the use of eye tracking, with children with CVI. The results of the research will enhance understanding of the mechanisms underlying CVI and contribute to development of free webtools for parents and professionals who support a child with difficulties with cluttered environments.

Start date: 1^st Oct 2025

Duration: 4 years

Funding: funded

Funding towards: home fee, stipend, research costs

Funding details: Funding by Fight for Sight covers ‘Home fees’ and a stipend of £18,386 per year for 4 years. In addition, a research budget of £28,000 is available to cover travel, patient and public engagement, training, publication and equipment costs. International students are eligible to apply, but they will need to find other funding sources to cover the difference between the home and international tuition fees.

Number of places: 1

Number of places extra: There will be a shortlisting and interview process.

Selection criteria:  

1. You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. A MSc degree is desirable but not essential.

• 2. Language requirements: www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements

1. Research experience.
2. Foundational skills in quantitative research methods and willingness to learn more advanced methods.
3. Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time and workload, and seek support when needed.
4. Demonstrated interpersonal skills through personal or professional experience in working with vulnerable populations (e.g children, people with neurological conditions) or their families.
5. Experience in working as part of a team preferably with stakeholder organisations like charities, patient groups, or community groups.
6. Prepared to travel within the UK and visit collaborators abroad for research visits of 1-2 months.

Study modes eligibility: Full-time

Fee Status: What fee status applies to applicants? Please omit any of the below that do not apply:

• Home
• International

Project Details: www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/psychology/postgraduate-study/funding

Primary Supervisor: Dr Kathleen Vancleef, kathleen.vancleef@durham.ac.uk

Additional Supervisor/s: Dr Alison Lane, Dr Sara Spotorno

Further information: www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/psychology/postgraduate-study/funding for a details about the project, the training provided, and how to apply.

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