MIBTP PhD studentships: applications open for October 2027
Applications are open for BBSRC-funded PhD studentships through the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP), starting in October 2027. Two projects supervised by Dr Massimiliano Di Luca are advertised in the University of Birmingham’s School of Psychology.
Application deadline: 23 November 2026.
The projects
When senses disagree: how people update predictions for action in virtual reality
How does the nervous system adapt when sights and sounds provide conflicting evidence? This project uses immersive VR experiments and computational modelling to investigate how sensory uncertainty shapes perception, timing judgements and subsequent movements.
Secondary supervisor: Dr Daniele Giunchi.
Sensorimotor Coordination between Humans and Artificial Musical Partners
How do people anticipate another performer’s actions and adjust their timing when making music together? This project combines behavioural experiments with computational models to study prediction and adaptation during performance with human and artificial musical partners.
Secondary supervisor: Dr Mark Elliott.
Read the official project outlines and supervisor profile for details of the research and training.
Funding and eligibility
The Birmingham studentships cover tuition fees, including international tuition fees, and provide a stipend at the UKRI rate. Both UK and international candidates can apply, subject to the MIBTP eligibility requirements. International applicants should also check the programme guidance on travel, visa and healthcare costs.
How to apply
- Read the University of Birmingham MIBTP guidance, including the Psychology project list and application instructions.
- Use the MIBTP-specific application link beside your chosen project in that list. Copy the project title and primary supervisor’s name exactly as listed there.
- Complete the ED&I form linked in the MIBTP application guidance.
Choose one of these two projects when applying: Birmingham permits only one project application per PhD programme, and both are within the Psychology MIBTP programme.
For an informal discussion of project fit, use the contact details on the supervisor profile or the lab’s Get in touch section. Formal applications must be submitted through the University’s application portal.
Announcement checked against the official Birmingham and MIBTP pages on 22 October 2026. Consult those pages for full requirements and any updates.