Astrocyte Metabolism as Inspiration for Ultra‑Efficient Neuromorphic Computing (Ref: CM/EH-SF1/2026)

About the Project

Astrocytes (the brain’s most abundant glial cells) play a crucial role in energy management, information processing, and neural support. Their metabolic efficiency enables the brain to learn and adapt while consuming remarkably little power. Understanding these processes could help inspire a new generation of sustainable, brain‑like computing systems. Our project aims to uncover how astrocytes manage energy, support learning, and shape neural network dynamics and to explore how these biological strategies could translate into ideas for future neuromorphic technologies. This is a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the emerging field of metabolically inspired computing.

This project will explore how these biological principles can be mapped onto computational frameworks relevant to neuromorphic systems such as those developed through NeuChip project (https://neuchip.eu/) and the UK Neuromorphic Computing Centre (https://www.ukneuromorphic-centre.net/).

This project sits at the interface of neuroscience, bioenergetics, and unconventional computing. You will join a collaborative team exploring how living systems inspire future hardware and computational paradigms Dr Eric Hill is a neurobiologist specialising in cellular processes underlying neural function and disease, with particular expertise in human neurobiology, glial physiology, and metabolic dysregulation. Dr Hill brings extensive experience in understanding how astrocytes and neurons interact to support brain function.

You will also benefit from input from researchers working on neuromorphic computation and biological information processing.

Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'. We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networks among your peers and research academics.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:

Eric J Hill https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/chemistry/staff/eric-hill/

Name of secondary supervisor:

Paul Roach https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/chemistry/staff/paul-roach/

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have or expect to achieve a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in Biology, Chemistry, Biomaterials or a related subject.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: Yes - Bench fee value: £10,000/year

Closing date of advert: July 2027

Start date: October 2026, February 2027, July 2027, October 2027

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How to apply:

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Chemistry. Please quote the advertised reference number: CM/EH-SF1/2026 in your application. To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents.

Project search terms: bioengineering, cell biology, molecular biology, neural engineering, neuroscience, induced, pluripotent stem cells, astrocytes.

Email Address Sci: sci-pgr@lboro.ac.uk