Barron Group
Our group investigates how cells and circuits in the brain work together to perform computations that support memory. Using a wide range of technical approaches, we investigate how these computations are used to guide adaptive behaviour, but also how perturbations to these computations may explain core symptoms reported in people with psychiatric disorders.
Throughout our lifetime we continually learn new information that we can later recall to guide adaptive behaviour. Our lab studies the specialised cell and circuit mechanisms in the brain that support this process. We investigate how memories are stored to allow precise recall; how we form links between memories to draw inferences; and the role of sleep in modulating memories over time.
We use a cross-species approach to bridge data across different scales. This involves designing tasks that assess equivalent behaviours in humans and animal models. We then leverage a diverse set of technologies to record and manipulate neuronal activity. For example, to measure precise cell and circuit mechanisms that cannot be directly measured in the living human brain we use multiunit electrophysiology, calcium imaging and optogenetic manipulations. To record and manipulate activity in the living human brain we use neuroimaging and brain stimulation. We then integrate measurements across different scales by transforming data into a common statistical framework where we can apply machine learning methods to define neural codes and computations.
Our cross-species approach provides insight into the physiological mechanisms that underpin memory in the context of adaptive behaviour. We can then leverage our approach to assess how disturbances to these mechanisms might explain core symptoms reported in neuropsychiatric disorders. Overall, our research is designed to make fundamental discoveries that can be used to inform clinical translation.
- Defining hippocampal-neocortical interactions during learning, memory and sleep
- Characterising the role of inhibitory interneurons in separating and integrating memories
- Modulating neuronal computations to introduce perturbations in memory
- Relating pathophysiology of memory circuits to core symptoms reported in psychiatric disease
- Electrophysiology (multiunit)
- Calcium imaging
- Optogenetic manipulations
- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
- Non-invasive brain stimulation
- Behavioural quantification
We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equal opportunity within our group and the wider MRC BNDU.
Volunteers needed for ‘Narratives – An MRI study’ [CUREC R43594/RE013]
The enthusiastic BNDU team of scientists. (L-R) Shenghong, Chiara, Rosie and Ioana.
Mary Muers (far right) moderates an interactive session about training and career development opportunities.
A visiting school pupil tries their hand at implanting a dummy stimulation electrode in a jelly brain!
Studentships
Project
Enhancing memory using Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation and Targeted Memory Reactivation
Enhancing memory processing with brain stimulation has wide therapeutic potential in neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. Non-invasive brain stimulation using devices has not yet been effectively leveraged to modulate memory in the human brain. A key limitation of non-invasive brain stimulation is that devices have, until recently, been limited to targeting superficial brain regions. However, Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS) can now be used to precisely and non-invasively manipulate deep-lying neural circuits, including those in the hippocampus that are important for memory. State-of-the-art TUS provides a unique opportunity to establish a cost effective, non-invasive protocol to enhance memory in humans.
The overall goal of this PhD studentship is to design and implement a new TUS protocol to enhance memory. To achieve this, we will draw inspiration from well characterised endogenous neural activity dynamics in the hippocampus that support memory processing. We will combine TUS delivery with Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR), which involves pairing new learning with specific auditory cues that are then played again during periods of rest or sleep. Together, the new TUS protocol will facilitate endogenous dynamics in the hippocampus, while the TMR will constrain the content of memory reactivation within these endogenous dynamics, to bias the brain to strengthen specific memories relevant for learning. After validating the new TUS/TMR protocol using behavioural measures, we will use ultra-high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to establish the neural consequences of this protocol. We will use machine learning to quantify the effect of hippocampal TUS/TMR on hippocampal memory reactivation (an index for memory ‘replay’). We will further use a next-generation TUS device to directly combine TUS/TMR with MRI.
The project will take place in the Brain Network Dynamics Unit of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and in the Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Restorative Neural Dynamics (MRC CoRE RND). Students will benefit from the extensive interdisciplinary skills training and personalised career development opportunities available within the Unit and the MRC CoRE RND. Students will receive specialised training in their areas of project research (see below) as well as, for example, in the translation and commercialisation of research, best practice in Open Science, and how to effectively involve and engage patients and the public with research.
The studentship holder will be trained and develop expertise in cutting-edge methods in humans, including application of TUS, TMR, and ultra-high field MRI, including functional MRI and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. You will use Python/Matlab for data analysis with advanced statistical methods, including application of machine learning.
This four-year Ph.D. (D.Phil.) studentship offers three years of full-time tuition fees at the Home rate, and four years of non-taxable stipend at the full-time UKRI rate (including any uplifts announced). Both Home students and International students are eligible to receive this funding package. Please see further details about MRC/UKRI studentships and updated guidance regarding Home and International eligibility. Successful offer-holders who have applied by the December deadline may also be considered for other University of Oxford scholarships.
Interested candidates should possess, or expect to receive, a 1st class or upper 2nd class degree (or equivalent) in a related scientific discipline, e.g. biological or physical sciences, medicine, computer science, engineering, mathematics. Previous experience in neuroscience research is highly desirable.
Candidates must contact the lead project supervisor before submitting an application. To find out more about this studentship, the research project, and the application process, please contact Associate Professor Helen Barron by email on helen.barron@ndcn.ox.ac.uk.
To be considered for this studentship, please submit an application for admission to the D.Phil. in Clinical Neurosciences at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (course code RD_CU1), following the guidance for applications to this course. On the application form, in the section headed ‘Departmental Studentship Applications’, please indicate that you are applying for a studentship and enter the reference code “26NDCN01MRC” into the funding tab.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday UK time on Tuesday 2nd December 2025.
Opening in November 2025, the MRC CoRE RND is an exciting team science enterprise that is focused on harnessing the moment-to-moment interactions between nerve cells (‘neural dynamics’) to transform medical device-based therapy for brain conditions. The MRC CoRE RND incorporates discovery research and translational research aligned to empirical neuroscience, computational neuroscience, experimental medicine, and biomedical engineering. The MRC CoRE RND is exceptionally collaborative, involving partners in academia, neurotechnology industry, research charities, and clinical services. It will champion values supporting a positive research culture.
Supervisors
Applications are invited from both Home students and International students to join a multidisciplinary team of researchers studying how cells and circuits in the brain work together to perform computations that support memory, and how perturbations to these computations may explain core symptoms reported in people with neuropsychiatric conditions. This studentship is available from the start of academic year 2026/27, is for 4 years, and will be co-supervised by Associate Professor Helen Barron, Professor Charlotte Stagg and Dr Ashwini Oswal at the MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Restorative Neural Dynamics.
Project
Enhancing memory using cross-species closed-loop Targeted Memory Reactivation
Enhancing memory processing has wide therapeutic potential in brain conditions including neuropsychiatric disorders. Yet, medical devices have not been effectively leveraged to modulate memory in the human brain. Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR) is a non-invasive approach that is delivered with devices and holds promise for enhancing memory. TMR involves pairing new learning with specific auditory cues. These same auditory cues are then played again during periods of sleep, to bias the brain to reactivate and strengthen memory for the paired experience.
The overall goal of this PhD studentship is to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which TMR enhances memory and then leverage this knowledge to develop and optimise a TMR protocol suitable for translational use in humans. To achieve this, we will use a cross-species approach to implement a closed-loop TMR protocol. This closed-loop TMR protocol will involve delivering auditory stimulation during sleep when we detect hippocampal neuronal oscillations critical for memory strengthening. Using multi-channel electrophysiology in the hippocampus and related brain circuits in mice, we will then define the circuit mechanisms of closed-loop TMR to further optimise the approach and technology. The final two years of the project will involve translating research discoveries into humans by implementing the closed-loop TMR protocol on a custom-made headband allowing electroencephalography (EEG). Using this approach, we aim to demonstrate effective ‘at-home’ delivery of closed-loop TMR to enhance memory.
The project will take place in the Brain Network Dynamics Unit of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and in the Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Restorative Neural Dynamics (MRC CoRE RND). Students will benefit from the extensive interdisciplinary skills training and personalised career development opportunities available within the Unit and the MRC CoRE RND. Students will receive specialised training in their areas of project research (see below) as well as, for example, in the translation and commercialisation of research, best practice in Open Science, and how to effectively involve and engage patients and the public with research.
The studentship holder will be trained in the use of cutting-edge methods across mice and humans. You will gain expertise in multi-unit electrophysiology, optogenetic manipulations, and behavioural testing in mice. You will gain expertise in EEG and behavioural quantification in humans. You will also gain experience in using Python/Matlab for cross-species data analysis with advanced statistical methods, including application of machine learning.
This four-year Ph.D. (D.Phil.) studentship offers three years of full-time tuition fees at the Home rate, and four years of non-taxable stipend at the full-time UKRI rate (including any uplifts announced). Both Home students and International students are eligible to receive this funding package. Please see further details about MRC/UKRI studentships and updated guidance regarding Home and International eligibility. Successful offer-holders who have applied by the December deadline may also be considered for other University of Oxford scholarships.
Interested candidates should possess, or expect to receive, a 1st class or upper 2nd class degree (or equivalent) in a related scientific discipline, e.g. biological or physical sciences, medicine, computer science, engineering, mathematics. Previous experience in neuroscience research is highly desirable.
Candidates must contact the lead project supervisor before submitting an application. To find out more about this studentship, the research project, and the application process, please contact Associate Professor Helen Barron by email on helen.barron@ndcn.ox.ac.uk.
To be considered for this studentship, please submit an application for admission to the D.Phil. in Clinical Neurosciences at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (course code RD_CU1), following the guidance for applications to this course. On the application form, in the section headed ‘Departmental Studentship Applications’, please indicate that you are applying for a studentship and enter the reference code “26NDCN01MRC” into the funding tab.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday UK time on Tuesday 2nd December 2025.
Opening in November 2025, the MRC CoRE RND is an exciting team science enterprise that is focused on harnessing the moment-to-moment interactions between nerve cells (‘neural dynamics’) to transform medical device-based therapy for brain conditions. The MRC CoRE RND incorporates discovery research and translational research aligned to empirical neuroscience, computational neuroscience, experimental medicine, and biomedical engineering. The MRC CoRE RND is exceptionally collaborative, involving partners in academia, neurotechnology industry, research charities, and clinical services. It will champion values supporting a positive research culture.
Supervisors
Applications are invited from both Home students and International students to join a multidisciplinary team of researchers studying how cells and circuits in the brain work together to perform computations that support memory. This studentship is available from the start of academic year 2026/27, is for 4 years, and will be co-supervised by Associate Professor Helen Barron, Professor Andrew Sharott and Professor Penny Lewis at the MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Restorative Neural Dynamics.
Recent Preprints
Like other Groups at the MRC BNDU, we are committed to best practice in open research. We have created and curated a range of primary data, metadata and related resources that can be readily downloaded by external users from the MRC BNDU's Data Sharing Platform. We highlight below just a few examples of the datasets and other resources we have shared for the benefit of our stakeholders.
