Professor Katrien Segaert

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research examines how the ageing brain supports cognition, and how modifiable lifestyle factors 鈥� particularly physical exercise 鈥� can protect against age-related cognitive decline. I combine behavioural and cognitive neuroscience methods with brain imaging to characterise patterns of cognitive decline across different domains, and to uncover the neural and vascular mechanisms through which exercise preserves brain health in later life. As joint lead of a large BBSRC-funded programme investigating the interplay between exercise, cerebrovascular health and cognition in older adults, I work closely with colleagues in exercise physiology and MRI physics on the cognitive assessment strand of this multidisciplinary team. More broadly, I am interested in how modifiable lifestyle factors 鈥� including exercise, but also language training, sleep, diet etc 鈥� interact with brain health to shape cognitive ageing trajectories, and in translating this mechanistic understanding into interventions that help older adults maintain independence and quality of life. I have a track record of leading interdisciplinary, collaborative research teams and of mentoring early-career researchers within an inclusive, diverse research environment.

Research Groups

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: student-centred, organised and collaborative.

Provision of Training

You will be embedded within a wider research team, with hands-on support and training from the outset, and increasing independence as the project progresses.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will set out my expectations of your progression on a weekly basis. If these progression criteria are not met we will always discuss a plan of action together. Being embedded in my research group will push you to your full potential.

Communication

I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to achieve your goals.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per fortnight. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Project Title

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Project Title

Secondary Supervisor(s):

University of Registration:

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare, Microbial Food Safety, Plant and Crop Science)
Renewable Resources and Clean Growth (Bio-energy, Industrial Biotechnology)
Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology, Microbiology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, Plant Science, Soil Science, Stem Cells, Structural Biology, Systems Biology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing, Diet and Health, Pharmaceuticals, Regenerative Biology)

Project Outline

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CASE Project Title

See the Industrial Collaboration PhD Studentships page to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

CASE: Project Title

University of Registration:

Non-academic partner:

Secondary Supervisor(s):

Project Outline

Application

Deadline: 26 November 2026.

To apply for a CASE studentship, please check your eligibility and complete the MIBTP application process.

Please ensure that you:

Apply directly to University
Clearly state you are applying for a CASE project and stipulate the project title
Please also complete the online ED&I formLink opens in a new window

Co-supervisor on a project / projects with supervisor name + link.

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