Making sense of lab-based metrics of inhibitory control in a complex world

About the research project

A long history of lab-based studies has built up considerable knowledge of our ability to cancel and/or amend our movements if they become inappropriate or risky. However, these experiments use simplistic tasks which do not accurately reflect our complex and busy world, where movement demands are affected by the distractions of mobile notifications, irrelevant visual stimuli or crowded/noisy cityscapes. Here we will conduct a series of complementary experiments that will use innovative behavioural paradigms, brain imaging techniques and measures of muscle activity to assess flexible updating of movements in a range of real-world tasks, where conflicting or distracting information imposes additional demands on our cognitive capacity. Using both virtual reality and computer interfaces, these experiments will provide critical knowledge on how our ability to cancel and update stepping actions, responses in driving, and rapid upper limb response tasks are affected by stressful or distracting environments.

The project will provide high-quality research training for PhD candidates and add to Australia’s capacity for discovery research. Opportunities exist to collaborate with the supervisors’ national and international colleagues to include brain stimulation and cognitive modelling, and to travel both nationally and internationally to present at key conferences in the field.

The overarching project will address these major research questions; Up to two PhD projects are available, and may align with particular aims.

How is the ability to effectively cancel and update movements impacted by visual and auditory distractions? Building on our established work, we will systematically investigate whether complex visual environments affect inhibitory control, how this varies across the lifespan, and the brain regions critically involved.

Do the mechanisms of inhibitory control generalise between upper limb and stepping tasks? Our previous work demonstrates that behaviours traditionally considered ‘automated’ (e.g., quiet stance and gait), and largely governed by subcortical or spinal mechanisms, are affected by cognitive load and divided attention and thus do, in fact, require cognitive resources. Building on this, we will test whether the effects of multisensory distractions on inhibitory responses in upper limb tasks are amplified when cognitive resources are concurrently taxed by the demands of maintaining balance.

How is inhibitory control affected by real-world scenarios? Using virtual reality, we will immerse participants in real-world scenarios to determine how the complexity of the visual scene, multi-tasking requirements and the overall stressful environment impact inhibitory control ability. This work will provide critical translation of lab-based protocols into real-world scenarios. 

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Mark Hinder

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• High quality undergraduate degree in an appropriate Hons program such as Psychology, Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, Human Movement, Physics.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Aptitude for programming, data analysis, statistics and high quality scientific writing skills, as evidenced by a high quality Hons or Masters degree with data collection component.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Mark Hinder to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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