Understanding plasticity and the ecological relevance of behavioural responses in fish to neuroactive pharmaceutical

Wildlife are exposed to a wide range of human pharmaceuticals at low (part per billion or trillion) concentrations, which in the case of neuroactive pharmaceuticals have been shown to induce changes in behavioural phenotypes in fish and invertebrates. These findings are generally based on short-term laboratory studies that focus on detecting a behavioural response and it is unclear if responses are transient, permanent or impactful on growth, reproduction or survival. This studentship is seeking to characterise and link neurological responses to changes in behavioural phenotypes and phenotypic plasticity in zebrafish driven by key pharmaceuticals. Partial and full life-cycle exposure studies are being used to evaluate the molecular mechanisms, behavioural effects and fitness impacts of different pharmaceutical exposures, and at different life stages. The PhD benefits from working in collaboration with a large European project with multiple stakeholders focussed on understanding the effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment. The student is receiving training in animal behaviour, molecular biology, imaging, bioinformatics and toxicology. The main industry partner in this project is the global pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca.