Lab visit in Imperial College London to learn more about neuroimaging methodology

Why did I chose Imperial College London?

Professor Komninos is an endocrinologist that is world leading on the hormone “kisspeptin”. His research group both does clinical, preclinical and neuroscientific/neuroimaging research on kisspeptin, which primarily is a promising candidate for the treatment of hyposexual disorder trough its apparent effect on sexuality, with seeming effects on the hypothalamic-gonadal axis. Associated to his research group are fMRI researchers Dr. Matthew Wall and Dr. Nathalie Ertl whom have conducted a lot of fMRI research on hyposexual disorder and treatment with kisspeptin. This is of high interest to us, since we have a longitudinal dataset with men with pedophilic disorder treated with a GnRH-antagonist (degarelix) and our research group currently does not have the expertise/time to conduct longitudinal fMRI analysis, which they are very well-versed in. 

This made it a real jackpot when we got into contact with this group, through Dr Channa Jayasena, since they are not only proficient with longitudinal MRI analysis but also have relevant experience from the field of sexual treatment. As such it was an immense relevant learning opportunity to both learn neuroimaging methodology but also to understand sexuality from the other side of the spectrum, considering a lot of our patients have hypersexuality (or compulsive sexual behavior disorder as it is called in ICD-11) and hypersexuality is a considerable risk factor for committing sexual offenses. 

Dr Channa Jayasena is endocrinologist that is a nationally leading expert on androgens. We have an ongoing fruitful collaboration regarding an planned upcoming follow-up study with degarelix, where his expertise on the effects of androgen levels on both body and sexuality have proven invaluable. 

What did you do during your lab visit at Imperial College London? 

With the help of Dr Ertl and Dr Wall I analyzed the  behavioral data from a fMRI task specially developed for this population and to aid in risk assessment, while we collaborated on the approach and layout of the fMRI analysis. I also attended meetings with them and Professor Comninos to discuss our results, our future project as well as future challenges and directions for the field. Furthermore, I attended research group meetings and informal talks where I learn a lot about kisspeptin as well as got feedback on our research and future projects. 

What were the major differences between working in a lab KI and Imperial College London?

They had more meetings as well as a higher focus on designing their projects/studies based on what could be expected to be published in journals with a high Impact Factor. It also seemed that there were more clinicians involved in the research, which seemed to be working a lot, balancing clinics and research.

What is your impression of London? 

A bustling and hectic heterogenous city with a lot to offer in the form of sightseeing and food. I was also surprised that there were not a lot of formalities, I was encouraged to call people by their first name. However, I heard this is quite unique to Imperial College London and not London/UK. 

Do you have any recommendations for doctoral students/researchers wanting to do a lab visit/research visit in the UK? 

If you are staying less than 3 months and are a Swedish citizen having your employment based in Swedish there are almost no bureaucratic hurdles (but do double check). I did not have to fill any extra forms or so. Remember Brexit, so don’t forget your passport…