Horizon CDT PhD studentships available for September 2023

The EPSRC Horizon Centre for Doctoral Training in Creating Our Lives in Data is establishing technologies and methods to enable producers and consumers in the Digital Economy to co-create smarter products in smarter ways, re-establishing trust in the use of personal data. Smarter products combine physical and digital technologies to deliver personalised blends of goods, services and user experiences. These are made through co-creation and data creativity in which consumers actively engage in shaping the products they use, contributing to sustainable and resilient societies.

Our interdisciplinary centre welcomes PhD applicants from a wide range of backgrounds including computer science, engineering, mathematics, human factors, human-robot interaction, psychology, sociology, business, geography, social science, law, medicine/health sciences and the arts.

We have the following project themes available for September 2023 entry. Applicants must demonstrate an enthusiasm for transdisciplinary research, with a 2:1 honours degree, or a combination of qualifications and/or experience equivalent to that level. Please note we have filled our allocation of international studentships for 2023 entry – our remaining vacancies are therefore open to “UK Home status” applicants only.

Artificial Intelligence Powered Sustainable Manufacturing

The successful candidate will work with the multi-national company Reckitt to explore how Artificial Intelligence and other digital technologies (e.g. sensors) can be used to support current human operators to optimise manufacturing processes and deliver environmental sustainability benefits (further details…)

Human-Robot Interaction

We have two interdisciplinary PhD studentships available in the area of Human- Robot Interaction. The student will work on improving long-term autonomy of the robotic system in complex semi-controlled environments by developing incremental learning mechanisms and interaction abilities to receive and learn from human help when necessary  (further details…)

Our innovative four-year PhD programme combines research, technical and professional skills training, an internship with a partner organisation, and opportunities for international exchanges. The programme is led by Director Professor Steve Benford, previously an EPSRC Dream Fellow, Visiting Researcher at Microsoft, the BBC’s first Visiting Professor, and the recipient of four BAFTA nominations.

Horizon CDT students benefit from:

• A fully-funded four-year PhD programme that integrates a leading-edge research project with research training in transdisciplinary skills.
• An external/industry partner to help embed your research in the real world.
• Placement with a partner organisation and opportunities for international exchange.
• A generous enhanced annual stipend  (£19,981 for 2022/23 – awaiting confirmation for 2023/24).
• Being part of a cohort of high-achieving PhD researchers.
• A world-class research environment with a track record of 85+ Horizon CDT graduates to date.
• Developing highly sought after interdisciplinary skills and experience.

How to apply

For more information about the application process, including eligibility and selection criteria and the documentation you will need to provide please see How to Apply.

The minimum academic entry requirement is a 2.1 undergraduate degree. For non-native English language speakers, an IELTS average score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any element is required.

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Horizon: Creating our Lives in Data is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under grant reference EP/S023305/1.