Real-Time Reconstruction and 3D Mapping of Natural Environments

Dr Maurice Fallon is Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. 

This studentship is offered by the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero Centre for Doctoral Training (RAINZ CDT) which is a partnership between three of the UKs leading universities (University of Manchester, University of Glasgow and University of Oxford). 

Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) is an essential enabling technology for the Net Zero transition in the UK’s energy sector. The focus of the CDT’s research projects will be how RAS can be used for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of new infrastructure in renewables (wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydrogen) and nuclear (fission and fusion), and to support the decarbonization of existing maintenance and decommissioning of assets.

We are seeking ambitious graduate scientists and engineers who are keen to acquire new skills and have a desire to help increase use of RAS to help decarbonise the energy sector. You will become a pioneer in this important area of science and engineering.

RAINZ_CDT

Year 1: You will spend the first year of the CDT at the University of Manchester undertaking taught MSc studies and research training. You must achieve an average of 65% or higher in your MSc taught assessments to be considered for progression to the PhD studies.

Note: you will not graduate with an MSc. If you meet the progression criteria, you will transition directly onto the PhD.

Years 2 – 4: You will move to your host institute (University of Oxford) to undertake your PhD research, which will be complimented with a comprehensive cohort training and employability development programme.

About this Project

Year 1 MSc Course: MSc Robotics  

Year 2 – 4 PhD Location: University of Oxford

Research Abstract: To measure the state of biodiversity of a forest, its essential to be able to build detailed 3D models of forests, to detect and reconstruct individual tree and plants and to track them over time. This project will develop methods for multi-sensor 3D reconstruction and SLAM - both terrestrially by walking robots and aerial. By tracking change, via co-registered longitudinal maps, we aim to identify the growth rate and health of a forest.

Furthermore the student will explore methods for safe, collision free exploration in natural environments which is suitable to aerial robots and quadrupeds. It will also build on ongoing research in the DigiForest EU project.

The research explored in this project will be adaptable to other domains such as industrial monitoring or security.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a First or Upper Second-class honours degree (2:1 with 65% average), or international equivalent, in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics with evidence of programming experience.

Funding

The studentship will cover full tuition fees at the Home student rate and a maintenance grant for 4 years, starting at the UKRI minimum of £19,237 pa which may increase with indexation each year. The Studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a research training support grant which is available to fund conference attendance, fieldwork, secondments, etc.

International applicants are welcome, although only Home student rates will be funded. The difference between International student rates and Home student rates needs to be covered through alternative funding sources, and we encourage all international applicants to consider this when applying.

Funding for this RAINZ studentship is provided by EPSRC and Blenheim Palace. This project is subject to funding being confirmed by the industry partner.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Applications should be made through the RAINZ CDT website: www.rainz-cdt.ac.uk, where you can also find further information about the CDT. Informal enquiries can be made by emailing [Email Address Removed]. 

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

The application deadline is 17:00, 31st January 2025. Applications received after this time will not be considered. 

The start date is 22nd September 2025.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of RAINZ CDT, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We are dedicated to supporting work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate individual needs. Our selection process is free from bias, and we are committed to ensuring fair and equal opportunities for all applicants.