EPSRC ICASE with Leonardo UK: Spiking Neural Network Processing for Infra-red Event Driven Cameras at University of Strathclyde on FindAPhD.com

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Dr G Di Caterina No more applications being accepted Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Glasgow United Kingdom Electronic Engineering

About the Project

The aim of this PhD studentship is to research the combination of an infrared event-driven camera (EDC) with data processing algorithms based on neuromorphic (NM) processing and Spiking Neural Networks (SNN), addressing EPSRC’s mission inspired challenges for AI, Digitisation & Data. Event-driven detection and NM processing are finding applications in several engineering problems concerned with the detection of movement, alignment, tracking and autonomous navigation. Although EDC are now commercially available, they are limited to the visible and near-infrared detection band. An infrared EDC would widen the scope of SNN data processing to areas where infrared detection is essential, for example:

a) Highspeed tracking of long-range objects

b) Day/night machine vision: navigation and obstacle avoidance in autonomous vehicles

This studentship builds on the long-standing collaboration between Strathclyde and Leonardo UK in this field.

The student will join the EEE Department at Strathclyde and collaborate closely with Leonardo engineers, with regular meetings and longer placements at Leonardo sites to develop the industrial collaboration. Primary industrial supervision will be provided by engineers at Leonardo’s Basildon site. This exposes the student to different application areas and will equip the student with a sound understanding of both infrared technology and use case requirements.

The student will investigate the broad subjects of EDCs and SNNs and conduct their own initial modelling and demonstrations to establish fundamental understanding, and then proceed to develop and assess SNN algorithms guided by the key research questions.

As a PhD researcher at Strathclyde, the student will be enrolled in the Researcher Development Programme which supports PGR students in their continued personal and professional development, with the additional opportunity of gaining a PG Certificate in Researcher Professional Development.

Additional Supervisor/s: Industrial supervision will be provided by Leonardo UK.

Funding Notes

Funding is provided for full tuition fees, along with a competitive tax-free stipend and support for computing equipment, research consumables, business travel and conference attendance.
To be considered for the project, candidates must be highly motivated and should possess a 1st Class honours undergraduate degree or MSc Distinction (or international equivalent) in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related subject. Outstanding candidates with an upper 2nd Class degree may also be considered.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be UK nationals and have been residents in the UK for the last five years.

References

Candidates should submit their CV with references, academic transcript, a covering letter outlining their suitability for the position, and a short 2-page essay to demonstrate their understanding of the Neuromorphic Engineering field and what this PhD research project should entail in this context.
Applications should be submitted to Dr Gaetano Di Caterina at gaetano.di-caterina@strath.ac.uk. Following a review of the application submissions, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Application submission deadline is 31st May 2022.

Where will I study?

University of Strathclyde

Our leading-edge research and close links with business, industry and the public sector makes us the University of choice for a growing number of doctoral researchers.