Information theoretic methods for sensor management

Supervisory Team:   Professor Daniel Clark

Project description

There is growing need for the development of autonomous systems that are able to make decisions automatically based on information that they receive from sensors. These systems are critical for the protection of national infrastructure.

In this project you will develop new algorithms for autonomous sensor management and fusion in challenging environments for distributed systems. The project will deliver key advances in intelligent sensing to enable continuous and adaptive surveillance in dynamic environments. Due to the advent of the Internet-of-Things and other extensive sensor networks, algorithms that judiciously manage the communication, sensing, and energy resources of such networks are crucial for efficient inference under various limitation and/or availability constraints for these resources.

Building on recent developments by the research group in multi-target tracking and distributed sensor fusion, you will develop new mathematical models and algorithms for autonomous systems. You will develop methods to allocate sensor resources and refine the knowledge of the scene.

The algorithms developed will be based on mathematical concepts from probability theory, information theory, and statistics, as well as some connections to particle physics.

You will have a degree with a strong mathematical component and some experience in programming, e.g. mathematics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer science, physics, statistics, robotics.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Professor Daniel Clark at Daniel.clark@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) with strong mathematical component, e.g. mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering.

Closing date: applications will be reviewed and scholarships awarded bimonthly until 31^st August 2023 (subject to funding availability). Students are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Funding: Tuition Fees at home level and a stipend of £17,668 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page. Select programme type (Research), 2022/23, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Computer Science (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts to date

For further information please contact: daniel.clark@soton.ac.uk

The School of Electronics & Computer Science is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.