The spread of unconfirmed health advice and remedies on social media has led to an infodemic alongside the recent global pandemic. This PhD project investigates the detection of misinformation posts about public health messages in online social networks (OSN). This includes, identifying the source and propagation of social media fake news about pseudo-science, disinformation of health remedies and anti-vaccination messages using AI (Artificial Intelligence), machine learning and graph models.
We are recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of our research - 65% of our research submitted in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. In this PhD project, you will become a part of the in Digital Health Team within the Computing and Informatics Research Group.
You will create techniques and algorithms for effectively detecting medical misinformation in OSN posts using a hybrid approach of network-based and content-based techniques. You will adapt opinion dynamics models and graph learning processes for understanding the spread and behaviour of these misleading posts. Your contribution will give insight to the message origin as well as the influential users who promote them.
We seek exceptional candidates who will contribute high quality research to a rapidly evolving area of misinformation detection, public health administration, law enforcement and for social media organisations to effectively curtail the spread of disinformation and malinformation of false remedies. Thus, potentially saving lives of people who may become believers of these unfounded messages.
Candidates should have a background in Data Science, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Healthcare Analytics or similar quantitative background and ideally possess demonstrable programming skills.
Eligibility
Information on entry requirements can be found on our GTA program page
How to apply
We strongly recommend you contact the lead academic, Dr Seun Ajao ([Email Address Removed]), to discuss your application.
Please visit our GTA program page for more information on the Graduate teaching assistant program and how to apply. Any questions on the graduate teaching assistant programme requirements can be addressed to the postgraduate research tutor for this area which is Dr Marjory Da Costa Abreu ([Email Address Removed]).
Start date for studentship: October 2022
Interviews are scheduled for: Late June – Early July 2022
For information on how to apply please visit our GTA program page
Your application should be emailed to [Email Address Removed] by the closing date of 31st May 2022.