Keeping users and citizen scientists in the loop in transport modelling [Self-Funded Students Only]

Modelling transport of all forms (car, public transport, walking and cycling) remains highly relevant to Net Zero goals, inclusivity and economic development. Transport modelling however typically takes place within an organizational silo, in which consultants deliver a final model to local authorities who then proceed to public consultation.

Transport models typically remain opaque to non-specialists in the communities whose futures they inform.

This project will attempt to take a citizen science approach to design methods for human-in-the-loop transport models, creating web interfaces and supporting communities to allow non-specialists to understand why the model predicts what it does, and to contribute local knowledge to the modelling process by raising concerns when modelling assumptions appear to contradict community knowledge.

You will be supervised by Sandy Gould (citizen science expertise) and Crispin Cooper (transport modelling expertise) on this exciting and highly interdisciplinary project.

Contact for information on the project: Crispin Cooper cooperch@cardiff.ac.uk

Academic criteria: A 2:1 Honours undergraduate degree or a master's degree, in computing or a related subject. Applicants with appropriate professional experience are also considered. Degree-level mathematics (or equivalent) is required for research in some project areas.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate proficiency by obtaining an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each skills component.

How to apply:

Please contact the supervisors of the project prior to submitting your application to discuss and develop an individual research proposal that builds on the information provided in this advert. Once you have developed the proposal with support from the supervisors, please submit your application following the instructions provided below

This project is accepting applications all year round, for self-funded candidates via https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/computer-science-and-informatics 

In order to be considered candidates must submit the following information: 

• Supporting statement 
• CV 
• In the ‘Research Proposal’ section of the application enter the name of the project you are applying to and upload your Individual research proposal, as mentioned above in BOLD
• Qualification certificates and Transcripts
• Proof of Funding. For example, a letter of intent from your sponsor or confirmation of self-funded status (In the funding field of your application, insert Self-Funded)
• References x 2 
• Proof of English language (if applicable)

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact COMSC-PGR@cardiff.ac.uk