MyWorld: Low Light Fusion and Autofocus for Advanced Wildlife Coverage

Natural History filmmaking presents many challenges. For example, filming in low light or using modalities such as infra-red can result in noisy, low-resolution images, or can suffer from poor contrast range and colours. Also, the camera sensor is normally operating with high ISO levels and hence has wide aperture and extremely shallow depth of field.

This project will enable production workflow to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of new image acquisition and processing methods for telling stories of the natural world. The project will look at image-based approaches to understanding and explaining the natural world, for example by combining multiple imaging modalities such as visible and infra-red. It will investigate means of autofocus for low light content using spectral, spatial, or other image processing methods to control the focus action. Machine learning methods to estimate focus from blur after training will also be explored.

The student will be based at the University of Bristol, and will spend time working with the BBC, getting first-hand understanding of the challenges faced and the constraints of filming in the wild. They will work alongside BBC staff in the Natural History Unit and in BBC R&D and will be a part of the My World creative hub, run by the Bristol Vision Institute, in which BBC is a key partner.

Launched in April 2021, MyWorld is a brand-new five-year programme, the flagship for the UK’s creative technology sector, and is part of a UK-wide exploration into devolved research and development funding (UKRI video). Led by the University of Bristol, MyWorld will position the South West as an international trailblazer in screen-based media. This £46m programme will bring together 30 partners from Bristol and Bath’s creative technologies sector and world-leading academic institutions, to create a unique cross-sector consortium. MyWorld will forge dynamic collaborations to progress technological innovation, deliver creative excellence, establish, and operate state of the art facilities, offer skills training and drive inward investment, raising the region’s profile on the global stage. 

URL for further information: http://www.myworld-creates.com/ 

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2020/june/myworld-ukri-funding-announcement.html 

Candidate Requirements

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:

Profile E

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Basic skills and knowledge required

Essential: Excellent analytical skills and experimental acumen.

Desirable: A background understanding in one or more of the following:

·       Image processing

·       Artificial intelligence/Machine learning/Deep learning

·       Computational Imaging / Computational Photography

Application Process

·       All candidates should submit a full CV and covering letter to [Email Address Removed] (FAO: Professor David R. Bull) by the deadline.

·       Formal applications for PhD are not essential at this stage, but can be submitted via the University of Bristol homepage (clearly marked as MyWorld funded): https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/

·       A Selection Panel will be established to review all applications and to conduct interviews of short-listed candidates.

·       Candidates will be invited to give a presentation prior to their formal interview, as part of the final selection process. It is expected that the shortlisting selection process will commence 7 April 2023, with interviews to follow.

·       The initial closing date for applications is 31 March 2023. The positions will however remain available until all scholarships are awarded.

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact SCEEM Postgraduate Research Admissions [Email Address Removed]