Lancaster University’s new institute focusing on sustainability welcomes applications for two 3.5-year PhD studentships, funded by EPSRC (current stipend at £17668 per year). Successful candidates will study one of the six projects advertised.
Brief:
This project will exploit Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital signal processing, digital humanity and statistical reasoning to develop fundamental new methods for processing massive aerial photos and ancient woodland survey datasets over the past 70 years. New unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) data will be acquired to update and calibrate the AI model for carbon uptake and storage of UK ancient woodlands. The studentship will provide opportunities to conduct extensive fieldwork across the UK to assess carbon storage across a range of ancient woodland sites with different historical and cultural value. The student will collaborate with a number of key partners, including the Woodland Trust, Forestry Research, Forestry England. Through these partnerships we have permissions to conduct fieldwork across ancient woodlands of various ages and different landscapes. By advancing AI and sensor techniques, this project will establish an accurate calculation of carbon trapped in UK ancient woodlands and provide a modelling framework to inform policy decisions about how to manage sustainably to reach UK’s net zero targets in 2050.
The student will be based on the Centre of Excellence in Environmental Data Science (CEEDS) and the Data Science Institute to engage with wide community of researchers across Lancaster University and UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH). This setting provides a unique and stimulating environment, with series of research seminars, workshops and training opportunities provided across CEEDS to support AI-based environmental innovations in which the student will be encouraged to participate actively. Additionally, the student will be trained to become a licensed drone pilot and have a free place at the drone image processing course run by UKCEH.
Entry requirements:
Applicants will hold, or expect to receive, a 1st class or 2:1 UK Masters-level or BSc degree (or equivalent). Candidates with a 2:2 may be considered if they can demonstrate excellent research skills in their application and references.
Good conceptual and practical knowledge of AI and sensor technology is desirable. Programming (ideally in Python) and machine learning skills are assets. However, enthusiasm for ancient woodlands and curiosity about the best ways to conserve it sustainably under climate change using geospatial science are by far the most important requirements.
Studentship funding
Full studentships (UK tuition fees and stipend (£17,668 2023/24 [tax free]) for UK students for 3.5 years. Funding is provided by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council). The funding is aimed at UK Home students although exceptional international candidates can be put forward for no more than 30% of the EPSRC allocation to Lancaster University.
How to apply:
Informal enquiries and formal submissions should be made to the supervisor:
[Email Address Removed]
We require a 2-page cover letter, CV and two references. These are to be sent to Dr Ce Zhang
A preferred candidate for each project will be selected by the potential supervisory team. This group of candidates will then be formally interviewed to allocate the two funded places.
Interviews will be held on the 2nd May between 1-5pm by a panel including the supervisor for each project.
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