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  Dr H Lakany  No more applications being accepted  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

About the Project

Our multidisciplinary team focuses on research that has impact on the world around us and makes real difference to the quality of life of people living in our society in particular people with severe motor disabilities. This project is in collaboration with Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research. The project focuses on patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI).

Paralysis is widespread than previously thought with an estimate of around 2% of the population in the developed world were living with some form of paralysis. Half of them currently live with moderate to severe mobility impairment of their arm and hand. Every year additional people experience persisting moderate to severe impairment which will result in reduced functional independence which in turn has profound effect on their quality of life.

Our research focuses on understanding movement impairment and developing technologies to assist people with movement impairment. This project aims to develop a robotic exoskeleton for rehabilitation of upper limb at home. The potential of the proposed technology is huge in empowering both clinicians and patients to better manage movement impairment in people with upper limb paresis. It will facilitate rehabilitation for patients in a home setting.  The system will support and enhance current standard clinical practice and empowers patients to self-manage.

We are looking for a highly motivated, independent, organised team player who is eager to learn and acquire a comprehensive skillset in human movement research, robotics, artificial intelligence and in development of cutting-edge assistive technology.

Training will be provided throughout the study in several ways. Project-specific hands-on training will be provided by the supervisory team and colleagues as needed and following regular Development Needs Analysis. This will include laboratory inductions, health and safety training, seminars, outreach opportunities and journal clubs. As a member of the Liverpool Doctoral College, a wide range of further training resources will be available. The student will have frequent meetings with the supervisory team and yearly meetings with two assigned Academic Advisors.

The University is fully committed to promoting equality and diversity in all activities. In recruitment we emphasize the supportive nature of the working environment and the flexible family support that the University provides. The Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.

For any enquiries please contact Dr Heba Lakany on: [Email Address Removed]

To apply for this opportunity, please visit: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/ and click on the 'Ready to apply? Apply online' button.


Computer Science (8) Engineering (12)

Funding Notes

The successful candidate will have a 2.1 or 1st class degree in electrical engineering, robotics, physics or computer science, or with equivalent relevant expertise. A student with a master’s degree in mechantronics or relevant discipline will be desirable.
A stipend to cover living costs currently at £15,609 per annum for 3.5 years, bench fees and full tuition fees at the UK domestic rate will be provided by the project. This project is open to UK students only due to funding requirements.
Due to funding requirements, student will have to start by April 2022 the latest.

References

Lakany et al (2020). Apparatus for the rehabilitation, assistance and/or augmentation of arm strength in a user, patent publication number 20200281796
Lakany (2017), Requirements specification for a wearable robotic exoskeleton for rehabilitation, DoI https://doi.org/10.1142/9789813231047_0073
Sirlantzis et al (2019) Exoskeleton in Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology, Edited by Cowan and Najafi, Elsevier

Where will I study?