Sustainable cultivation modelling based on remotely sensed images for monitoring environmental consequences of climate change

Coventry University (CU) is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully funded PhD studentship in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Vision domain.

Coventry University has been voted ‘Modern University of the Year’ three times running by The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide. Ranked in the UK’s top 15 (Guardian University Guide), we have a global reputation for high quality teaching and research with impact. Almost two-thirds (61%) of our research was judged ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.

The Research Centre for Data Science (CDS) aims to develop cutting edge pure research in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Future Computing, linking fundamental science to real-world applications.

Data Science deals with the analysis and exploitation of large amounts of data (Big Data) drawing together disciplines as diverse as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics and Mathematics. The centre is organised according to three key themes:

• Machine Learning for Big Data
• Wireless Sensors and Internet of Things
• Computational and Statistical Modelling
• Advanced Computing

Climate change (CC) is one of the major global challenges that has significant influence on agricultural productivity. The focus of this project is on utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), satellite image analysis and other measured or remotely sensed data to understand the spatio-temporal cultivation patterns and identify its driving environmental factors to develop a climate-adapted cultivation model.

Modelling cultivation based on various environmental factors extracted either from remotely sensed data or from real world measurement, is a multidimensional challenge and a cross disciplinary research. The results of such modelling strategy will give new valuable insights about the climate-adapted cultivation. The results of this study can inform the agricultural adaptation policies made by governments, digital agriculture businesses and other stakeholders. The benefits in a larger scale will be resilience and improved sustainable societies.
The three main research objectives are:
1. To model crop yield based on time series analysis of satellite images and other remote sensing data and measured environmental factors.
2. To identify the optimum set of environmental factors including the remote sensing and measurement data, that can improve the crop prediction models
3. To develop a new adaptive cultivation modelling strategy capable of predicting optimum transitions in cultivation patterns for sustainable crop yield in highly dynamic condition induced to inform CC mitigation and preventative plans
Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Entry criteria for applicants to PhD
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
• In the event of a first degree classification of less than 2:1, a Masters degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at minimum merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at minimum merit level (60%). or;
• A taught Masters degree in a relevant discipline, involving a dissertation of standard length written in English in the relevant subject area with a minimum of a merit profile: 60% overall module average and a minimum of a 60% dissertation mark. PLUS the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
Eligibility:
UK/EU/International graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration:
Full-time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/
How to apply
To find out more about the project please contact Dr Sara Sharifzadeh ([Email Address Removed])

To apply on line please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.