VC International Scholarship in Combination of Deep Learning and Traditional Methods for Lung Tumour Image Segmentation (eligibility criteria apply)

According to World Cancer Report by WHO, Lung cancer is the most common cancer type worldwide in terms of both incidence (2.1 million new cases in 2018) and mortality (1.8 million deaths in 2018). Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly increase the rate of survival. Brachytherapy is one of the most effective treatments for lung cancer, where a sealed radioactive source is put near or inside the tumour. The success of brachytherapy is heavily dependent on accurately outlining the target tumours and the surrounding organs at risk in the MRI/CT images. Usually, the contours are drawn manually by physicians with the aid of treatment planning systems. However, even an experienced physician can find it difficult to distinguish between tumours and normal tissues, because tumours are heterogeneous and cohesive to the surrounding tissues while their pathological features are highly similar to that of the surrounding tissues. Therefore, manually drawing contours can be tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone. Some automatic image segmentation methods exist, but the accuracy is not good enough for practical applications. In this project, we will combine traditional methods with deep learning to develop new image segmentation methods with high accuracy.

RESEARCH CHALLENGE
This is an interdisciplinary research project. The main research work is related to computer science, but medical knowledge is also used in this project. The PhD student will develop novel techniques about deep learning, computer vision, and medical imaging. S/he will also have an opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art AI techniques for lung cancer treatment.

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
We have a long-standing, strong and dynamic research culture which is organised into specialist research sectors. Specialise in the internationally recognised Visual Computing sector, work with exceptional computing resources equipment and alongside our research staff who are leaders in their areas of expertise. Our staff publish widely, edit and review for international journals, act as external examiners both within the UK and internationally, provide consultancy and secure research funding. Students join the Doctoral Academy Programme to develop their research and professional skills, and receive support to attend workshops and conferences to maximise exposure to the wider research context.

VC INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
Duration: 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress
Start Date: 1 October 2020.

ACADEMIC CRITERIA:
A 2:1 or above Honours undergraduate degree or a master’s degree, in computing or a related subject. Applicants for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate their 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
Visit the website to apply for qualification Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science & Informatics, mode of study Full-time, with start date 1 October 2020. In the research proposal section of your application, specify the project title and supervisors of this project. In the funding section, enter " VC International Scholarship".