Supervisory Team: Dr. Jennifer Williams, Prof. Steve Gunn, Prof. Stefan Bleeck, Dr. Shuo Zhang (Bose Corporation)
Project description
Are you curious how computer vision and audio analysis can work in synergy to create new technologies? From advanced hearing aid design to understanding scenes in urban and natural environments – Audio-visual artificial intelligence (AVAI) can be implemented on ultra-low power devices, including wearables, hearing aids, and sensors.
While hearing assistive devices, such as hearing aids, have traditionally been developed for populations of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) communities, the ubiquitous use of in-ear technology and recent advances in edge computing are reformulating what drives research and development in this domain. One of the challenges for AVAI relates to the synchronization of different modalities. Multimodal hearing technologies offer an opportunity to overcome the primary issue of traditional wearables, which cannot localize or focus sound enhancement capabilities based on the user's immediate needs in their environment.
In this PhD project, you will explore various angles of AVAI ranging from algorithmic development, explainability, socio-technical issues like privacy, and user testing and interaction. You will also benefit from working in Electronics and Computer Science and the Institute for Sound and Vibration Research and engaging directly with an industry supervisor (based at Bose Corporation, in Boston USA). With that comes additional opportunities for industry internships that can help you gain professional experience.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr. Jennifer Williams, ECS AIC Group, Email: [Email Address Removed]
UKRI MINDS CDT
This project is funded through the UKRI MINDS Centre for Doctoral Training (www.mindscdt.ai). This is one of 16 PhD training centres in the UK with a unique focus on advancing AI techniques in the context of real-world engineered systems with a remit that spans novel hardware for AI, AI and machine learning, pervasive systems and IoT, and human-AI collaboration. We provide enhanced cross-disciplinary training in electronics and AI, entrepreneurship, responsible research and innovation, communication strategies, outreach and impact development as part of an integrated 4-year iPhD programme.
Entry Requirements
We welcome applications from future experts who have, or expect to shortly have, a very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent), in computer science, electronics, engineering, or other closely related subject such as mathematics, physics or chemistry. Academic attainment is only one of our criteria for selection; we equally value excitement for research, enthusiasm for the research focus of the CDT and the ability to communicate ideas.
We are particularly keen to receive applications from people from a range of backgrounds and communities. ECS has recently been awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Award recognising our commitment to fairness, inclusivity and gender equality.
EU and Overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.
Closing date: applications should be received no later than 23 June 2023, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.
Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £21,110 tax-free per annum for 4 years.
How To Apply
Applications should be made online here.
Applications should include:
Research Proposal
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Two reference letters
Degree Transcripts to date
For further information please contact: [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed]
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