Dr C Diels
Applications accepted all year round
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Congratulations on taking your first steps toward a Research Degree with Coventry’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing. As an ambitious and innovative University, we’re investing an initial £100m into our new research strategy, ‘Excellence with Impact’. Through original approaches from world-leading experts, we’re aiming for our research to make a tangible difference to the way we live. As a research student you are an integral part of Coventry’s lively and diverse research community and contribute to our reputation for excellence. With our exceptional facilities and superb support mechanisms you are afforded every opportunity for academic success.
Details of the PhD project
The ability to travel in comfort and engage in leisurely or economically-productive non-driving tasks while being driven by an automated vehicle is arguably the key benefit of automation for future users. However, this vision is potentially compromised due to the fact that occupants may experience motion sickness in such vehicles. Indeed, our research has shown that as much as 50% of occupants may experience motion sickness when engaging in non-driving tasks (Diels & Bos, 2016 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.09.009; Diels et al. 2016 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-40503-2_10).
The aim of this research is to develop and evaluate design solutions to prevent or minimise the occurrence of motion sickness in automated vehicles exploring novel Human Machine Interface (HMI) concepts. This research will explore the feasibility of introducing (multisensory) anticipatory cues to facilitate anticipation to enable passengers of automated vehicles to engage in non-driving tasks in comfort. Adopting an experimental approach, the project is expected to make use of driving simulation and on-road studies to explore the perception of comfort and the user experience. The candidate will have the opportunity to conduct part of their research at international academic (Prof Jelte Bos) and automotive industry partners.
About the host Centre/Department
The Centre for Mobility and Transport is a new research centre in Coventry University. We take a fresh approach to the challenges facing society by bringing together world-class experts from art and design, engineering and computer systems into one focussed Centre. We have multi-disciplinary teams working at the leading edge of fundamental research in vehicle dynamics, low carbon technologies, cyber security and autonomous systems, future vehicle design and human systems integration. The Centre works across all our faculties and strongly places us in the arena of inclusive, sustainable and safe transport by integrating the strongest research elements in design and engineering.
Candidate specification
Successful applicants will have:
* 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, or
* A Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at merit level (60%).
* The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study
* Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
The latest and highest award will be utilised for assessment in all cases
Additional items for candidate specification
* Enthusiasm and aptitude for learning to use a driving simulator (STIsim) and design Human Machine Interfaces (NVIDIA Automotive)
* A successful background in human factors or cognitive psychology
* Demonstrated competence in statistics
* A wish to publish academic research in the highest quality journals
* An understanding of the ethics of experimentation with human participants
How to apply
Application information can be found in our how to apply section. Before completing the application please contact Dr Cyriel Diels [Email Address Removed] and cc’ing [Email Address Removed]) for an initial informal discussion about the opportunity.
Application deadline: This opportunity will only remain open until a suitable candidate is identified, early application is therefore recommended
Interview dates: will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Enquiries may be addressed to:
Cyriel Diels
[Email Address Removed]
+44-7557-425574
Funding Notes
Eligibility: UK/EU
PhD funding award: £15,000 Bursary plus tuition fees
Duration of study: Full-Time – three years fixed term