Gamification to develop a universal solution to automatically sense, control and optimise key parameters of laboratories

The University of Liverpool (UoL) and Dendrite Labs are seeking to appoint a suitably experienced and qualified individual to undertake a three year doctoral research programme.

Games as a tool for teaching and learning are now prevalent across many institutions of higher learning. Emerging technologies are making games more realistic with capabilities to simulate the most complex problems and provide better solutions. The University of Liverpool (UoL) and Dendrite Labs are seeking to recruit a motivated PhD student to undertake a three-year doctoral research programme utilizing serious games/gamification focused on developing a universal solution to automatically sense, control and optimise key parameters of laboratories.

Labs are a major part of the global economy, producing millions of tons of CO2 emission every year. Reducing this would be a key step in decreasing global carbon footprint. Lowering emissions is very challenging as there are many time-dependent parameters that must be optimized. The complexity makes it almost impossible for lab employees to understand what actions need to be undertaken. The key to overcome this challenge would be an automated collection of relevant laboratory parameters, allowing for a calculation and optimization of key metrics like power consumption, costs and carbon usage.

The combination of Dendrite Labs offering powerful software to enable automated data extraction and control of lab resources coupled with UoL’s Management School to create a Sim City – type lab simulation, with serious games/gamification represents an exciting research proposition for a motivated student. Users will be able to interact with the simulation to optimize laboratory metrics, increase lab collaboration while establishing clear direction(s) on how to reduce the lab’s carbon footprint efficiently. It is further hoped that the simulation will provide a scalable model for future data sharing across the industry providing analytics which contribute to complex problems within the relevant industry sectors.

Ideally the PhD candidate should possess a strong background in a STEM (e.g. engineering, computer science or chemistry) subject at the MSc level (2.1), however candidates with a strong management science background in such areas as operations management/operations research are welcomed. You will be required to complete taught modules in Research Methods during the first year of registration.

This PhD is one of 20 industry-led collaborative R&D projects from the Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory. The aim of the project is for you to work toward a PhD at the University of Liverpool through delivering ‘real – life’ solutions to industry. The Centre brings together the expertise, resources and global contacts of University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moore’s University and Lancaster University to create innovative low carbon goods, processes and services developed through collaborative R&D partnerships between local companies in the Liverpool City Region and local universities.

For further information, please contact Dr. Ronald Dyer at [Email Address Removed]