Interdisciplinary PhD studentship on Artificial Intelligence and Data Driven Research applied to imaging data of historical manuscripts in the British Library

The PhD studentship entitled Southeast Asian Illuminated Manuscripts : A Study of the Maritime Silk Road Using Scientific Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is provided by the AHRC Midlands3Cities Doctoral Training Partnership. Significant advances in non-invasive imaging technologies in the last decade have resulted in their increasing use in museums, galleries and libraries. While non-invasive imaging makes it possible to analyse large collection of manuscripts, it also implies unprecedented amount of data collection that requires not only automation in data collection, but also the application of AI techniques for automated data analysis and extraction of the wanted information. This project is focussed on applying AI or machine learning to imaging data from various complementary imaging modalities such as hyperspectral imaging and X-ray Fluorescence imaging. This is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Imaging and Sensing for Archaeology, Art history and Conservation (ISAAC) Lab at Nottingham Trent University and the British Library to study a collection of illuminated manuscripts from maritime Southeast Asia to answer questions in the history of global activities and maritime trade in the 18th and 19th century.

This project will suit a student with a competitive academic record (preferably 1st class degree). Specifically, the student needs to have a good programming ability and a keen interest in history and related subjects. Knowledge of relevant scientific imaging techniques and experience/qualification in humanities subjects are desirable. The student will have access to cutting edge non-invasive imaging instruments provided by the ISAAC lab at Nottingham Trent University (https://www.ntu.ac.uk/research/groups-and-centres/groups/imaging-sensing-for-archaeology-art-history-and-conservation). For further details on the project and how to apply please see http://www.midlands3cities.ac.uk/funding/artificial-intelligence-and-data-driven-research-project-funding.aspx

The deadline for application is 12 noon 4th June, 2018. Interested candidates should contact Prof Haida Liang at [Email Address Removed] in the first instance.