PhD Studentship: Interdisciplinary Studentship in Human-Centred AI

Supervisory Team:    Mark Weal

Project description

There is a global need to develop a large and highly skilled workforce that will drive an increasingly innovative economy, while understanding the adaptations necessary for working and living with Artificial Intelligence (AI), mitigating the risks it poses and shaping a future AI society.

The Web Science Institute (WSI) at the University of Southampton is offering PhD studentships for multidisciplinary doctoral research with a particular focus on Human-Centred AI. You are invited to submit a research proposal on a relevant topic of interest, for example: 

• Online Health: collaborative data sharing and the development of data-driven systems and advances in AI for health applications.
• Social and Embodied AI: immersive media; cultural history of the Web and AI; AI art; musical improvisation algorithms as social machines.
• Democratic Futures: using new technologies to future-proof democracy and ensure the resilience of democratic norms.
• Trustworthy AI for the Future of Society: exploring the values, principles and foundations of trustworthy and ethical technologies, such as AI and Automated Decision Making (ADM).

You will be supervised by an interdisciplinary academic team and be part of a broader cohort of students investigating the challenges of Human-Centred AI in society.  Your research will be supported by relevant training according to your individual needs, and you will also benefit from opportunities offered by the University’s partnership with the Alan Turing Institute.

Project start date: Studentships are available for projects starting between January 2024 and October 2024. 

About the Web Science Institute

The Web Science Institute (WSI) is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute which focuses on supporting globally-recognised cross-disciplinary research, training and innovation.  The Institute’s work explores digital economy, cultures and social practices based on Web, Data Science and AI technologies.   The WSI is a founder member of the Web Science Trust Network of Laboratories, co-ordinates doctoral training in Web Science and Human-Centred AI, and is linked with the UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Mark Weal (M.Weal@southampton.ac.uk) or Alison Tebbutt (websciencecdt@southampton.ac.uk).

Entry Requirements

A good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in a computational subject or relevant discipline from the social sciences or humanities, plus evidence of multidisciplinary research. Advanced AI experience is not needed but some programming experience would be desirable.

Applications will be considered until the positions are filled.

Funding: Studentships are open to applicants who are eligible for UK fees.  

How To Apply

Apply online, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above,

Select:  Research programme; Academic Year 2023/24 (Jan – Jul 24 start dates) or 2024/25 (Oct 24 start date); Faculty of Engineeing and Physical Sciences; PhD Web Science (Full time).

Under Research Area, please specify “Web Science Institute – Human-Centred AI”.  

Applications should include:

Research Proposal – see our guidance for creating your own research proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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