PhD Studentship: In Generative Deep Learning for Robot Hearing

Supervisory Team: Dr Christine Evers 

Project Description: 

Are you keen on conducting research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, deep learning and robot perception? We are recruiting a fully-funded (UK fees) PhD student who will work amongst a team of researchers on an exciting, EPSRC-funded research programme on “Active Audition for Robots (ActivATOR)”. 

About ActivATOR:

Life in sound occurs in motion. As human listeners, audition - the ability to listen - is shaped by physical interactions between our bodies and the environment. We integrate motion with auditory perception, for example to hear better (by approaching sound sources of interest), or to identify objects (by touching objects and listening to the resulting sound). 

This project will enable machines to imagine, control and leverage the auditory consequences of physical interactions with the environment. By transforming the ways in which machines make sense of life in sound, the research outcomes will be pivotal for new, emerging markets that enable robots to augment, rather than rival, humans to surpass the limitations of the human body. Therefore, the proposed research has the potential to transform and disrupt a whole host of industries involving machine listening, ranging from smart prosthetics and assistive listening technologies to maritime exploration, environmental monitoring, and autonomous vehicles. 

PhD Opportunity:

ActivATOR will bring together a highly interdisciplinary team of researchers, industry partners, and external academic collaborators. Building on our network of collaborators, this PhD project will be supervised by Dr Christine Evers (Univ. Southampton), Dr Mohammad Belal (National Oceanography Centre), and Prof Daniel Clark (Univ. Southampton). 

As part of your PhD project, you will:

• Conduct fundamental, underpinning research in the area of generative deep learning.
• Publish your findings at top-tier venues.
• Collaborate with external academic partners to broaden the scope of your research.
• Liaise with our industry partners to ensure commercial impact of your research.
• Participate in engagement activities with the public, policy makers and key stakeholders to ensure societal benefit of your research. 

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Christine Evers, Associate Professor (School of Electronics and Computer Science - Vision, Learning & Control Group). Email: c.evers@soton.ac.uk  

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). 

Closing Date: 31 August 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. 

How To Apply

Apply online: HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Computer Science (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Dr Christine Evers. 

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date 

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

Advert information