PhD Studentship: Coordinated Aerial Logistics for Emergency Response and National Resilience

This doctoral research will focus on the development, optimisation, and coordinated deployment of advanced aerial platforms, specifically electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), within the context of national emergency logistics. The project will examine how these technologies can be integrated with existing infrastructure to support the timely and effective delivery of expertise, equipment, and medical resources in response to complex and large-scale emergencies across the United Kingdom.

In its initial phase, the research will examine past and emerging types of national emergencies and evaluate their spatial and operational implications. This will include an analysis of UK population distributions, terrain, infrastructure access, and airspace constraints. The student will then develop concepts of operation for the deployment of aerial assets in support of first responders, including performance benchmarks for range, endurance, payload capacity, and response timelines.

Building on this foundation, the project will apply scenario modelling and simulation techniques to investigate emergency event propagation, routing strategies, vehicle-task assignment, and coordination of aerial missions within regulated airspace. These models will support multi-objective optimisation across key dimensions such as time, safety, cost, and coverage. As the research progresses, the student will contribute to the definition of system specifications, regulatory and safety considerations, and the development of viable business and deployment models. Public acceptance, societal trust, and stakeholder engagement will also form an integral part of the study.

This is a cross-disciplinary project that sits at the intersection of aerospace systems, emergency logistics, public health, and intelligent operations. It is particularly suited to candidates with academic backgrounds in Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Management Science, Operations Research, Transport studies, or a closely related discipline. The successful applicant will join a collaborative environment supported by expert supervision and close engagement with UKHSA and wider national stakeholders

The project is part the NIHR-funded Health Protection Research Unit for Emergency preparedness and response (EPR-HPRU), in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This studentship is funded by the NIHR as part of EPR-HPRU between the University of Birmingham and UKHSA. In addition to the extensive training offered to all PhD students at UoB, the student will receive training and opportunities at both UoB and UKHSA in this research area.

Informal enquiries should be sent to Dr Allahyari (s.allahyari@bham.ac.uk)

Applications of a two page CV and covering letter including your experience, suitability and motivation should be sent to epr-hpru@contacts.bham.ac.uk by 12th August 2025.

The studentship covers UK research degree tuition fees. International students may apply, and will be required to self-fund the additional cost toward fees (see: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/fees). A stipend will be provided, based on UKRI rates (see: https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/stfc/training/studentship-information-for-students/payments-to-students/). An additional Research training support grant totalling £5,000 is available for the duration of the studentship.

References:

HMG (2023) National Risk Register, HM Government.
NHS (2022) NHS Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response Framework.

Allahyari et al (2023), 'Multi-modal multi-echelon logistics optimisation planning for medical interchanges in the Solent region of the UK using drones, cargo bikes, and vans', INFORMS Transportation and Logistics Society: Second Triennial.

Doo et al (2021) “NASA Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Aircraft Technology for Public Services – A White Paper: NASA Transformative Vertical Flight Working Group 4 (TVF4)” https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20205000636

Allahyari et al (2015). A hybrid metaheuristic algorithm for the multi-depot covering tour vehicle routing problem. European Journal of Operational Research.

Advert information