PhD Studentship: Making materiality audible

About the studentship

Reference

2627-OCT-CATE04

Application deadline

22 May 2026

Start date

1 October 2026

This studentship is based in the College of Arts, Technology and Environment.

This project addresses the persistent exclusion of blind and partially sighted (BPS) visitors from the material knowledge embedded in cultural heritage objects. Material cues – such as tool marks, weave structures, brushwork, and relief – are central to interpreting artworks and artefacts but are typically communicated through visual media inaccessible to many BPS users. The aim of this research is to develop a pipeline that transforms 2.5D heritage imaging data – RGB imagery combined with surface normals and height information – into concise, evidence grounded audio descriptions suitable for both onsite and online engagement.

The project will use existing digitisation outputs supplemented by targeted new capture where necessary, spanning materials such as paintings, textiles, and manuscripts. Core research questions explore which geometric descriptors predict tactile salience, how interpretable models can infer process and condition cues, and how these findings should be verbalised for BPS audiences with appropriate qualification and clarity.

Methodologically, the project integrates data standardisation, multi scale descriptor extraction, interpretable modelling, and controlled language generation techniques to ensure that each descriptive claim is grounded in measurable geometric evidence. Co design with BPS participants will shape vocabulary, ordering, uncertainty presentation, and evaluation protocols.

Expected outputs include open source tools, a benchmark dataset, exemplar audio/text packages, and sector guidance for producing geometry grounded descriptions. The project aligns strongly with UWE’s Digital Futures and Creative Industries & Technologies research beacons, advancing inclusive, AI driven heritage access while fostering partnerships with major cultural institutions.

If you have any questions about the studentship, please contact Xavi Aure Calvet at xavi.aurecalvet@uwe.ac.uk.

Funding

The studentship is available from 1 October 2026 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £20,780 (2025/26) per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years (Home).

How to apply

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2627-OCT-CATE04. 

Application deadline

The closing date for applications is 22 May 2026.

Supporting documentation

You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and a recognised English language qualification is required.

You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application.

Interview dates

It is expected that interviews will take place on weeks commencing June. If you have not heard from us by July, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.

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