PhD Studentship: Interdisciplinary Studentship in Human-Centred AI

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 Artificial Intelligence (AI).

There is a global need to develop a highly skilled workforce that will drive an increasingly innovative economy, while understanding the adaptations necessary for working and living with AI, while mitigating the risks it poses and shaping a future AI society. 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 membership of the Turing University Network.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Sam Collins, Web Science Institute, Email: sac6@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 3826.

Entry Requirements

• A strong research proposal

• A 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject

• Evidence of multidisciplinary research.

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 March 2025 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: Funding will cover tuition fees and you'll receive a tax-free stipend (living allowance) at UK Research Innovation (UKRI) standard rates for up to 3.5 years

How To Apply

You need to:

• Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page
• choose programme type (Research), 2024/25 (Oct 2024 -July 2025 start date) or 2025/26 (Sept 2025 start date), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• choose PhD in Web Science (Full time)
• under Research Area please specify Web Science Institute – Human-Centred AI

Applications should include:

• a research proposal
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 reference letters
• degree transcripts to date

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

The School of Electronics & Computer Science is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward. 

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