PhD Studentship: Human-AI Collaborative Framework for Deepfake Detection: Integrating Perceptual-Cognitive Mechanisms with Deep Learning Models

DoS: Dr Haoyi Wang (haoyi.wang@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 01752 586187)

2^nd Supervisor: Professor Nathan Clarke (n.clarke@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 01752 586218)

3^rd Supervisor: Professor Andy Wills (andy.wills@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 01752 584816)

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship.

The studentship will start on 1^st October 2025.

Project Description

The proliferation of deepfake technology presents significant societal and security challenges, particularly in digital forensics and identity verification systems. While current AI-based detection approaches show promise, they face critical limitations in their ability to generalize to new manipulation techniques and lack interpretability in their decision-making processes. This challenge is particularly significant for courts and digital forensic investigations where trust in visual evidence is paramount.

This PhD project aims to overcome these limitations by developing novel approaches to deepfake detection that combine AI with human perceptual and cognitive processes. The core of this project is to develop novel deep learning architectures for deepfake detection. Comparative studies will be conducted between human and AI performance in deepfake detection across various types of manipulated biometric traits, such as face and voice, identifying complementary strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, the project will evaluate the interpretability and reliability of the developed solutions through both computational metrics and human factors analysis. By the end of the project, a hybrid detection framework that leverages both human perceptual insights and deep learning capabilities will be built.

Key expected outcomes include high-impact publications in renowned conferences and journals and the development of interpretable AI systems that effectively complement human capabilities. The developed framework will establish new methods for human-AI collaboration in digital forensics, providing foundations for future research in trustworthy AI systems.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters qualification. Applications from both UK and overseas students are welcome.

The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home tuition fees, Bench fee plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum 2025/26 rate.  The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications.  Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates.  The international component of the fee may be waived for outstanding international applicants.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

NB: The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period.

The subsequent 6 months of registration is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact:

Dr Haoyi Wang (haoyi.wang@plymouth.ac.uk).

To apply for this position please click the Apply button above.

Please clearly state the name of the studentship that you are applying for on your personal statement.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact

research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 28^th March 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly thereafter.

We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.

Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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