PhD Studentship: DRIVE Research Cluster - Inclusive Mobility for Impaired Transport Users

The PhD should consider how “Equitable” a Connected Transport system might be. The PhD should consider Transport users who are disabled or impaired (either physically of cognitively) to see where they may be disadvantaged by a futuristic transport system where information about transport and travel may only be digitally available. There are several user-groups who may not cope well with this eventuality, including (for example) autistic travellers, individuals with dyslexia, partially sighted travellers, individuals with ADHD etc. Ageing individuals may also be disadvantaged by digital systems through (for example) dementia or other impacts of ageing on cognitive processes. The PhD should therefore look at different transport scenarios, engage with such users and use a Design Thinking approach where we understand their challenges through empathy and focus groups. The PhD should also look to develop unique co-designed solutions to those who may be most prominently disadvantaged. Such ideas can be further developed as necessary.

This project is part of the prestigious Loughborough University Vice Chancellor’s PhD Cluster – Diverse Research in Inclusive Vehicle Environments Research Cluster (DRIVE-RC). The PhD candidate will join a cohort of 5 students who will be working on different multidisciplinary aspects of inclusivity within vehicular environments and will be supported by Loughborough’s Transportation AI Innovation Centre (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/traice/).

We highly recommend potential students to read more about the project topic, and the TRAICE centre, think about how they can contribute to this research, and prepare a short but targeted research proposal. We strongly encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, genders, or from people with a disability.

Supervisors:

Primary supervisor: Prof Andrew Morris
Secondary supervisor: Dr Jo Barnes

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have a First-Class/Upper Second-Class degree in a relevant Science, Healthcare or Engineering discipline. We are specifically looking for candidates with strong background in Human Factors Engineering, Transport Sciences, Ergonomics, Experimental Psychology, Healthcare, etc. Ideally, candidate will have a working knowledge of key Driver Simulation software tools such as SCANER, UNITY and UNREAL ENGINE for transport simulations; hands on experience qualitative and/or qualitative data collection and analysis would be advantageous.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

How to Apply:

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select the School of Design and Creative Arts.

Please quote the advertised reference: DRIVE Research Cluster in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The selection criteria in the following link will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

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