Modelling Surgical Motion and Activities

Modeling and recognition of surgical activities in video poses an interesting research problem. Although a number of recent works studied automatic recognition of surgical activities, generalizability of these works across different tasks and different datasets remains a challenge. <br /> <br /> For example, placing a Tie Knot might occur during a task of Suturing on Tissue and also during the more specific and challenging task of Urethrovesical Anastomosis (UVA) that involves stitching and reconnecting two anatomical structures together. If we heavily rely on image cues of the surgical scene, representations of these surgical activities vary greatly. <br /> <br /> Moreover, the need for representations with greater expressive power that we can use not only to recognize surgical activities but also to bridge the<br /> gap between recognition and control in autonomous systems<br /> is growing.<br /> <br /> In this project we will explore different modalities, spatial and temporal representations, saliency and attention models for surgical activity understanding. A good knowledge of fundamental topics in computer vision and deep learning, along with strong coding skills in Python is expected. Experience with advanced deep learning topics is preferred. <br /> <br /> The project will allow exploration of different ideas and topics, and a chance to work with collaborators from different disciplines (medicine, robotics, surgical education and cognition).

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>PhD Computing FT</strong></em> and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Modelling Surgical Motion and Activities</strong></em> as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/computing/staff/13320/dr-duygu-sarikaya">Dr. Duygu Sarikaya</a> as your proposed supervisor&nbsp;and in the finance section, please state clearly&nbsp;<em><strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 3 April 2024 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship or&nbsp;8 April 2024 for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship:</p> <ul> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project and any projects/thesis you have taken in related topics</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Optional: Project websites, github account, blogs etc.</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in writing and at least 6.0 in reading, listening and speaking or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong>&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a>, <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/53-school-of-computing-scholarship">School of Computing Scholarships</a> are available to UK applicants (open from October 2023). <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> &ndash; The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to nationals of China (now closed for 2024/25 entry). The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong>&nbsp; Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are not covered under this studentship.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/computing/staff/13320/dr-duygu-sarikaya">Dr.Duygu Sarikaya</a>&nbsp;by email to <a href="mailto:d.sarikaya@leeds.ac.uk">d.sarikaya@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>