Digital Twin of Open Radio Access Network

The Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) architecture provides foundational blocks to build integration of AI and ML in access networks to transform data into intelligence in future wireless networks. The ORAN architecture can leverage ML and AI techniques within xApps and rApps to autonomously analyze network data, learning from interactions with the environment to make intelligent decisions to optimize network performance. xApps and rApps are software applications designed to operate within Near real-time (Near-RT) RIC and non-real-time (non-RT) RIC components of the O-RAN architecture, respectively. While ORAN provides essential ingredients of AI-native RAN, ML deployment in live networks presents a significant risk of deterioration of quality of experience. Digital Twin of the network in this case are essential to analyze, predict and update network operations and solutions to meet the real time requirements of the network. This project will study the modelling and analysis of digital twins for real time resource optimization and performance prediction and evaluation.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply under this programme code, your application will not be considered), in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Digital Twin of Open Radio Access Network</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/14596/dr-maryam-hafeez">Dr Maryam Hafeez | School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering | University of Leeds</a> as your proposed supervisor and that the funding you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Electronic & Electrical Engineering</strong></em>.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Friday 30 January 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact 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><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 30 January 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University'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>

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 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, 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>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 in academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is only 2 funded places available to UK applicants only and this project is in competition with 4 other projects to secure this funding.  If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</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>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Maryam Hafeez by email to <a href="mailto:M.Hafeez@leeds.ac.uk">M.Hafeez@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>