EPSRC IDLA: Driver Attention during SAE L3 automated driving: the role of non-driving related tasks

One fully funded EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) is available at the Institute for Transport Studies in 2025/26. This scholarship is open to Home fee rated applicants and covers UK tuition fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £20,780 per year (currently for 2025/26 academic session) and an additional top-up of £4,000 per year for 4 years. Training and support will also be provided.

<p><strong>Overview of PhD project</strong></p> <p>Higher levels of autonomous vehicles (SAE level 3 and above) enable significant opportunities for engagement in non-driving related activities (NDRAs), for the person in charge of the vehicle. This can enhance user experiences, particularly in the context of modern luxury vehicles. Whilst the driver can utilise their time in the vehicle to engage in their desired activities, there are limitations in level 3 autonomy which may require the driver to takeover control, with user comfort also an issue. </p> <p>This research will investigate how the design of in-vehicle systems can focus the driver’s attention on the key information required for a successful takeover and how engagement in NDRAs affects user performance, safety and comfort. A key element of this work revolves around understanding what typical activities the drivers engage in, how long it takes them to disengage from their NDRA and become situationally aware of their surroundings, as well as the time it takes to stop their NRDA and physically take control of the car. The key research questions include:  </p> <p paraeid="{4cd7914c-d73f-446e-886a-480d71a5a65e}{91}" paraid="1031596537">1. Identifying the relationship between secondary non-driving activities - such as rest and relax, eating and drinking and watching media – and their relationship with handover time in L3.  </p> <p paraeid="{4cd7914c-d73f-446e-886a-480d71a5a65e}{109}" paraid="2083045627">2. Investigating how to support the driver’s attention management to relevant information during NDRAs. Are there HMI solutions to support attention that could be deployed during NDRAs which allow safe and effective handover. </p> <p paraeid="{4cd7914c-d73f-446e-886a-480d71a5a65e}{135}" paraid="1115709692">3. Investigate HMI solutions which focus the driver’s attention to the relevant SA information during a handover request whilst minimising handover time. Investigate any artefacts that may increase handover time.  </p> <p paraeid="{4cd7914c-d73f-446e-886a-480d71a5a65e}{141}" paraid="1377135233">4. Validate the HMI or technological solutions to ensure positive impact on handover time and driver performance. </p>

<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>:</p> <ul> <li>Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <strong>EPSRC DTP Earth and Environment. </strong></li> <li>In the Research Area, please state the project you wish to apply for is <strong>EPSRC IDLA: Driver Attention during SAE L3 automated driving: the role of non-driving related tasks. </strong></li> <li>In the Funding section please state <strong>EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26</strong>.</li> <li>Please state <strong><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport/staff/962/professor-natasha-merat">Professor Natasha Merat</a></strong> as your proposed supervisor.</li> </ul> <p>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 31^st May:</p> <p>•    Full transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date<br /> •    Personal statement outlining your interest in the project, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project<br /> •    CV</p> <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 (psychology, behavioural sciences, human computer interaction). 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><strong>Information about the Award</strong></p> <p>We are offering 1 full-time EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) in the Institute for Transport Studies for one Home fee rated candidate, covering UK tuition fees and a maintenance grant of £20,780 per year, plus a top-up of £4000 per year, for four years, subject to satisfactory progress.</p> <p><strong>Duration of the Award</strong></p> <p>Full-time (4 years). The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</p> <p><strong>Other conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1^st October 2025.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul> <p> </p>

<p>For further information please contact the Postgraduate Research Admissions Team by emailing <a href="mailto:ENV-PGR@leeds.ac.uk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">ENV-PGR@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>