Skip to main content

Human factors of automated vehicles

PGR-RA-152

Expertise of research area
attention; automation; communication; distraction; fatigue; human-machine interaction


<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Understanding driver response to automated vehicles, and how factors such as fatigue and distraction affect performance. Investigating driver state during and after automation, especially eye movements and driver attention. Understanding the interaction between automated vehicles and other road users, establishing the value of external communication for smooth traffic flow in a mixed environment.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p>We have opportunities for prospective postgraduate researchers in the <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-human-factors-safety">Human Factors and Safety research group</a>. Example projects and funding opportunities can be found in our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">PhD directory</a>.</p> <p>In addition to the research study associated with a specific project, prospective students can also suggest their own topic. In this case, we ask prospective students to contact <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/stafflist?searchFilter=allfields&amp;query=&amp;isSupervisor=true&amp;staffTypes%5B%5D=all&amp;staffTypes%5B%5D=academic&amp;staffTypes%5B%5D=professional&amp;staffTypes%5B%5D=visiting&amp;staffTypes%5B%5D=honorary&amp;schools=all&amp;categoryIDs%5B%5D=6&amp;categoryIDs%5B%5D=4&amp;categoryIDs%5B%5D=178&amp;categoryIDs%5B%5D=5&amp;departmentIDs%5B%5D=102">possible supervisors</a> for an informal discussion, before submitting a research proposal.</p> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sJxdNLEYCYQ" width="560"></iframe></p> <h5>Why do your PhD at Leeds?</h5> <p><strong>Study in an active research environment&nbsp;</strong><br /> Studying your PhD with us means you&rsquo;ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life &ndash; alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>A strong network of support &nbsp;</strong><br /> The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you&rsquo;ll need to get the most out of your PhD.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Close industry links&nbsp;</strong><br /> Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that&#39;ll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Professional skills development &nbsp;</strong><br /> We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That&rsquo;s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that&#39;ll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Personal and wellbeing services&nbsp;</strong><br /> Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you&rsquo;ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you&rsquo;re feeling your best &ndash; and reaching your potential in your studies.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Join our global community&nbsp;</strong><br /> We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we&rsquo;re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research &ndash; and societal impact.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-research-degrees">Research degrees within the Institute of Transport Studies</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-human-factors-safety">Human Factors and Safety research</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-research">Institute of Transport Studies,&nbsp;Research&nbsp;and Innovation&nbsp;</a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a aria-label="Link Doctoral College" href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, development and overall experience.</p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<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&#39;s website</a>.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For queries relating to your research proposal or subject area, please contact <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport/staff/962/professor-natasha-merat">Professor Natasha Merat</a>.</p> <p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk">env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 5326.</p>


<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h2>