As one of the leading interdisciplinary research groups in the world, our mission is to make fully trustable autonomous vehicles come true. Using Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, and Machine Learning research, we strive for safer and smarter vehicles within sustainable and intelligent transportation systems.
<p>Given the current technology transition from Level 3 to Level 4 vehicle automation, we require a highly accurate assessment and understanding of both the <em>driver state</em> and <em>road environment condition</em> to perform safe and timely decision making. In order to gain our objectives we have developed three sub-categories in this research area:</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> <p><strong>1. Driver Behaviour Monitoring:</strong> Computer Vision and Machine Learning play a vital role in the development of self-driving cars and autonomous vehicles. Understanding the driver status (ie distraction, fatigue, drowsiness, cognitive load, and driver in-cabin activity recognition) based on head pose, eye tracking, and upper body activity analysis is one of the hottest research topics in AI, Computer Vision, ML, and Human Factors domain.</p> <p><strong>2. Road Monitoring:</strong> Real-time 3D road modelling and reconstruction, vehicle and pedestrian detection & tracking, semantic / instance segmentation, lane detection, traffic sign recognition, or in general “Traffic Scene Understanding” or “Raod Perception & Monitoring” is another exciting area of our research interest. Similar to the previous topic, the utilisation of state-of-the-art CV, ML, and Deep Learning is part of this research area.</p> <p><strong>3. Multi-Sensor Data Fusion:</strong> The ultimate goal of this research is simultaneous monitoring of <em>driver</em> and <em>road</em>, to reach a trustable situation awareness modelling based on multi-sensor data fusion. In this research area, we use the most advanced and accurate sensors and equipment in our research lab including Cameras, RGB-depth sensors, Stereo-vision, Eye trackers, LiDAR, Radar, and GPS, alongside our multi-million dollar world-leading driving simulator facilities – the <a href="https://uolds.leeds.ac.uk/facility/virtuocity/" target="_blank">Virtuocity</a> and our super-powerful machine learning workstations. </p> <p>We have also opportunities for prospective postgraduate researchers in the <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-human-factors-safety" target="_blank">Human Factors and Safety research group</a>. Some of the example projects and funding opportunities can be found in our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk" target="_blank">project directory</a>. 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&query=&isSupervisor=true&staffTypes%5B%5D=all&staffTypes%5B%5D=academic&staffTypes%5B%5D=professional&staffTypes%5B%5D=visiting&staffTypes%5B%5D=honorary&schools=all&categoryIDs%5B%5D=6&categoryIDs%5B%5D=4&categoryIDs%5B%5D=178&categoryIDs%5B%5D=5&departmentIDs%5B%5D=102" target="_blank">possible supervisors</a> for an informal discussion, before submitting a research proposal.</p> <h3>Samples of our research outputs:</h3> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8kPY1fQhZtk" width="560"></iframe></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/K_ZIhwqScpk" width="560"></iframe></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/FizrMquM0VU" width="560"></iframe></p> <h5>Why do your PhD at Leeds?</h5> <p><strong>Study in an active research environment </strong><br /> Studying your PhD with us means you’ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life – alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area. <br /> <strong>A strong network of support </strong><br /> The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you’ll need to get the most out of your PhD. <br /> <strong>Close industry links </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'll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD. <br /> <strong>Professional skills development </strong><br /> We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That’s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that'll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career. <br /> <strong>Personal and wellbeing services </strong><br /> Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you’ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you’re feeling your best – and reaching your potential in your studies. <br /> <strong>Join our global community </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’re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research – and societal impact.</p> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130558/leeds_doctoral_college" target="_blank">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>
<p>Full details of the application procedure can be found <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-research-degrees/doc/apply-2" target="_blank">here</a>.</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><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-research-degrees/doc/entry-requirements-3">E</a><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport-research-degrees/doc/entry-requirements-3" target="_blank">nglish requirement</a></p> <p><em>We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates from all around the world, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.</em></p>
<p>For queries relating to your research proposal or subject area, please contact <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport/staff/9408/dr-mahdi-rezaei" target="_blank">Dr Mahdi Rezaei</a></p> <p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/124/graduate_school_contacts" target="_blank">Doctoral College Admissions</a> or the Institute of Transport Studies: <a href="mailto:env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk">env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked staff</h2>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked project opportunities</h2>