Responsible and Interpretable AI for Sustainable Finance and Wellbeing Technologies

Summary

This theme explores how trustworthy, interpretable AI systems can support data-driven decision-making across domains such as finance and digital health.

The central vision is to design transparent, ethical, and regulatory-aligned AI frameworks that can drive both societal wellbeing and sustainable economic growth.

Research will focus on developing white-box AI architectures, explainable analytics, and governance-aware models that enhance accountability in high-stakes environments such as sustainable investment management and personalised health decision support.

The work will also examine how AI transparency can strengthen user trust, regulatory compliance, and cross-sector adoption.

Within this theme, two complementary PhD project directions are proposed:

1. “An Interpretable AI InvestTech Framework for Sustainable Finance”, advancing interpretable AI techniques for portfolio optimisation and ESG-aligned investment, integrating sustainability metrics within transparent machine learning models.
2. “An AI-Driven Connected Health System to Support Movement and Wellbeing during Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum” , designing co-created digital wellbeing platforms that combine ethical AI, personalised recommendations, and data governance to empower women’s health across reproductive life stages.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000 (approximately) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available to home candidates, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.