AI-enabled Cross-Disciplinary Digital Twins for Built Environment

Summary

This proposal will cover the knowledge gap in developing integrated network of Digital Twins (inDTs) for cross-disciplinary Built Environment that can help assessing the performance of the core business of built assets (e.g. hospitals) in integration with the engineering systems to achieve Low Carbon and Net Zero targets.

This will create a new concept for developing inDTs which combines individual DTs for the core and non-core business process models, physical assets, and performance models to deliver advanced digital services.

As a particular case study example for the proposal, the work will focus on inDTs for the core processes of healthcare facilities (e.g. a hospital provides patients' treatment services) and the non-core processes of these facilities to achieve Low Carbon and Net Zero targets (e.g. maintenance, equipment operation services, space management, etc.).

This is a collaborative research project with Jacobs.

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.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

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)

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

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

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