This PhD project intends to explore the combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric/neurotechnology data in enhancing the practical applications of XR within digital healthcare. The project will use AI to refine methods for capturing, analysing, and adapting biometric signals (e.g., EEG, EOG, EMG, PPG) in real-time, aiming for a more tailored XR experience in healthcare contexts such as patient education and medical training.
The Spatial Computing and Neurotechnology Innovation Hub (SCAN-iHub) at Ulster University will provide the necessary facilities and expertise for this endeavour. Partnerships with stakeholders in healthcare and the creative industries will be established for collaborative input. The project aligns with the objectives set out in the 10X Economy Vision and the UKRI priorities and aims to contribute measured advancements in the integration of AI with XR in healthcare. This work will also offer the PhD candidate an opportunity to gain familiarity with emerging technologies and interdisciplinary research methodologies.
Please note that a research proposal is NOT required for this project.
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
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.
The University offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.
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.
Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).
This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
Khan, S., 2023. The future of XR-empowered healthcare: roadmap for 2050. In Extended Reality for Healthcare Systems (pp. 265-275). Academic Press.
Stoumpos, A.I., Kitsios, F. and Talias, M.A., 2023. Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Technology Acceptance and Its Applications. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(4), p.3407.
Logeswaran, A., Munsch, C., Chong, Y.J., Ralph, N. and McCrossnan, J., 2021. The role of extended reality technology in healthcare education: Towards a learner-centred approach. Future healthcare journal, 8(1), p.e79
Yuan, J., Hassan, S.S., Wu, J., Koger, C.R., Packard, R.R.S., Shi, F., Fei, B. and Ding, Y., 2023. Extended reality for biomedicine. Nature Reviews Methods Primers, 3(1), p.14
Submission deadline
Monday 26 February 2024
04:00PM
Interview Date
25 April 2024
Preferred student start date
16 September 2024
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