Machine learning and AI for air traffic control, Computer Science – PhD (EPSRC and NATS Funded). Ref: 5518

Supervisors

Primary supervisor Professor Richard Everson Exeter University

Secondary Supervisors - Prof Richards Cannon (NATS), Mr Ben Carvell (NATS), Prof Peter Challenor, Dr Fabrizio Costa, Dr George De Ath, Prof Andrew Howes, Mr John Korna (NATS), Dr James Salter, Prof Stefan Seigert, Dr Marc Thomas (NATS), Dr Alessandro Vizzaccaro, Dr Victoria Voldina, Dr Xiaoyang Wang, Prof Hywell Williams

The always-on, safety-critical nature of air traffic control raises rich and exciting challenges for machine learning and AI.  The University of Exeter in partnership with NATS, the UK’s main air navigation services provider, is establishing the Centre for Doctoral Training in Air Traffic Management pioneering new research in machine learning and AI for air traffic control.  

During their first year, this cohort of funded students will receive training in machine learning and AI methods at the University, together with training in the fundamentals of air traffic control at NATS, based at Whiteley on the south coast.   In addition to this training, in the first year students will undertake two shorter research projects before determining their main research topic in conjunction with academic and industry supervisors. A wide variety of PhD projects is available; example project areas are:

·        Human-machine teaming

·        AI agents for air traffic control

·        Weak signal analysis for air traffic control room situational awareness

These funded PhD scholarships are suitable for students with a background in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Cognitive Science.   Students with interests in machine learning, deep learning, AI, cognitive science, uncertainty quantification, probabilistic methods are encouraged to apply.

For eligible students the studentship will cover Home or International tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 4 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  Students will be based at the Streatham Campus in Exeter with funded visits to NATS.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. International applicants should to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.  

The collaboration involves a project partner, NATS, who is providing funding [and other material support to the project]. This means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with candidates at interview and fully set out in the offer letter.  The collaboration with NATS is subject to contract.   Full details will be confirmed at offer stage. 

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of  Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Cognitive Science.  If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents 

•             CV

•             Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to join the Centre for Doctoral Training in Air Traffic Management).

•             Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•             Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•             If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 6^th May 2025.  Interviews will be held virtually / on the University of Exeter Streatham campus in the week commencing 26^th May 2025

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5518 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary