Postgraduate research opportunities EPSRC ICASE with Leonardo UK: Spiking Neural Network Processing for Infra-red Event Driven Cameras
ApplyKey facts
- Opens: Monday 5 September 2022
- Deadline: Sunday 31 March 2024
- Number of places: 1
- Duration: 48 months
- Funding: Home fee, Equipment costs, Travel costs, Stipend
Overview
A 4-year PhD studentship is available at the University of Strathclyde, fully funded by EPSRC and Leonardo UK. It focuses on fundamental and algorithmic research into novel neuromorphic spiking neural network processing for infra-red event-driven cameras. This is a full-time PhD programme.Eligibility
To be considered for the project, candidates must be highly motivated and should possess a 1st Class Honours undergraduate degree or MSc Distinction (or international equivalent) in:
- engineering
- computer science
- mathematics
- physics
- a closely related subject
Outstanding candidates with an upper 2nd Class degree may also be considered.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be a UK national and have been resident in the UK for the last five years.
Project Details
The aim of this PhD studentship is to research the combination of an infrared event-driven camera (EDC) with data processing algorithms based on neuromorphic (NM) processing and Spiking Neural Networks (SNN), addressing EPSRC’s mission inspired challenges for AI, Digitisation & Data.
Event-driven detection and NM processing are finding applications in several engineering problems concerned with the detection of movement, alignment, tracking and autonomous navigation. Although EDC are now commercially available, they are limited to the visible and near-infrared detection band.
An infrared EDC would widen the scope of SNN data processing to areas where infrared detection is essential, for example:
- highspeed tracking of long-range objects
- day/night machine vision: navigation and obstacle avoidance in autonomous vehicles
This studentship builds on the long-standing collaboration between Strathclyde and Leonardo UK in this field.
The student will join the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at Strathclyde and collaborate with Leonardo engineers to develop the industrial collaboration. This exposes the student to different application areas and will equip the student with a sound understanding of both infrared technology and use case requirements.
The student will investigate the broad subjects of EDCs and SNNs and conduct their own initial modelling and demonstrations to establish fundamental understanding, and then proceed to develop and assess SNN algorithms guided by the key research questions.
As a PhD researcher at Strathclyde, the student will be enrolled in the Researcher Development Programme which supports PGR students in their continued personal and professional development, with the additional opportunity of gaining a PG Certificate in Researcher Professional Development.
Funding details
Funding is provided for full tuition fees, along with a competitive tax-free stipend and support for computing equipment, research consumables, business travel and conference attendance.
Supervisors
The academic supervisor will be Dr Gaetano Di Caterina, Director of the Neuromorphic Sensor Signal Processing Lab at Strathclyde.
Industrial supervision will be provided by Leonardo UK.
Apply
Candidates should submit their CV with references, academic transcript and a covering letter outlining their suitability for the position.
Applications should be submitted to Dr Gaetano Di Caterina at gaetano.di-caterina@strath.ac.uk. Following review of the application submissions, selected candidates will be invited for interview.
Number of places: 1
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