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We are offering a self-funded PhD position with our Institute of Digital Futures, focusing on developing AI-powered social virtual humans to enhance immersive experiences for children.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

If you have any questions about the project or would like to arrange an informal discussion, please reach out to Dr Nadine Aburumman at nadine.aburumman@brunel.ac.uk or at chiara.bulgarelli@bbk.ac.uk.

Research area

Neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, ADHD, and aggression affect up to 10% of the UK population, and have harmful and long-lasting impacts on mental health.

This project aims to develop AI-powered virtual avatars to help children with these conditions practise social skills in natural scenarios. Using responsible AI, you will create age-appropriate behaviours for child avatars through natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning.

Project description

You will play a key role in advancing research on how AI can be used to create believable and responsible virtual avatars for children. This project aims to develop a social virtual human that uses natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to provide age-appropriate behaviour and personalised responses. This platform will help children practise social skills and inform families, carers, and organisations involved in early childhood development.

Key focus areas

As a PhD candidate, you will focus on:

• AI algorithms for virtual avatars: Develop and refine natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to create lifelike and responsible virtual avatars
• Behaviour design: Design believable behaviours for child virtual avatars that provide responsible dialogue and personalised responses
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Work with experts in computer science, psychology, and user-centred design to develop comprehensive solutions
• User studies: Conduct trials with children to gather feedback and refine the virtual avatars

Research approach

This project employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining advanced AI techniques with insights from psychology and user-centred design to enhance social interaction for children. You will:

• Develop AI algorithms: Create and optimise NLP and machine learning algorithms for virtual avatars
• Design behaviours: Ensure the virtual avatars exhibit believable and responsible behaviours
• Conduct user studies: Gather and analyse data from children to assess the effectiveness of the virtual avatars
• Collaborate across disciplines: Work with interdisciplinary teams to integrate findings from various fields, ensuring a holistic approach to the research

Who we're looking for

Are you a motivated and passionate individual with a keen interest in AI and early childhood development? We are looking for someone like you to join our research team. To be successful in this role, you should have a master's degree in computer science, psychology, or a related discipline. While previous experience in conducting research, especially in AI applications or early childhood development, is highly valued, it is not a strict requirement.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: /research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.