PhD Student Bursary

Call for Applications

The Intelligent Computer Systems Centre and the Aerospace Manufacturing Research Centre in The Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the University of the West of England, Bristol, in cooperation with Airbus UK, are pleased to solicit applications for a EPSRC Industrial CASE bursary to support research leading to a PhD. The PhD project will involve close liaison with the Airbus wing design team based at Filton (near the UWE Campus). Airbus are currently developing the world's largest civil aircraft, the A380, which is due to fly in 2005. The research project will address some of the design challenges that currently face Airbus in developing world class products in increasingly short timescales.

The successful applicant will conduct original research using computerized modelling, inference, and learning techniques in relationship to monitoring of complex aircraft subsystems. The research effort will range over 3 years, including 3 months placement at Airbus, where techniques can be evaluated on industrial models and test rigs.

Results of these efforts will bear on early design (subsystem design concept selection), specification and procurement of functional systems, and actual implementation and utilization of these systems. Relevant technologies include causal and Bayesian networks, Bond graphs, machine learning, and complexity theory. An ideal candidate would have experience with these all technologies, and aerospace systems in general. However, candidates with appropriately strong mathematical backgrounds and familiarity with many of the relevant concepts will be considered.

Applications are welcome from candidates with appropriate backgrounds who also meet EPSRC CASE eligibility requirements, which include relevant connection with UK (usually established by UK residence), a degree at 2:1 or better (or equivalent) , and ability to start PhD study by 31 March 2003.

Further information and electronic application forms are available from Dr Robert E. Smith, e-mail: robert.smith@....

See the ICSC web site (www.cems.uwe.ac.uk/icsc) for more details.