Adaptive embedded hardware systems for Net Zero

Overview

The CO2 emissions from manufacture (the so-called embodied carbon) of end-user ICT devices makes up the majority of their carbon footprint over the typical current useful life of such devices.

To achieve sustainable ICT, in addition to reducing run time energy consumption, it is therefore essential to extend the active life, ideally to several decades.

The projects

These two PhD projects aim to develop a novel adaptive embedded hardware system, which will be equipped with a low-level hardware monitoring system together with a multi-level self-healing and diagnostics capabilities for adaptation of embedded software and hardware during run-time.

Our vision with this project is to demonstrate the possibility of extending the lifetime of IoT devices from several years to several decades through a combination of novel hardware/software co-design approach and machine learning based self-healing techniques.

The proposed projects will not only be providing the ability to reliably operate the embedded systems in complex practical environment with cost-effective manner, but also accurately assess the degradation of any given device, enabling the repurposing of devices with reduced capabilities for new tasks, therefore, it will enable a drastic reduction in the embodied carbon of IoT devices, and the Circular Economy, as our technology will allow devices to be repurposed repeatedly throughout their useful life.

The successful applicant will receive a full PhD Studentship, including full tuition fee discount for three years of study, a stipend payment towards your living costs and Proficio funding towards training, conferences, and travel.

Funding

The funding for this studentship consists of:

• Home or Overseas tuition fee waiver.
• Living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year. The stipend amount for 2024-25 is £19,237.

In addition you will receive a training bursary via Proficio funding, which may be used to cover the cost of advanced skills training including conference attendance and travel.

How to apply

You can apply for this postgraduate research opportunity online.

Applicants should select full-time ‘PhD in Computer Science Oct 24’ when applying and (when asked for your ‘proposed research topic or area of research’) state the studentship title at the top of this advert.

Applications MUST include the following documents to be uploaded:

• Research proposal of no more than 2 pages (Font 11, Single line spacing), outlining suggested research focus(es), approach(es) and/or studies that applicants would be interested to include within this PhD.
• CV including research experience, skills, and publications (if any).
• Link to a repository (e.g. Github) that evidences your coding project experience.
• Covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria for the studentship.
• Transcripts of any undergraduate or masters’ programmes.

Application closing date: 23rd May 2024.

Full Details

Please read the full terms and conditions before applying for or accepting a scholarship or bursary. They contain important information about eligibility, how to apply and how you'll receive your funding.

• CSEE Adaptive Embedded Hardware Systems for Net Zero Studentship T&Cs 2024-25.pdf

If you're a current student looking for information about an award you received, see our terms and conditions for previous years.