Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry & Society News Archive
University of Southampton - Research Studentship
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
SCHOOL OF GEOGRAPHY
RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP
Evacuation simulation modelling
Supervisors – Dr Hugh Lewis (Engineering Sciences) and Prof Peter Atkinson (Geography)
A PhD studentship is now available in the Astronautics Research Group, School of Engineering Sciences (SES), which is jointly funded by the School of Geography, fully covers University tuition fees (at EU/UK level**) and provides a tax-free bursary of £12,600 per year, rising annually in line with the UK Government (EPSRC) recommended rate, for a three-year duration.
- EU/UK fees £3240 p.a., overseas fee £13250 p.a. (figures subject to increase). Overseas applicants will need to provide the fees difference of £10,010.
The Astronautics Group has established a leading international reputation in modelling and understanding the consequences of the impact of near-Earth objects (NEOs). The previous work has focused on identifying the number of casualties and the loss of infrastructure that occurs at a global and regional level. Whilst the probability of a NEO impact in our lifetime is low, many of the impact-induced effects, such as earthquakes, tsunamis and high winds, occur relatively frequently around the globe as a result of other natural disasters. Consequently, work aimed at mitigating NEO impact effects can also help the response to a variety of natural disasters. This new PhD project aims to build on the previous work by investigating the effects of a NEO impact at the local level. However, in order to move to this finer scale, it will be important to take account of the dynamics of the impact effects, their lead-times, interaction with the environment (e.g. the topology and infrastructure) and the evacuation of the population. To identify appropriate evacuation schemes a variety of methods can be investigated, for example software agents for modelling individuals or family units within the population, and genetic algorithms for optimal routing. In addition, remotely sensed data of natural disasters can provide data for empirical models of damage.
SES and the School of Geography are top 5*/5 rated research schools with international reputations. The successful candidate will work with a group of highly motivated, first class research students in the areas of computer simulation, remote sensing and astronautics. The Schools are diverse communities that are committed to creating an inclusive working and learning environment in which all individuals are equally treated and valued, and can achieve their potential. We consider all studentship applications in relation to academic criteria and regardless of the individual’s race, gender, or belief.
Entry requirements: The studentship is available to candidates with the equivalent of a first class or upper second class degree in relevant disciplines, e.g. Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or Geography. The studentship is at the standard EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) rate, commencing on 1 April 2008 Closing date for applications: 25 January 2008
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Hugh Lewis, Astronautics Research Group, SES, University of Southampton, Email: hglewis@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44-(0)23-8059-3880.
How to apply: An on-line application form (or hard copy version) can be accessed from the following site: http://www.soton.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/pgappforms.html .
Applications will only be considered on receipt of a completed application form.
Please send supporting documents by email, fax or post to the following address:
Julia Zimbler, Postgraduate Admissions, Graduate School Office, School of Engineering Sciences, Room 5013, Lanchester Building, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
Email: jfz@soton.ac.uk, Fax: +44-(0)23-8059-5167.
Please include a personal statement (~300 words) stating why you particularly want to do a PhD, why you think you are suited to a research degree and what particularly attracts you to this project.
Please also visit the SES homepage: http://www.soton.ac.uk/ses/ for further information about research groups, research programmes, details of funded opportunities, and studentships.
