PhD: Exploring effective communication and visualisation for flood risk management amongst transient populations using eXtended reality via FindAPhD

University of Chester

Chester, UK 🇬🇧

About the Project

Transient populations in the UK have long been a difficult group to effectively communicate flood risk to due to their short residence in a single place. Individuals on short breaks, holiday homeowners, static and touring caravan residents and day visitors are among those within this group who have been overlooked in terms of scholarly research and in terms of delivering practical solutions in flood risk areas. It can be difficult for those who have never experienced a flood to understand the risk even shallow water can pose to an individual or dwelling. eXtended Reality technologies (AR, VR, XR) present innovative technology-based solutions which can simulate flood risk in ways which effectively communicate personal risk, raise awareness, and increase flood preparedness for transient populations.

This exciting PhD opportunity will involve developing an eXtended Reality application, working with local stakeholders in North Wales, to co-produce effective visualisation methods and communication strategies for flood risk management. Primary qualitative and/ or quantitative research will assess how such technologies can effectively communicate flood awareness and management for vulnerable communities.   

This project will be jointly supervised by Professor Nigel John (Computer Science), Dr Katharine Welsh (Geography and Environment), and Dr Daniel Bos (Geography and Environment).  

Qualifications & Eligibility

Essential:

  • BSc/BA (2i or above) in Geography, Environmental Sciences, Computer Sciences, Engineering or allied disciplines.

Desirable:

  • Master’s degree
  • Experience with Unity (or equivalent), authoring and producing VR/AR applications.
  • Qualitative and Quantitative research methods.
  • Knowledge and understanding of flood risk communication strategies.
  • Understanding of the challenges of communicating flood risk to transient populations.
  • Good reading, writing and communication skills.
  • Ability to work as part of a team of cross-disciplinary experts.
  • Ability to liaise effectively with the general public and stakeholders.
  • Able to work independently and travel between University and stakeholder sites.

Application process

A completed University of Chester Postgraduate Research Degree application form including contact details of two referees. Candidates should apply online by clicking the button below and quoting reference number as above. 

Further information

Prospective applicants are encouraged to initially contact Dr Daniel Bos, d.bos@chester.ac.uk to discuss the project further. For general enquiries contact Postgraduate Research Admissions, University of Chester at pgradmissions@chester.ac.uk


Funding Notes

Fees
The successful applicant will receive a bursary, to cover UK up to 3 years full time / 6 years part time. All fees due above the UK rate will normally be paid by the Student.
Stipend
For the academic year 2022/23 the stipend will be £17,668 as determined by the National Minimum Doctoral Stipend specified by UKRI and will be subject to an inflationary increase in October each year up to a maximum of a 4% increase per annum.


POSITION TYPE

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DEGREE REQUIRED

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