Connectionists: 6 Available PhD Positions at the Intersection of Psychology, AI, and Computer Science

[Amir Aly]

*Dear All, *
**Apologies for cross-posting**
*Applications are invited for three-year PhD studentships at the University
of Plymouth, UK. *
*The studentships will start on Wednesday 1 October 2025.*
*The closing date for applications is Friday 9 May 2025 (midnight, UK
time).*
A list of projects can be found below. It is essential that candidates
discuss their proposal/plans with their intended supervisor(s), prior to
writing their proposal and submitting an application. The school can only
consider PhD research proposals that have the support of a supervisor (see
required documents).
-------------------------------------------------
*1- AI-Based Analysis of Voice Biomarkers in Neurodevelopmental Disorders*

This interdisciplinary PhD project will harness Artificial Intelligence
(AI) methodologies to analyse vocal patterns within clinical populations,
specifically targeting Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The project aims to develop
innovative diagnostic models, such as deep learning models, that accurately
identify and differentiate unique vocal characteristics to each disorder
utilising extensive and varied datasets of autistic, ADHD and neurotypical
people, enhancing our understanding and diagnostic capabilities for these
conditions.

Candidates should have a basic knowledge in AI and machine learning
techniques, especially those applicable to audio processing and speech
analysis. While knowledge of psychological or neurological principles is
advantageous, it is not compulsory.

The candidate will be part of a collaboration between Clinical Psychology
and Computer Science, offering a unique chance to pioneer in the
application of AI to clinical diagnostics. This interdisciplinary effort
aims to push the boundaries of how machine learning can improve
understanding and treatment strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders.
*- Contact: Dr. Gray Atherton*, gray.atherton at plymouth.ac.uk
*2-  Virtual Reality Training for Spatial Familiarity with Autistic
Individuals*
This PhD project aims to develop a virtual reality (VR) training program to
help autistic individuals navigate unfamiliar spaces with reduced anxiety
as well as explore new imaginary spaces that can build confidence.
Utilising VR technology, the project will recreate common environments to
allow participants to engage with these spaces in a safe and controlled
setting. The use of a VE2 walking treadmill will intensify the realism of
the experience, enabling participants to physically walk through these
virtual spaces, thereby improving spatial familiarity and comfort.

Candidates are expected to have a foundational understanding of VR
programming, including expertise in Unity. Skills in integrating
sophisticated sensory technologies such as eye-tracking and face
recognition are appreciated, as they will be used to tailor and adapt
scenarios based on real-time user reactions and interactions. This role
calls for a blend of technical acumen and creative problem-solving,
offering a chance to pioneer VR applications that extend beyond
entertainment into therapeutic settings.

This interdisciplinary initiative bridges the gap between Clinical
Psychology and Computer Science, offering candidates an opportunity to
pioneer methods that could significantly advance therapeutic practices for
neurodevelopmental disorders.

*- Contact: Dr. Liam Cross*, liam.cross at plymouth.ac.uk
*3- Enhancing Social Interaction for Autistic Individuals through
Anthropomorphic Augmented Reality *

This PhD project seeks to explore how autistic individuals often show a
preference for interacting with non-human entities such as animals,
cartoons, and robots, possibly due to the simpler social cues and lack of
negative biases associated with human faces. Leveraging these insights, the
project will develop an augmented reality (AR) application designed to
overlay human faces with non-human characteristics, thereby enhancing
comfort, social attention, and engagement among autistic participants.

We are seeking a PhD candidate proficient in AR technologies, with hands-on
experience in platforms like Hololens, and a good foundation in computer
science. The successful candidate will be driven by a desire to apply
cutting-edge AR solutions to real-world challenges in education and
healthcare settings. The candidate will engage in developing complex AR
interfaces and utilise user-centred design principles to create
applications that significantly improve social interactions for autistic
individuals. Familiarity with the psychological aspects of autism will be
crucial in customizing the technology to meet user needs effectively.
*- Contact: Dr. Gray Atherton*, gray.atherton at plymouth.ac.uk
*4-* *Examining Cohesion and Authoritarianism through Synchronised VR
Interactions*
This project seeks to explore how moving in synchrony with others within a
virtual reality (VR) environment influences social behaviour, enhancing
cohesion and potentially promoting obedient tendencies. The research will
employ VR to simulate scenarios where participants can engage in
synchronized activities, studying the psychological effects of these
interactions. These effects have historical significance in contexts such
as war, riots, an other scenarios. The project will manipulate
environmental factors, virtual agents, and reward systems to observe how
these controlled variables influence behaviours related to conformity and
personal control.

We are looking for a PhD candidate with a good experience in VR
programming, tools and platforms, interested in using this technology to
probe the complex dynamics of human behaviour and applying their technical
skills to investigate social psychological phenomena. This
interdisciplinary initiative provides a unique opportunity to explore how
synchronized movements in virtual environments can shape social behaviours
and influence group dynamics, enhancing our understanding of technology's
role in social cohesion and control.

*- Contact: Dr. Liam Cross*, liam.cross at plymouth.ac.uk
*5*- *Pure Fantasy: Harnessing VR to Explore and Enhance the Ideal Self in
Autistic Individuals*
This innovative project taps into the enduring popularity of Dungeons &
Dragons (D&D), particularly within the autism community, to explore and
enhance self-concept through immersive virtual reality (VR). D&D has long
served as a valuable tool for autistic individuals to experiment with their
identities and improve social skills. Our project aims to create a
groundbreaking VR D&D experience that allows players to design avatars
embodying traits they aspire to develop or accentuate. Leveraging the
Proteus effect, which suggests that the characteristics of an avatar can
influence a user’s behaviour, this study will observe how players navigate
complex social interactions and quests within a richly detailed virtual
world. Players will physically navigate this world using VE2 treadmills,
enhancing the immersion and physicality of the experience.

We seek a PhD candidate with good skills in VR development, eager to push
the boundaries of what VR can achieve in psychological and therapeutic
contexts. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with the Computer
Sciences department at the University of Plymouth to refine VR paradigms
and should possess an interest in the psychological aspects of VR
immersion, specifically how it relates to behaviour change and self-concept
in special populations. This interdisciplinary initiative offers a unique
opportunity to explore the intersection of technology, psychology, and
role-playing games, aiming to provide meaningful insights into how virtual
experiences can influence real-world behaviour and self-perception.
*- Contact: Dr. Gray Atherton*, gray.atherton at plymouth.ac.uk
*6- Board games for autistic wellbeing *
Board games offer educational and social benefits, particularly for
neurodiverse players who thrive in structured settings. This project will
establish a board gaming hub for neurodiverse adults, partnering with
clinical services to combine social engagement with mental health support.
There are currently multiple sites and practices in the Devon area and
wider UK keen to take part, and the candidate will have good communication
and organisational skills commiserate with working across sites and
disciplines.

Specifically, we seek a candidate with experience in working with clinical
populations and a passion for board gaming. This role suits those
interested in intervention design, adult social care, and gaming
development for special populations. The candidate will be interested in
understanding how to adapt board games for individuals with different
needs, and how to liase with research teams and clinical health providers
to understand how to most effectively deliver an intervention of this
nature. This role will involve working in schools and  with young people.
*- Contact: Dr. Liam Cross*, liam.cross at plymouth.ac.uk
----------------------------------------------------
*Eligibility and funding*
Applicants should have a first-class honours degree in an appropriate
subject and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification.
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum
English requirements for the programme, an academic IELTS score of 6.5
(with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
The studentship is supported for three years and includes full home tuition
fees plus a stipend of at least £18,655 per annum (2025/26 rate still to be
determined).
*To apply*
To apply, please complete our online application form
<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpgtapply.plymouth.ac.uk%2FWCFWebSite%2FPlymouthOnlineServices%2Fdefault.aspx&data=05%7C02%7Camir.aly%40plymouth.ac.uk%7Cc5a0b33d9e914bfb9edf08dd55c1dcc7%7C5437e7eb83fb4d1abfd3bb247e061bf1%7C1%7C0%7C638761013296511341%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sZtCrVQ5C5%2F%2BW0Vrs7MV5nc3IC%2F4o27UozJmaYDWpWQ%3D&reserved=0>
 for *PhD Psychology *for entry in* October 2025 *and submit the
following mandatory
documents
<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymouth.ac.uk%2Fstudent-life%2Fyour-studies%2Fresearch-degrees%2Fapplicants-and-enquirers&data=05%7C02%7Camir.aly%40plymouth.ac.uk%7Cc5a0b33d9e914bfb9edf08dd55c1dcc7%7C5437e7eb83fb4d1abfd3bb247e061bf1%7C1%7C0%7C638761013296526739%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=s4JGKElHl6Cw5nZ60AHuVsuGIMC1oJMS6g1L6H2RYJ0%3D&reserved=0>
:

   - *A research proposal (max 1,000 words). *Your research proposal should
   contain a short review of relevant literature, research
   questions/hypotheses, overview of methods, and a time plan (all included in
   the word count). Your proposal may also include up to one figure (not
   included in the word count). The proposal should name the suggested
   supervisor(s) and include a reference list (not included in the word
   count). Research proposals that exceed the word count will not be
   considered.
   - *Personal statement. *Please clearly state that you are applying for a
   PhD studentship within the School of Psychology and the name of a
   potential supervisor(s) on the top of your personal statement.
   - *Supervisor support statement. *Please submit a short statement
   (signed and dated) from your intended supervisor in which they confirm that
   they would supervise your PhD project.
   - *Evidence of up-to-date qualifications.*Certificates and transcripts
   for masters or bachelor degrees, plus any relevant professional
   qualifications.
   - *CV/résumé*
   - *English proficiency certificate. *Required for non-UK nationals.
   - *The details of two academic referees.*Please provide names and
   details on the application form.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me

Regards

--------------------------------------------

*Dr. Amir Aly*, PhD, FHEA, SIEEE
Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Programme Manager of Artificial Intelligence
UK and Ireland IEEE RAS Chapter Vice Chair
Director of the Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS)
School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics
Room A307 Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA
University of Plymouth, UK
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