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Project Title: the ‘Distraction Free’ Car

WMG is seeking a top class candidate to undertake research leading to the award of an International Engineering Doctorate from the University of Warwick. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary Experiential Engineering team, co-located within a unique energy storage research facility within the University campus.

As a ‘Research Entrepreneur’ on our International Doctorate programme you will have unrivalled access to some of the best teaching and industrial expertise in the world. You will emerge from the four-year programme more confident and better equipped to make a difference to your future employer and the global marketplace.

This opportunity also provides a substantial tax free stipend equivalent to many graduate jobs.

Project

Working with our industrial partners you will contribute to the next generation of In-Vehicle Information Systems.

This will be achieved through a fundamental understanding of the relevant literature enabling the implementation of technological solutions within a new systems and the redesigning of current systems to be more intelligent and effective. How this end goal is achieved is intended to be flexible and adaptable to both industry needs and emerging technologies, but also directed by candidates own research agenda and outcomes.

Background and Scope

Research suggests that driver inattention accounts for almost 80% of passenger vehicle crashes and 65% of near crashes. With the increasing number and complexity of In-Vehicle Information Systems (IVIS,) the issue is only going to come more apparent.

One way this problem can be addressed is by embracing the concept of a ‘Distraction Free’ car, where the IVIS is intelligently designed, situationally aware and the car is considered ‘system’ rather than a series of individual feedback mechanisms.

To some extent the technological challenges of the ‘Smart and Connected’ vehicles are more easily overcome compared to the human factors implications of where, when, how much, how often to present this plethora of collected data to the driver.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

Candidates should have a minimum of an upper second (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a scientific or engineering discipline.

Attributes

• Interested in working in an R&D environment

• High levels of innovative thought and lateral thinking

• Excellent analytical and reporting skills

• Excellent communication skills

• Self-motivated, capable of working with minimal guidance and supervision, and within a team.

• Enthusiasm for the subject

Awards available:  1 award available

Funding Details: Qualifying students receive full fees and an attractive enhanced stipend which could be tax and NI free depending on your personal circumstances, paid by the International Doctorate Centre and topped up by a contribution from the sponsor company. For 2013 this totals approximately £19,000 tax free per annum.

Length of Award: The funding is for four years (EngD) and will also cover University tuition fees and all course fees as well as a travel allowance to attend courses.

Eligibility:  The regulations regarding EPSRC funding require that applicants should be UK or EU citizens to be eligible for EPSRC funding.

Application Details: 

Please contact engd@warwick.ac.uk  before submitting application

Further details about this award can be found on the following webpage: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/education/researchdegrees/idc

Deadline:  31 October 2013