Project details
This project involves app development for identification and automatic scoring of severity in anterior/posterior circulation stroke.
We aim to study all aspects of stroke symptoms and current standards of objective assessments to explore if this is feasible to use smart phone technologies to make early diagnosis for stroke. For example the vibratory mode of mobile phone can be used for quantifying sensory deficit such as facial palsy, accelerometer and gyros can be used for arm and leg balance/coordination assessment, signal processing techniques can be used for detecting slur in voice and image processing for vision disturbance assessment.
Early recognition of posterior circulation stroke may prevent disability and save lives. The history of scores can be utilized to monitor the effectiveness of treatment methods and quantify a patient’s improvement or decline.
Download the full project description (pdf 261kb).
The closing date for applications is 1 December 2024.
Supervisors
Professor Venky Dubey is deeply fascinated by the world of robots, making robotics his primary area of research. While he has a keen interest in all aspects of robotics, his current research focuses on dexterous robot hands and tactile sensors for specialized applications. Together with intelligent interfaces, these technologies are designed for a variety of end-user applications, with the goal of relieving operators from monotonous and potentially hazardous working environments, enhancing both safety and security. A prime example of this work is the development of a multi-fingered robotic hand for the Atomic Weapons Establishment of the Ministry of Defence.
Recently, Professor Dubey has directed his research toward robotics for medical applications. Supported by the Global Research Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Collaboration Development Award from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, he is collaborating with experts from the University of Delaware (USA). He also works closely with local hospitals in Bournemouth, Poole, and Salisbury on the development of medical devices aimed at improving patient care. Professor Dubey is passionate about teaching design-related engineering subjects, especially those involving mechatronic devices, which offer insights into emerging technologies and innovative ideas. He also serves on the conference organization committees for the ASME (Mechanism & Robotics) and the IEEE (Rehabilitation Robotics).
Funding
A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £18,622 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 months.
Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.
Academic support
The Research Development Programme, developed by the Doctoral College in line with the Researcher Development Framework (Vitae).An added benefit is the opportunity to meet researchers from other academic schools at BU through the activities of the Doctoral College and benefit from their experiences, skills, and perspectives.
Full entry requirements
The BU PhD and MRes Studentships are open to UK, EU and International students.
Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree (or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent
- An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.
In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.
Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (approximately 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.
Please note:
- current BU Doctoral students are not eligible to apply for a Studentship
- current MRes/MPhil students can apply, subject to satisfactory completion of their Research Degree prior to being able to take up the award
- PhD Studentships cannot be used to support BU staff to complete doctoral programmes
International entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 (with a minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.
View further information about our English language requirements.
A number of pre-sessional English and preparatory programmes are offered through our partner institution, Bournemouth University International College, and will get you ready for study at BU at the appropriate level.
You can also find further details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our postgraduate entry requirements page.
How to apply
Click the green ‘Apply now’ button at the top of the page and complete the online application form. You can find further guidance about applying for a postgraduate research degree in our Postgraduate Research section.
The closing date for applications 1st of December 2024.
Careers
A research degree can open new career opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy, or could lead you to starting your own business. You may alternatively consider a career in academia. You may wish to undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a specialist subject, or develop your employability by enhancing your skills in project management and analysis.
