Postgraduate Opportunities
Newcastle University
Supervisor(s): Professor Anya Hurlbert
Institute: Institute of Neuroscience
Sponsor: EPSRC
Project Start Date: 1 October 2008
Duration of Award: 3 Years
Project Description
The aim of the project is to understand how humans perceive material properties of natural objects. In particular, how the human visual system uses surface colour, texture and shading to recognise objects or gauge their ripeness or roughness, and how perception of these visual attributes is influenced by object familiarity. The project will combine psychophysical studies of human visual perception, computational modelling of surface properties including spatiochromatic texture, and hyperspectral imaging.
The project links to an EPSRC-funded project on the interaction between chromatic texture and shape perception in object recognition, and to a collaboration with Unilever on material appearance. It provides interdisciplinary training at the interface between psychology and computer vision.
Person Specification
Interested candidates with backgrounds in psychology, engineering, mathematics or a natural science are encouraged to apply. Candidates must have good computing skills, an enthusiasm for understanding human visual perception, and hold an upper-second-class or higher degree, or equivalent.
Value of the Award
Due to funding criteria, this award is only available to UK and EU applicants. The award covers fees and an annual stipend (starting at £12,940). Non-UK EU nationals must be resident in the UK for three years prior to the start of the studentship to qualify for the full award. If they do not meet this condition, they will be eligible for a fees only award.
How to Apply
You must complete the University’s postgraduate application form (www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply), selecting ‘PhD Faculty of Medical Sciences (full time)’ as the programme of study and inserting the reference number ION56. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) and a CV, a covering letter and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications must be attached. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number ION56 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
You should also send your covering letter and CV to Nigel Lamond, Postgraduate Secretary, Institute of Neuroscience, Henry Wellcome Building, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, or by email to nigel.lamond@ncl.ac.uk.
Closing Date: 16 June 2008
Further Information
Enquiries may be made to Nigel Lamond (nigel.lamond@ncl.ac.uk) or Professor Anya Hurlbert (anya.hurlbert@ncl.ac.uk)
Funding information
- Funding applies to:
- EU applicants (including UK)
