EPSRC Dorothy Hodgkin PhD Postgraduate Award in the UK
Overview
Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship for outstanding candidates from India, China, Hong Kong, South Africa, Brazil, Russia and the developing world to study for PhDs in top-rated research environments in the UK.
The studentship is funded through the EPSRC Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards (DHPA) scheme, which aims to bring candidates to the UK from the above countries. The over-riding criterion of the scheme is excellence, and DHPA scholars should be easily recognisable as the `best of the best`. This scholarship is co-funded by EPSRC and Optos and provides a full scholarship and overseas fees over a period of 42 months.
Project Title: Automatic Detection of Features in Retinal Images to Improve Diagnosis of Eye Diseases
Early detection and treatment of eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy, is critical to avoid preventable vision loss. This project aims to develop computer methods (i.e., algorithms) that can automatically extract and detect feature patterns of eye diseases in retinal imaging in order to aid and improve diagnosis of eye diseases in a cost-effective manner. This project will advance the current existing diagnostic methods to include detection of features of diseases in images and classifying these into the most likely causes. As many eye-related diseases and disorders exist, we will restrict ourselves to the most common diseases, which are diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
The candidate must hold a high-grade qualification at least the equivalent or a UK first-class honours degree from a prestigious academic institution (for example, the candidates should be demonstrably in the top 20% of PhD candidates). The candidate will be highly self-motivated and have the required skills to capture and push beyond the current state of the art in the relevant area. The candidate should have excellent mathematical and programming skills.
The candidate should also meet English language requirement (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). During the project, the candidate will work primarily at School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University and interact closely with Optos - a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of ultrawidefield retinal imaging devices. The candidate will also aim to engage with the global research community, publishing the work in the process, and become a recognized champion of the field.
General Enquiries and Applications:
To apply, please complete the Application Form to Study for a Postgraduate Research Degree (quoting reference: PhD/EPSRC/LH/2011 on page two) available from: www.red.mmu.ac.uk/?page_parent=4&page_id=147 and send it to: The RED Office (PGR Admissions), Manchester Metropolitan University, Ormond Building, Lower Ormond Street, Manchester, M15 6BX.
Within the application you should write a 500 word proposal highlighting how you will address this topic of research. Please indicate your interest to work with Dr. Liangxiu Han and Dr. Jano van Hemert in your application form.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Liangxiu Han at the email address: l.han@mmu.ac.uk.
Deadline : June, 30th 2011
