This doctoral research will focus on the development, optimisation,andcoordinateddeployment of advancedaerialplatforms, specifically electric vertical take-offandlanding vehicles (eVTOLs)anduncrewedaerialvehicles (UAVs), within the context ofnationalemergencylogistics. The project will examine how these technologies can be integrated with existing infrastructure to support the timelyandeffective delivery of expertise, equipment,andmedical resources inresponseto complexandlarge-scale emergencies across the United Kingdom.
In its initial phase, the research will examine pastandemerging types ofnationalemergenciesandevaluate their spatialandoperational implications. This will include an analysis of UK population distributions, terrain, infrastructure access,andairspace constraints. The student will then develop concepts of operationforthe deployment ofaerialassets in support of first responders, including performance benchmarksforrange, endurance, payload capacity,andresponsetimelines.
Building on this foundation, the project will apply scenario modellingandsimulation techniques to investigateemergencyevent propagation, routing strategies, vehicle-task assignment,andcoordination ofaerialmissions within regulated airspace. These models will support multi-objective optimisation across key dimensions such as time, safety, cost,andcoverage. As the research progresses, the student will contribute to the definition of system specifications, regulatoryandsafety considerations,andthe development of viable businessanddeployment models. Public acceptance, societal trust,andstakeholder engagement will alsoform an integral part of the study.
This is a cross-disciplinary project that sits at the intersection of analytical optimisationanddecision-makingforemergencylogistics, computational modelling of large-scale operational systems,andthe designandcoordination of technology-enabled operations within safety-criticalandregulated environments. It is particularly suited to candidates with academic backgrounds in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Management Science, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or Transportation Engineering. The successful applicant will join a collaborative environment supported by expert supervisionandclose engagement with UKHSAandwidernationalstakeholders.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosureandbarring security check before they can be appointed. Please note that this role also requires a minimum of Security Check vetting. If not already held, the successful candidate will be expected to applyforandobtain Security Check (SC) clearance. FormeaningfulNationalSecurity Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UKfora sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdomforthe last 5 years to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gainingnationalsecurity vetting,andapplicants should discuss with the recruiting managerforfurther advice.
Funding notes
Fundingforthis project is availableforUK studentship fees (only UK fees will be paid,andany additional PhD fee costs where needed must be paid by the successful applicant), a yearly stipend based on the current UKRI rates,anda research trainingandsupport grant.
UKRI rates
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