EPSRC Industrial-CASE-funded studentship with BBC R&D 

Hyper-realistic visual content coding

Supervisors: Dr Charith Abhayaratne (University of Sheffield), Dr Marta Mrak (BBC R&D)

A PhD studentship funded under the EPSRC Industrial CASE scheme is available within the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Sheffield. The student will be based in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, with supervision provided by Dr Abhayaratne at Sheffield and Dr Mrak at BBC R&D. The student will be expected to spend a considerable period in placements at BBC R&D Labs (in London) over the course of the PhD.

The aim of the project is to research and develop novel technologies that will enable storage and delivery of future visual formats for hyper-realistic visual content enabling support for interaction, remote working, and virtual office collaboration by supporting a rich mix of different content (graphics, computer desktops, animations, mobile phone content as core and overlay sources on top of camera-captured content).

The studentship is funded for 3.5 years and covers tuition fees at the home/EU fee level and an enhanced maintenance allowance (up to 17,090 GBP per annum). Overseas students are expected to pay the difference between home and overseas tuition fees. There is also a generous allowance for travel and equipment.

Entry requirements: Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first class or good 2.1 honours degree in mathematics, computer science, electronic engineering or a relevant discipline. Applicants should have strong mathematical skills and excellent C/C++ programming ability. To apply or to discuss about this project further informally, please email Dr Charith Abhayaratne (c.abhayaratne@sheffield.ac.uk) with your up-to-date CV and a covering letter explaining your research experience and reasons for pursuing PhD in this topic.

The closing date for applications is 24th October 2011. The PhD studentship is available immediately. This studentship will remain open until filled but early application is advised.