Computer Science: Fully Funded Swansea University and QinetiQ PhD Scholarship: Explainable artificial intelligence for automated knowledge discovery and scientific trend prediction

Funding providers: Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering and QinetiQ 

Subject areas: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science

Project start date: 

• 1 July 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-June)

Supervisors:

• Professor Jiaxiang Zhang (Jiaxiang.zhang@swansea.ac.uk)
• Dr Nicholas Micallef

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Computer Science

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description: 

The number of scientific papers published is increasing rapidly every year. The overwhelming volume of the literature makes it challenging to keep up with the latest research and developments. Working closely with the project partner QinetiQ, this project will combine state-of-the-art machine learning methods, natural language models and image recognition to develop a human-in-the-loop system for systematic reviews and predictive analytics. We envisage that the system will be able to collate and analyse a significant amount of research publications. Furthermore, we expect the system to quantify and extrapolate research trends that may have significant impacts on technology development. Our key objectives are:   

1. Optimise an automated systematic review system that integrates texts, figures and tables from scientific publications and other credible sources;
2. Develop and validate deep neural network models that predict scientific trends and their impacts;
3. Deliver an integrated interface that renders model outputs with explainability, transparency and efficiency.

The project partner, QinetiQ, is a multinational FTSE 250 company with a global workforce exceeding 6000 employees. It offers world-class expertise in advice, services, and innovative technology-based products in the manufacturing, security, defence, finance, energy, and telecom sectors.  This collaborative research initiative signifies QinetiQ's commitment to informed investment in AI and advanced computing. The overarching goal is to pioneer leading-edge solutions, particularly in the domains of application-specific analytics and data science. Through this joint effort, QinetiQ aims to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements in these emerging and critical areas.