PhD opportunity to advance AI-driven sustainability policy. Analyse energy usage data to design adaptive incentives and effective policies promoting green energy adoption. Gain expertise in data mining, agent-based simulation, and mechanism design at the University of Southampton, driving impactful change in using AI for sustainable practices.

This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to use artificial intelligence (AI) to shape sustainable policies. Working with real-world household data, you will develop AI-driven frameworks that promote green energy adoption and address climate change challenges. This project is ideal for anyone passionate about using AI to create impactful environmental policies.

What You’ll Do, You will explore three core research questions;

- Identifying Policy Gaps Where do existing policies fail to encourage sustainable energy practices? Using data mining and mathematical modelling, you’ll analyse behavioural data to identify regional or demographic gaps in policy effectiveness.

- Evaluating Policy Scenarios Which policies can drive the most sustainable impact? Through agent-based simulation, you’ll test and compare policy scenarios, assessing their effectiveness across diverse community contexts.

- Designing Adaptive Incentives How can incentives be tailored to promote sustainable choices? By applying game theory and mechanism design, you’ll create adaptive incentive schemes that respond dynamically to household behaviours, encouraging green technology adoption.

This research will directly support the development of adaptive, data-driven policies, helping policymakers better understand and improve policy effectiveness. You’ll gain hands-on experience with agent-based simulation, data mining, and mathematical modelling, working within the Agents, Interaction, and Complexity Group (AIC) at the University of Southampton, a leader in multiagent systems research. Refer to related work here Multiagent Climate Change Research;//www.ifaamas.org/Proceedings/aamas2020/pdfs/p1726.pdf

For more details, contact Dr Vahid Yazdanapanh at [email protected]

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a background in computer science, data science, or a related field. The following qualifications are essential

- A Distinction in an MSc or a First-Class BSc/MEng in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related discipline.

- Familiarity with data analysis, agent-based modelling, and mathematical modelling.

Experience with game theory, mechanism design, or sustainability-focused projects is desirable but not essential. We particularly encourage applications from candidates passionate about applying AI to address climate and environmental challenges.

Closing date : (31 March 2024). Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD (Computer Science)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor

Applications should include :

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date