[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided. Funded by EPSRC.] Project Overview: This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University, sponsored by EPSRC, focuses on the critical challenge of fall detection for older adults using advanced vibration-based sensing. The project aims to understand how the structural and material properties of floor systems—ranging from timber and composite to reinforced concrete—affect the vibration signatures generated by human falls and everyday activities. Unlike previous research that assumes uniform floor conditions, this study will address the real-world variability in building structures, including differences in stiffness, damping, and boundary conditions, and how these factors influence the transmission and detectability of vibration signals. Research Approach: The successful candidate will combine experimental studies on various floor systems, finite element simulations of vibration propagation, and AI-based signal analysis. The goal is to develop a physics-informed understanding of the relationship between structural behaviour and the accuracy of AI models for fall detection. This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of civil engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, and computer science, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to both fundamental research and practical applications in health and safety. Supervision and Environment: The project will be supervised by Dr Haoyu Huang (Lecturer in Structural Engineering) and Professor Sean Wilkinson (Professor in Structural Engineering), both based in the School of Engineering at Newcastle University. The university provides a vibrant research environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and computational resources. Funding and Duration: The studentship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. The award duration is four years, starting on 1st October 2026. Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. The admissions process is contextual, considering key competencies and experience alongside academic qualifications. Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills are essential. A Masters qualification is not required if the candidate has a minimum 2:1 degree or can demonstrate equivalent experience. Non-native English speakers must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may need an ATAS certificate. Application Process: Interested candidates should apply via the Newcastle University funding page by 18 February 2025. Prepare your academic transcripts, CV, and a personal statement. For further information or to discuss eligibility, contact the supervisors directly.

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided.] PhD Studentship: Structural and Material Influence on Floor Vibration-Based Fall Detection Newcastle University is offering a fully funded PhD studentship focused on the intersection of structural engineering, materials science, and artificial intelligence for fall detection in buildings. This project addresses a critical safety issue for older adults—falls—and aims to improve rapid, reliable detection using vibration-based sensing technologies. The research will investigate how the structural and material characteristics of various floor systems, such as timber, composite, and reinforced concrete, influence the vibration signatures produced by human falls and everyday activities. Unlike previous studies that assume uniform floor conditions, this project will explore the real-world diversity of building systems and their impact on signal transmission and detectability. The successful candidate will conduct experimental studies on different floor systems, utilize finite element simulations to model vibration propagation, and apply AI-based signal analysis to classify and interpret vibration data. The goal is to develop a physics-informed understanding of how structural behaviour affects the accuracy of fall detection algorithms. The project is supported by the EPSRC and offers 100% coverage of tuition fees, a tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), and additional funding for project costs. Applicants should have at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant discipline, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or computer science. Prior research or work experience, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities are highly valued. International candidates must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills) and may need ATAS clearance for visa purposes. The studentship will commence on 1st October 2026 and is expected to last four years. To apply, visit the Newcastle University funding page and click the 'Apply' button. Prepare your academic transcripts, CV, and evidence of English proficiency if required. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, contact the supervisors to discuss possible exemptions. The application deadline is 18 February 2026. Supervision will be provided by Dr Haoyu Huang (Lecturer in Structural Engineering) and Prof Sean Wilkinson (Professor in Structural Engineering), both based in the School of Engineering at Newcastle University. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to innovative research at the interface of engineering and health technology, with significant real-world impact.

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University investigates the structural and material influence on floor vibration-based fall detection, a critical area for improving safety and emergency response for older adults. The project is sponsored by EPSRC and offers 100% coverage of tuition fees plus a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs provided. The research aims to advance understanding of how different floor systems—ranging from timber and composite to reinforced concrete—affect the vibration signatures produced by human falls and everyday activities. Unlike previous studies that assume uniform floor conditions, this project recognizes the diversity in real building structures, including variations in stiffness, damping, and boundary conditions, which fundamentally shape vibration signal transmission and detection. The successful candidate will combine experimental studies on various floor systems, finite element simulations of vibration propagation, and AI-based signal analysis to develop a physics-informed framework for fall detection accuracy. The project is supervised by Dr Haoyu Huang (Lecturer in Structural Engineering) and Professor Sean Wilkinson (Professor in Structural Engineering), both from the School of Engineering at Newcastle University. The research will contribute to safer building environments and more reliable fall detection systems, with potential impact on healthcare and emergency response. Eligibility requires a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, with value placed on prior experience, research enthusiasm, and independent thinking. Excellent analytical and communication skills are essential. A Masters qualification is not mandatory if the candidate can demonstrate relevant experience. Applicants whose first language is not English must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may need an ATAS clearance certificate for visa purposes. The studentship starts on 1st October 2026 and lasts for four years. To apply, visit the Newcastle University funding page and click the 'Apply' button. Prepare your supporting documents and contact the supervisors if you wish to discuss alternative qualifications or experience. Ensure you meet all English language and visa requirements. The application deadline is 18 February 2026.