AI-Powered Uncertainty-Aware Adaptive Methods for Property Risk Assessment in Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Resilience (Ref: IRISK-26-LU-08) Loughborough University in United Kingdom

This PhD project at Loughborough University, supervised by Professor Baihua Li and Huili Chen, aims to develop advanced AI-powered methods for property risk assessment in the context of climate change adaptation and disaster resilience. The research addresses key challenges such as fragmented data, uncertainty, and passive data use by investigating uncertainty-aware multimodal data fusion and decision-theoretic data acquisition strategies. By integrating distributed digital data sources with satellite observations and leveraging computer vision techniques, the project enables adaptive and dynamically updateable risk assessment models.

The project is co-designed with industry partners to ensure practical relevance and supports improved decision-making for insurers and policymakers. A predictive case study will demonstrate the value of these methods in real-world scenarios. The research is part of the Informatics for Multi-hazard Risk and Resilience (i-Risk) NERC Doctoral Focal Awards (DFA) in Environmental Sciences, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to climate change adaptation and disaster resilience.

Funding is provided through the UKRI i-Risk Doctoral Focal Award, covering a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum for 3.5 years and tuition fees at the UK rate. Excellent international candidates may be eligible for a full international fee waiver, subject to funding quotas. No bench fees are required. The position is available full-time (3.5 years) or part-time (7 years), and both UK and international applicants are welcome.

Applicants must hold, or expect to soon graduate with, a very good undergraduate or Master’s degree (at least UK 2:1 honours or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject. EU and Overseas applicants must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency. Minimum English language requirements apply, and further details are available on the university’s international website.

To apply, candidates should submit an online application via the Loughborough University portal, selecting 'School of Science' as the programme name and quoting reference IRISK-26-LU-08. Required documents include a two-page personal statement (covering research interests and responses to specific questions), CV, academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English), and IELTS/TOEFL certificate if applicable. Applicants are encouraged to contact supervisors by email to discuss project-specific aspects prior to submitting their application. Interviews are anticipated to be held remotely via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 29 June 2026.

For further information about the i-Risk DFA, visit the project website. For general enquiries, contact [email protected] or [email protected].