Inclusive Streets by Design: Evaluating System-Level Impacts on Individuals with Impaired Mobility Using Agent-Based Modelling University of Liverpool in United Kingdom

This funded PhD position at the University of Liverpool focuses on advancing inclusive street design for individuals with impaired mobility, such as wheelchair users, people with walking aids, and older adults. The project aims to develop an integrated, impairment-aware urban design decision framework that quantifies the impact of street interventions on urban permeability, road-user interactions, and access to opportunities. Using Liverpool as a case study, the research combines Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) with a policy-centred 2.5D interactive geovisualisation tool, in collaboration with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The successful candidate will develop an ABM to measure how redesigning street space for people with impairments alters pedestrian and vehicular movement. The geovisualisation tool will help communicate spatial changes and make ABM results actionable for policymakers, local authorities, and community stakeholders. The project builds on ongoing work by the supervisory team and a current PhD student, leveraging street view imagery for obstacle detection and accessibility analysis.

Applicants should have, or be due to obtain, an MSc or MD in Urban Geography, Geoinformatics, Geographic Data Science, Urban Analytics, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Outstanding candidates with a BSc degree may also be considered. Proficient scripting skills in Python, R, or Java are required, along with a strong motivation and interest in Agent-Based Modelling (prior experience not necessary).

The PhD Studentship is funded by The North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), covering full tuition fees and a maintenance grant for 3.5 years at UKRI standard rates (£20,780 pa. for 2025-26) for both Home and International students. Additional funding is available through a Research Training Support Grant for consumables, conference attendance, and more. Candidates with disabilities may be eligible for a Disabled Students Allowance to support additional needs.

The University of Liverpool is committed to diversity and inclusion, supporting reasonable project adaptations for students with caring responsibilities, disabilities, or other personal circumstances. The institution encourages applications from all backgrounds.

To apply, register and submit your application online for the Geography (Desk based) - Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) programme, selecting Research Degree (MPhil/PhD/MD) as the application type and Full-time as the study mode. Include the project title and reference number SOES005. The application deadline is April 30, 2026, or earlier if a suitable candidate is identified. For enquiries, contact Dr. Gabriele Filomena at [email protected], including 'SOES005' in the subject line.