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

This PhD project, based at the University of Liverpool's Department of Geography and Planning, investigates how inclusive street design can transform urban mobility for individuals with impaired mobility, such as wheelchair users, those with walking aids, and older adults. The research aims to develop an integrated, impairment-aware urban design decision framework that quantifies the impact of street design interventions on urban permeability, road-user interactions, and access to opportunities at the street-segment scale. Outputs will be tailored for policymakers, local authorities, and community stakeholders, using Liverpool as a case study city.

The project combines two innovative layers: the development of an Agent-Based Model (ABM) to simulate how redesigning street space for people with impairments affects pedestrian and vehicular movement, and the implementation of a policy-centred 2.5D interactive geovisualisation tool to make these changes understandable and actionable for stakeholders. The candidate will collaborate with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and may consult with organisations advocating for disabled rights. This research builds on ongoing work by the supervisory team and a current PhD student, focusing on street-level accessibility and leveraging street view imagery for obstacle detection.

The studentship is funded by The North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), covering full home tuition fees (£5,006 per annum for 2025-26) and a maintenance grant at UKRI standard rates (£20,780 per annum for 2025-26) for 3.5 years. Both Home and International students are eligible, and additional funding is available for research training, consumables, and conference attendance. Disabled Students Allowance may be available for eligible candidates. The University of Liverpool is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering support and reasonable project adaptations for students with disabilities, caring responsibilities, or other personal circumstances.

Applicants should have an MSc or MD in Urban Geography, Geoinformatics, Geographic Data Science, Urban Analytics, Computer Science, or a related field. Outstanding candidates with a BSc may also be considered. Proficiency in Python, R, or Java is required, along with a strong motivation for Agent-Based Modelling (prior experience not required). The application deadline is April 15, 2026, or earlier if a suitable candidate is found. For queries, contact Dr. Gabriele Filomena at [email protected], referencing SOES005.

To apply, register and submit your application online for the Geography (Desk based) - Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) programme, specifying the project title and reference number SOES005. You will receive an email acknowledgment upon submission.