Zhou Zhou
6 days ago
PhD in Physics-Aware Graph Neural Networks for Robust Short-Term Visibility Forecasting University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 8, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
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About this position
University of Exeter offers a PhD studentship in Physics-Aware Graph Neural Networks for Robust Short-Term Visibility Forecasting at the Penryn Campus in the United Kingdom.
This project addresses the challenge of forecasting low-visibility events for safe and efficient transport, especially aviation. The research will develop physics-aware spatio-temporal graph neural networks (STGNNs) for 0–6 hour visibility prediction, with an initial focus on low-visibility events below 1000 m in southeast England. The project combines machine learning, atmospheric science, and operational meteorology to improve the reliability and interpretability of short-term forecasts.
The PhD is structured around six linked work packages: characterising low-visibility events and benchmark methods; developing graph-based forecasting models; linking internal ML representations with atmospheric physics; building physics-aware multi-source learning approaches; improving robustness under missing or degraded observations; and evaluating the approach with Met Office scientists for operational translation.
Supervision is led by Dr Zhou Zhou with contributions from Prof. Georgios Efstathiou and Prof. Cyril Morcrette, alongside operational input from Steven Ramsdale at the Met Office. The student will work across Exeter’s data-centric engineering and atmospheric-science communities and may, subject to availability, undertake a Met Office placement or secondment.
Funding is available and includes fees plus a stipend for 2026/7. The stipend amount is stated as £21,805.
The application deadline is 8 December 2026. Applicants should use the University of Exeter application link for full details and submission instructions.
Funding details
Available
How to apply
Apply via the University of Exeter funding/application link. Submit your application before the deadline of 8 December 2026. Use the provided project page for full details and eligibility information.
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Professors
Prof. at University of Exeter
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Fluid Mechanics
Meteorology
Thermal Convection
Large Eddy Simulation
Atmospheric Dynamics
Prof. at University of Exeter
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Statistics
Climatology
Numerical Weather Prediction
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.