PhD Studentship: Advancing Automation in Aerial Imaging for Marine Litter Detection University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

[Funding comprises ‘Home’ tuition fees, an annual tax-free maintenance stipend (2026/27 rate £20,408) for a maximum of 3 years, and £2,000 per annum to support research training activities.]

This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia offers an exciting opportunity to advance automation in aerial imaging for marine litter detection. The project addresses a critical environmental challenge—marine litter—and aims to develop scalable, automated methods for data collection and analysis to better understand sources, pathways, and impacts of litter on ocean health.

Supervised by Professor Michal Mackiewicz, the research will build upon existing visible light (VL) deep learning algorithms and extend them to multispectral imaging. Cefas has developed a large training dataset and is establishing a new lab facility to characterize multispectral reflectance of materials. The student will work on developing robust litter detection and classification algorithms, considering the physics of multispectral image formation, including sensor spectral sensitivities, daylight illumination, and material reflectance spectra.

The methodology involves utilizing the current VL database, collecting new multispectral data, and training deep learning algorithms to be robust against real-world illumination changes and device variability. Approaches such as device-independent data representations, transfer learning, and domain adaptation will be explored to ensure the algorithms' adaptability to future imaging devices.

The student will be based in the Colour & Imaging Lab within the School of Computing Sciences, benefiting from expertise in imaging solutions and opportunities to collaborate with scientists and engineers at Cefas. Training will include imaging principles, lab measurement, computer vision, ArcGIS, fieldwork, and UAV flying. The School of Computing Sciences provides a vibrant research environment, collaborating with multinational companies and research institutes, and is a member of the Turing University Network.

Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree in Computer Science or a related field, with experience or interest in environmental monitoring, AI, computer vision, or multispectral imaging. The successful candidate will also contribute to laboratory support activities for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in relevant areas.

Funding is available for 'Home' tuition fees, an annual tax-free maintenance stipend (£20,408 for 2026/27), and £2,000 per annum for research training activities, for up to three years. The application deadline is 18 June 2026, and the start date is 1 October 2026.

To apply, use the University of East Anglia's postgraduate research application portal. Ensure you meet the entry requirements and prepare your CV and supporting documents. For further information, contact the School of Computing Sciences.