Scaling 3D Intelligence: AI for City-Scale Reconstruction and Generation (WANGC_U26CMP) University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

Join the Colour & Imaging Research Lab at the University of East Anglia for a cutting-edge PhD project at the intersection of 3D computer vision and generative AI. This collaborative initiative with the University of Tokyo aims to revolutionize how artificial intelligence perceives, reconstructs, and generates urban environments. The research integrates geometric reasoning and modern generative models to create intelligent, dynamic digital twins of cities.

The PhD will focus on developing novel algorithms and applications for representing, understanding, and generating urban-scale 3D content. Key objectives include building robust 3D reconstruction pipelines using multi-view imagery, video, or sparse sensor data; investigating multimodal 3D generative models that combine visual, linguistic, and spatial cues; and leveraging neural scene representations for digital twin applications, enabling interactive editing, simulation, and predictive modelling. The project blends fundamental research in 3D representations and generative models with applied innovation in urban modelling and digital technologies, targeting high-impact publications in venues like SIGGRAPH, CVPR, and ICCV.

This PhD forms part of a Royal Society-funded initiative and offers a vibrant research environment within the School of Computing Sciences. The successful candidate will benefit from a three-month research visit to the University of Tokyo, industrial internships with companies such as Adobe, Meta, and Epic Games, and collaborations with urban analytics partners like the National Trust. The School collaborates with multinational companies and research institutes, and is a member of the Turing University Network, advancing world-class research and skills development.

Funding is available to UK applicants through a Faculty of Science studentship, covering home tuition fees, an annual stipend for three years, and a research training support budget. The ideal candidate should hold or be close to completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, applied mathematics, or a related discipline. Experience in artificial intelligence, computer vision, or generative models is highly desirable. The successful candidate will also contribute to laboratory support activities for BSc and MSc courses in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computing Sciences, and Cyber Security.

To apply, submit your application online via the FindAPhD link, including your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter outlining your research interests and suitability. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Cheng Wang at [email protected]. Applications must be submitted by June 18, 2026.