Asieh Salehi Fathabadi

This PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton focuses on developing verifiably sustainable autonomous vehicles using formal methods to ensure safety, trust, and resilience. The project is multidisciplinary, integrating computer science, engineering, and social science to address the challenges of safety and public trust in autonomous vehicle systems. Research themes include mathematical modelling and verification of safety properties, modelling user trust and acceptance, and proving system resilience under uncertainty. The project is led by Dr Asieh Salehi Fathabadi, with co-supervision from Professor Pauline Leonard and Dr Vahid Yazdanpanah. Applicants should have a strong background in mathematics, computer science, or engineering, with interests in formal methods, programming, logic, and human-technology interaction. Social science perspectives and interdisciplinary skills are valued. Comprehensive training in formal methods will be provided. The School of Electronics and Computer Science promotes equality, diversity, and inclusivity. Funding is available for UK and international students, including fee waivers and competition-based bursaries and studentships. The application deadline is December 15, 2025, and funding is awarded on a rolling basis. To apply, candidates should submit a research proposal, CV, academic references, transcripts, and English language qualification if required. For more information, visit the university's project page or contact the supervisors.