Charisma Choudhury

The University of Leeds is offering a fully-funded PhD scholarship focused on modelling travel behaviour in a changing climate using emerging data sources. This opportunity is led by Professor Charisma Choudhury, UKRI Future Leader Fellow, in collaboration with Dr Yu Wang and Dr Roger Cremades. The research is based at the Choice Modelling Centre (CMC) and the Institute for Transport Studies at Leeds. The project aims to develop next-generation mathematical models of travel behaviour, leveraging new frameworks that integrate choice modelling, ubiquitous computing, and machine learning. The research will utilise passively generated real-world mobility traces (from public transport smart cards, mobile phones, etc.), neurophysiological signals, and virtual reality to model decision-making in future scenarios, including emergency situations such as natural disasters and acute transport network disruptions. Key research areas include travel behaviour, climate change adaptation, data fusion, and the use of advanced technologies like VR and wearable sensors to capture cognitive states and collective behaviour. The project seeks to address limitations in current behaviour models by incorporating psychological factors, impulsive decision-making, and more realistic data sources. The scholarship is open to both local and international applicants, with funding provided by the UKRI Future Leader Fellowship. The total project value is £594,419, covering tuition and stipend for the duration of the PhD (May 2025–May 2028). Applicants should have a strong background in engineering, computer science, environmental science, or related fields, and an interest in travel behaviour modelling, machine learning, or climate change adaptation. To apply, candidates should complete the pre-screening form linked in the comments section of the LinkedIn post. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis, and early application is encouraged. For more information, visit the provided project and LinkedIn links.