Torleiv H. Bryne

This PhD project at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology focuses on counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) for protecting civilian critical infrastructure from drone threats. The research is situated in the Department of Engineering Cybernetics and connected to the UAV-lab at NTNU , an established environment with long experience in drone autonomy and beyond-line-of-sight operations. The student will contribute to the project “Managing drone threats to critical infrastructure” , one of four PhD positions within a larger NTNU effort on resilience. The work addresses detection, tracking, mitigation, and interception of drones in complex operating environments shaped by harsh climate and challenging geography. The project is explicitly tied to Norwegian needs and to critical infrastructure contexts such as railroads, bridges, airports, power systems, harbours, and water supplies. The research combines theory, simulation, and practical implementation. Depending on the candidate’s background and interests, the PhD may involve work on drone detection systems , interceptor drones , advanced sensors, data communication systems, and artificial intelligence. The position also involves collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of PhD candidates and researchers across multiple faculties, as well as UAV operators at the lab. The supervision contact named in the advert is Associate Professor Torleiv H. Bryne . The position is embedded in NTNU’s broader technical-scientific environment in Trondheim, with the department contributing to automation, digitalization, and robotization in close cooperation with industry and academia. The role is framed as a full-time doctoral position with academic publication, dissemination, conference participation, and possible teaching-related duties as part of the project. The project is intended to develop and test solutions for a more resilient society by addressing evolving drone threats to critical infrastructure.