Publisher
source

University of Leeds

LITAC Studentship

PhD in Optimisation of Light Sources and Spectral Lighting for Visual Inspection University of Leeds in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Fully funded PhD: full academic fees and a maintenance stipend in line with UKRI rates (£21,805 in Session 2026/27 for full-time study, pro-rata for part-time). Full-time funding is for 3 years, with an additional £10,000 LITAC grant spread over the period for dissemination, personal development, and research consumables.

Deadline

Sep 30, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Leeds

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Keywords

Computer Science
Psychology
Materials Science
Medical Imaging
Vision Science
Insurance
Cosmetics
Color Vision
Physics

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of Leeds: Optimisation of Light Sources

This fully funded PhD project in the School of Design and Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) investigates how the spectral characteristics of light can be optimised for visual inspection tasks and how different lighting conditions affect human colour perception and performance.

The project focuses on spectrally tunable lighting, advanced LED lighting systems, metamerism, and applications where accurate colour discrimination matters, including healthcare, textiles, and cosmetics. It also explores potential improvements for colour-deficient observers and accessibility in visual environments.

Funding includes full academic fees, a maintenance stipend in line with UKRI rates, and an additional £10,000 LITAC grant for personal development, dissemination, and research consumables. Full-time awards run for 3 years.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must be eligible for the Home (UK) fee rate, normally hold at least a first-class or upper second-class honours degree in an appropriate discipline, and meet the English language requirement if applicable (IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component or equivalent). Applicants must not already hold a PhD or be currently registered for one.

Key academic staff listed for the project are Professor Stephen Westland and Dr Kaida Xiao. Academic collaborators include researchers from the University of East Anglia, University of Cambridge, and University of Sussex, alongside industrial partners such as Apple, Verivide, and the Society of Dyers and Colourists.

The deadline for the scholarship application is 30 September 2026 at 5pm UK time. Applicants should first apply for a research place of study, then complete the scholarship application after receiving a student ID number.

Funding details

Fully funded PhD: full academic fees and a maintenance stipend in line with UKRI rates (£21,805 in Session 2026/27 for full-time study, pro-rata for part-time). Full-time funding is for 3 years, with an additional £10,000 LITAC grant spread over the period for dissemination, personal development, and research consumables.

What's required

Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate. Applicants should normally hold at least a first-class or upper second-class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline; some research degrees may require a Masters degree. Candidates must not already hold a PhD or be currently registered for one. If English is not the first language, evidence of the minimum English language requirement is required: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component or equivalent, dated within two years of the course start. Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds and be based on campus for a significant portion of each week.

How to apply

First apply for a research place of study through the online application form and state that you want to be considered for the ‘Optimisation of Light Sources’ LITAC project. After receiving your 9-digit student ID number, complete the online scholarship application form. Submit the scholarship application by 5pm UK time on 30 September 2026.

More information can be found here

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