AI Solution to the Problem of Creating Optimal Eyewitness Line-ups

About the Project

Project Overview:

Eyewitness errors are a leading cause of wrongful convictions, with thousands of lives impacted globally. Despite well-documented flaws, eyewitness identifications remain central to criminal investigations. This interdisciplinary PhD project seeks to develop an AI-based system that helps police create scientifically grounded, fairer line-ups – ultimately aiming to reduce the risk of innocent people being wrongly identified and convicted.

What You will Do:

You will work at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence and forensic psychology.

The project involves:

• Using generative image models (e.g., StyleGAN) to create synthetic faces and training machine-learning models.
• Conducting online studies with human participants.

Training and Skills:

This PhD will equip you with highly transferable skills in:

• Machine learning and generative AI.
• Experimental design and human data collection.
• Ethical and interdisciplinary research methods.
• Scientific writing and publication.

You will receive hands-on training and guidance to develop as an independent, creative researcher. Coding experience (e.g., R) is helpful but not essential – we encourage applications from diverse academic backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in tech and academia.

Why This Matters:

This research has the potential to transform how criminal investigations are conducted worldwide. By building technology that supports fairer justice systems, your work could contribute to preventing real-world miscarriages of justice.

Who Should Apply:

We welcome motivated applicants from any background who are curious, open-minded, and passionate about using technology for social good. It is essential that you have working knowledge and experience with machine-learning.

University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 172 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision and training in a number of different forms. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this.

Funding Notes

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in psychology or data/computer science, or a related discipline
• International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements.

The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Psychology via our online application system.

References

Further information:
Insert link to department PhD webpage e.g. School of Biological Sciences PhD webpage

Enquiries:
Dr. Thomas Nyman, email: t.nyman@reading.ac.uk