Computer Vision for Pollination Insects Monitoring

About the Project

Pollinating insects are crucial for agriculture, but current monitoring methods rely on manual techniques that are expensive, labour-intensive, and impractical for large-scale use. This research uses advanced computer vision and multimodal models to analyse existing datasets, integrating environmental factors such as plant species and seasonal variations. Understanding pollinator behavior is essential in the context of climate change, as shifting conditions impact ecosystems and crop productivity. By developing cost-effective and energy-efficient tools, this project aims to enhance understanding of pollination dynamics, providing valuable insights into the relationships between insects, crops, and the environment. The project will conduct field experiments in collaboration with the University of Reading's Sustainable Land Management Department to validate the developed models.

Our primary goals are to: 1) Developing comprehensive, well-annotated datasets of insect behavior, trajectories, and flower interactions, enhanced through data augmentation; 2) designing detection computer vision models with a focus on minimizing computational demands, making them suitable for deployment in energy- and resource-constrained environments; and 3) group behavioural understanding analyse both pollinator behavior and land usage, emphasizing trajectory analysis to interaction patterns.

University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 194 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. 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.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in XXX or a strongly-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 Computer Science via our online application system.

Further information: PhD study in the Department of Computer Science

Enquiries: Dr. Alan Guedes, email: a.guedes@reading.ac.uk