Distributed AI-Driven Intrusion Detection for Secure 6G-Enabled Autonomous Vehicle Networks

About the Project

Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) rely on tightly coupled sensing, control, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication to operate safely in dynamic environments. The integration of 6G networks enables ultra-low latency and high-reliability connectivity but also introduces new attack surfaces across distributed edge–cloud infrastructures. This PhD will investigate the design of a distributed, AI-driven Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for real-time protection of CAV ecosystems. The research will focus on detecting sophisticated and coordinated cyber-attacks that target data integrity, communication reliability, and AI decision-making processes. Key research challenges include:

• Real-time anomaly detection from heterogeneous data sources (vehicle sensors, V2X, network telemetry),
• Robustness against adversarial attacks targeting AI models,
• Scalable deployment across edge, cloud, and 6G RAN environments,
• Balancing detection accuracy with latency and resource constraints.

The project will develop novel machine learning models and system architectures, validated using realistic datasets and experimental testbeds. The outcomes will contribute to secure and resilient intelligent transport systems in future 6G networks.

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 Computer science 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 ouronline application system

Further information:

PhD study in the Department of Computer Science

Enquiries:

Dr. Zahra Pooranian, email: z.pooranian@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project.

If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.