FUTUREFAUNA: Reshaping the FUTURE of animal computer interaction through a Framework for Animal User Needs and Agency

About the Project

Start date: 01 October 2026

FUTUREFAUNA is an ERC Starting Grant (funded via European Council), led by Dr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, with the aim of exploring how animals can use computing technology to have greater control over their environment and choice over their social connections. To address this challenge, the ultimate goal of FUTUREFAUNA is to draw from empirical evidence of how animals use technology to create a comprehensive framework for designing, implementing and adapting technology for animal users.

We are looking for an excellent and enthusiastic student to join FUTUREFAUNA, recruiting for 1 PhD position starting 1st October 2026. The studentship is fully funded for fees and stipend for UK and EU citizens. The recruited PhD will be paid at UKRI stipend rates. Unfortunately, the funding is not open to non-UK/non-EU students.

We are seeking candidates with a particular interest in designing and building bespoke interfaces that are centred around animal’s needs, focusing on dogs or animals in zoos. The aim of the project is to develop technology for and with animals.

Candidates should ideally have experience with qualitative and/or quantitative methods from a Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) perspective, as well as designing and running user studies, research methods etc. Experience in conducting research with animals would be beneficial but is not required. We are open to strong non-computing science candidates, especially those with a demonstrated capability to develop or have previously used interactive devices either through bespoke hardware (microcontrollers/ touch screens) or experience in technical/development ability in software. You’ll have an opportunity on this project to develop or deepen your technical skills and develop interactive computers.

You'll be supervised by Dr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas in the Glasgow Interactive Systems Section (GIST) in the School of Computing Science at Glasgow, a world leading HCI research group. You can see some of the exciting research we have been doing on our google scholar pages, and the publications page of the Animal-Computer Interaction Groups website.

Candidates will develop hands-on skills in designing and building bespoke interactive interfaces for more than humans, a growing area of research. You'll have the opportunity to attend international conferences, engage in public-facing research activities, and be embedded in the interdisciplinary Animal-Computer Interaction Group at the University of Glasgow.

If you have any questions about the project, please contact Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas directly Ilyena.hirskyj-douglas@glasgow.ac.uk

For details on how to apply please visit the prospective students page for the School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow.

Keywords: Animal-Computer Interaction, Human-Computer Interaction, HCI

Funding Notes

Eligible to UK and EU citizens. Fully funded inc. fees.