Intelligent, low-power, and networked biodiversity monitoring device

About the Project

Project Description

Note: This PhD advert requires the applicant to develop their own research proposal before submitting an application (see “How to Apply”). The proposal shall fall within the outline below, but must be more specific, detailing a project aligned with the applicant’s interests.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework has moved conservation into a measurable, indicator‑driven era. Countries must report standardised progress using indicators and supporting data. This is driving demand for scalable, comparable monitoring systems.

This PhD will develop such a system. Sensing modalities could include one or two of

• Cameras (visible light, infrared...),
• Microphones (audible, ultrasound...),
• Radio technology (GNSS...), or
• Environmental sensors.

To ensure scalability and near real-time insights, device should be

• Networked (4G/5G, LoRa/LoRaWAN, “IoT”...),
• Intelligent (on-device/edge AI, cloud AI...),
• Autonomous,
• Low-power, and
• Low-cost.

Optional aspects could be

• Effective sensor network topologies,
• Low-bandwidth communication,
• Accessibility, or
• Energy harvesting.

The student will start designing a prototype device using a modern development board and wired sensors and communication module. They will use it to prototype their software solution and validate it in the lab and in controlled field trials. The focus will be on low power consumption while achieving a level of device/system intelligence that goes beyond comparable existing technologies. Afterwards, the student will either optimise their prototype to be a field-deployable unit or develop their own integrated electronic device. On the way, the student will learn from the supervisory team about embedded programming, low-power, reliable designs (both, software and hardware), and the path from a prototype to a product. The next step will be to demonstrate (near) real-time monitoring in a real-world deployment in the UK or overseas. Finally, the student will work towards achieving impact with their project, e.g., by publishing reproducible open-source software and hardware and/or working with a partner (e.g., the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) towards a larger scale deployment.

A successful candidate will likely have interest in and experience with multiple (but not necessarily all) of the following aspects:

• Internet of Things, wireless communication,
• Machine learning, AI,
• Embedded systems, microcontrollers, electronics, sensors,
• A programming language such as C, C++, Rust, Arduino...,
• Scientific work, and
• The natural environment.

If you are excited by this project but hesitate to apply, please do—we particularly encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented or non‑traditional paths.

A good proposal will include:

• Alignment with a problem,
• System architecture outline,
• Indicative success metrics,
• Risks, and
• A plan for the first year.

How to Apply

This project is accepting applications all year round, for self-funded candidates.

Mode of Study: Full-time or part-time

Please submit your application via Computer Science and Informatics - Study - Cardiff University

In the funding field of your application, indicate “I am applying for a self-funded PhD in Computer Science and Informatics”, and specify the project title and supervisors of this project in the text box provided.

Academic criteria: A 2:1 Honours undergraduate degree or a master's degree, in computing or a related subject. Applicants with appropriate professional experience are also considered. Degree-level mathematics (or equivalent) is required for research in some project areas.

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Students who do not have English as a first language must prove this by obtaining an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each skills component. A full list of accepted qualifications is available here: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate

If you are interested, please contact Dr Jonas Beuchert (beuchertj@cardiff.ac.uk) sending your CV in the first instance. The application process requires you to develop an individual research proposal jointly with the supervision team, which builds on the information provided in this advert.

Once you have developed the proposal with support from the supervisors, please submit your application following the instructions provided below.

Please submit your application via Computer Science and Informatics - Study - Cardiff University

In order to be considered candidates must submit the following information:

• In the ‘Research Proposal’ section of the application enter the name of the project you are applying to and upload your Individual research proposal. Your research proposal should not exceed 2000 words, including references and bibliography.
• A personal statement (as part of the university application form, or as a separate attachment, if you prefer).
• A CV. Guidance on CVs for a PhD position can be found on the FindAPhD website.
• Qualification certificates and Transcripts - original and English translation, if applicable.
• References x 2 which should be academic references. Please note you need to provide the reference documents as part of your application.
• Proof of English language (if applicable).

Interview– If the application meets all of the entrance requirements listed above, you will be invited to an interview.

Funding Notes

This project is offered for self-funded students only, or those with their own sponsorship or scholarship award. Where applicable, candidates will be required to cover the cost of a student visa, the healthcare surcharge, and any other costs of moving to the UK to study. These costs will not be covered by the School of Computer Science and Informatics.