PhD Studentship: Protecting privacy while preventing wandering in people living with mild dementia

University of Plymouth

Director of Studies (DoS): Dr Hai-Van Dang (hai-van.dang@plymouth.ac.uk)
2nd Supervisor: Professor Mona Nasser (mona.nasser@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1st October 2026.

Project Description

Do you want to pursue a PhD where you design cutting‑edge, privacy‑preserving solutions that enhance independence and dignity for people living with mild dementia?

This project develops a new, privacy first approach to reduce wandering risks for people living with mild dementia (PwMD). Although geofencing tools can alert carers when someone leaves a safe area, they rely on continuous location tracking—a major privacy concern that can expose personal journeys and daily activities, often discouraging use. To address this, the project engages directly with PwMD and their carers to co design a fresh concept of wandering safety that protects autonomy as well as dignity. By applying advanced cryptographic and privacy enhancing technologies—such as homomorphic encryption and differential privacy—we aim to build a secure alternative to traditional monitoring. The resulting solution will be rigorously evaluated for accuracy, privacy, system performance, and real world acceptance by PwMD and the carers.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters qualification.

Skills/Qualifications

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a team environment
• Strong communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders
• Solid mathematical and analytical skills
• Strong programming skills
• Knowledge of privacy-enhancing technologies and/or applied cryptography
• Practical experience in working with IoT devices
• Enthusiasm for developing innovative solutions that support people with mild dementia
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Applications from both UK and overseas students are welcome.

The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home tuition fees, Bench fee plus a Stipend of £21,805 per annum 2026/27 rate. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. The international component of the fee may be waived for outstanding international applicants.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

• The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The subsequent 6 months of registration is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.
• You can’t work full time while receiving a PhD stipend.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Hai Van Dang at hai-van.dang@plymouth.ac.uk

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 24 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly thereafter. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.