Project BELONG: Social robots for educational inclusion

About the Project

This studentship is based in the College of Arts, Technology and Environment.

This PhD investigates how co‑designed social robots can help foster belonging and inclusion for autistic children aged 7–11 in mainstream primary schools. Despite increased attendance, many autistic pupils continue to face exclusion and reduced participation. Existing educational technologies, including social robots, often lack sustained engagement, alignment with classroom practices, or meaningful involvement of autistic children in their design.

The project adopts a participatory co‑design methodology grounded in inclusive education, neurodiversity, and human–robot interaction. Autistic pupils, teachers, and support staff will play an active role in shaping robot behaviours, interaction modes, and design features. An open‑source compliant social robot will be iteratively adapted to ensure safety, usability, and everyday educational relevance. Empirical work will include co‑design workshops, prototype development, and a classroom‑based pilot study to explore how the robot supports participation, social interaction, and children’s sense of belonging.

The research will develop an evidence‑based framework for inclusive, classroom-ready robotic technologies, identifying pedagogical, technical, and ethical enablers for sustainable implementation. This project aligns with UWE Bristol’s Strategy 2030 priorities around inclusion and social justice and strengthens BRL’s leadership in ethical, human‑centred robotics with real‑world educational impact.

For more information about this studentship please contact Professor Marcela Munera at Marcela.Munera@uwe.ac.uk (Supervisor) or Professor Lars Kunze at Lars.Kunze@uwe.ac.uk (BRL Co-Director).

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2627-OCT-CATE10.

The closing date for applications is 22 May 2026.

Funding Notes

The studentship is available from 1 October 2026 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £20,780 (2025/26) per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years.