PhD Research Programme

The Global Disability Innovation (GDI) Hub partners with UCL and other academic institutions to offer interdisciplinary PhD projects that develop novel assistive technologies, advancing disability innovation.

PhD Research is undertaken across all our founding academic partners, including University College London (UCL), Loughborough London University and University of the Arts London (UAL). 

UCL PhD activity is currently focused on the UCL Interaction Centre and Computer Science. UCLIC is a world-leading Centre of Excellence in Human-Computer Interaction teaching and research, studying interactions between people and technology, drawing on the best scientific traditions in Computer Science and Human Sciences, and working collaboratively with the research community and industry.

In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, the following REF score was awarded to the department: 83% rated 4 ('world-leading') or 3('internationally excellent'). 

More information is available on the UCLIC website. You can also explore our current PhD student projects and the GDI Hub supervisors: Cathy, Tim & Youngjun.

We also have growing links to a number of departments and research centres across UCL. If you are interested in completing a PhD in one of these centres and collaboration with GDI Hub, please contact Cathy and also the research centre to discuss possible opportunities:

• UCL Development Planning Unit
• UCL Institute of Making
• UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose
• Aspire CREATe Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
• UCL Institute for Healthcare Engineering

GDI Hub is also a partner in the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Prosthetics and Orthotics in the UK, led by Salford University.

PhD Supervisor: Dr. Youngjun Cho

Current PhD Projects: 

• Measuring ultrasound waves to improve touch technology by Zak Morgan
• Technology Supported Capturing and Sharing of Multifaceted Running Experience by Tao Bi
• Forecasting assistive technology needs in aged and ageing populations by Jamie Danemayer
• Exploring virtual reality solutions to help patients with dystonia by Andreas Polydorides
• Exploring how people search for information about assistive technology by Wen (Frances) Mo

Explore all PhD students' projects