Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Multimodal AI for Early Detection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Luton

A full-time, fully funded PhD studentship for UK Home students is available at the University of Bedfordshire to develop cutting-edge multimodal AI technologies that could transform the early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders and improve outcomes for children and families.

The studentship forms part of the Falcon Foundation Doctoral Programme, an initiative designed to widen access to doctoral study for talented individuals. The successful candidate will also become part of Luton AI, the University of Bedfordshire’s applied AI ecosystem.

Through the Falcon Foundation Doctoral Programme, the studentship provides:

• Full Home University tuition fees for three years – please note, this opportunity is only available to UK Home students.
• An annual stipend for up to three years.
• Access to specialist research facilities, computing infrastructure and doctoral training.
• Academic supervision and support from the University’s research community.

The stipend will be awarded annually for up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic progression.

Key dates:

• Closing date: Sunday 16 August 2026
• Interview date: Virtual interviews will take place during the week commencing Monday 31 August 2026
• Expected start date: October 2026

The project aims to develop a multimodal AI system capable of analysing infant movements and identifying potential neurodevelopmental risks earlier than may be possible through existing clinical pathways. The successful candidate will work closely with academic and clinical collaborators to support the collection, management and analysis of multimodal research data.

Research objectives include:

• Developing multimodal AI models for the early detection of neurodevelopmental risks.
• Investigating computer-vision methods for analysing infant movement and neuromotor patterns.
• Integrating video data with information collected through low-cost sensors.
• Developing explainable AI approaches that produce transparent and clinically meaningful outputs.
• Evaluating the reliability, accuracy and practical applicability of the proposed system.
• Publishing research findings in relevant peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Applicants should normally have:

• A good honours degree, normally at least a UK 2:1 or international equivalent, in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, biomedical engineering, electronic engineering or a closely related subject.
• A relevant master’s degree, or equivalent research or professional experience, would be advantageous.

Knowledge in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and explainable AI is essential. Experience in programming, using machine-learning frameworks, and conducting quantitative research would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, a logical approach to problem-solving, and the ability to work effectively with academic, technical and clinical collaborators.

Applications must be submitted by Sunday 16th August 2026. The University of Bedfordshire, Luton AI and the Falcon Foundation are committed to widening participation in doctoral education and creating opportunities for talented researchers from a broad range of backgrounds.