PhD: Personalised Digital Avatars for Inclusive Carer Training

Funded PhD in Nottingham creating personalised digital avatars for inclusive carer training combining computer science VR and human computer interaction.

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship at the Collaboratory Research Hub. This project aims to develop personalised digital avatars for inclusive carer training. The goal is to build realistic, culturally sensitive digital avatars that simulate dementia‐care scenarios in care homes. Through co-design with carers, care-home staff, families and community organisations across diverse cultural backgrounds, you will help create avatars that capture a range of lived experiences and dementia care needs.

Your work will combine technical avatar/interactive media development (such as 3D modelling, VR, animation or interactive design) with inclusive design and accessibility. This project bridges computer science and social care to deliver a digital health training tool that supports culturally sensitive dementia care.

Studentship Details

• Fully funded PhD position via the Collaboratory Research Hub
• Start date: Wednesday 1st April 2026
• Funding offer: Tuition fees covered in full (worth approx. £15-17k across full PhD programme). Monthly stipend based on £20,780 per annum, pro rata, tax free.
• Application deadline: 4 January

Person Specification (What we are looking for)

• We welcome applicants who have a background or strong interest in Computer Science, interactive media, software engineering, 3D modelling/animation, VR/AR, human–computer interaction or related digital-tech fields.
• Applicants should be motivated to apply technical skills to socially relevant problems. They should be willing to collaborate with non-technical stakeholders such as carers and community groups.
• Empathy, creativity and openness to participatory research and interdisciplinary collaboration are important. Prior experience in avatar/VR development, accessibility design, or user-centred design is welcome but not essential.

Our PhD Studentship Scheme is open to all UK based candidates (who are eligible for UK Home Students fees) who hold at least a 2.1 Undergraduate degree (or 2.2 or less with a Masters), or those who are able to demonstrate that they have equivalent professional experience. See our latest eligibility criteria: collaboratoryresearchhub.ac.uk/l25-phd-eligibility-criteria

What you will gain

You will acquire and deepen technical skills in digital avatars, interactive media, VR/HCI with real-world impact. You will gain experience in an interdisciplinary and socially meaningful research project. You will have the opportunity to contribute to improving dementia care across culturally diverse communities.

Informal discussion and how to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, including project scope, supervision or fit, please contact Shreyank N Gowda (co-supervisor on this project) at shreyank.narayanagowda@nottingham.ac.uk.

Formal application instructions via the Collaboratory Research Hub website: app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/ntusurvey/nnr26-phd-studentship-applications-1

Position details: Personalised Digital Avatars for Inclusive Carer Training in Nottinghamshire Care Homes – Collaboratory Research Hub