Deakin-Coventry Cotutelle - Adaptive XAI for trust in human-machine teaming

This is a doctoral cotutelle project between Deakin University (Australia) and Coventry University (UK).

The successful PhD Student will be awarded a scholarship from Coventry University with the supervision team being drawn from Deakin University and Coventry University. The PhD Student will graduate with two testamurs, one from Deakin University and one from Coventry University, each of which recognises that the program was carried out as part of a jointly supervised doctoral program. The program is for a duration of 3.5 years and scheduled to commence in September 2025.

The successful applicant will spend the 1st year at Deakin University and the following year at Deakin Coventry, and then the final 1.5 years at Deakin University. The supervision team will be drawn from the two Universities.

This project investigates how Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) can enhance trust and human performance in human-machine teaming. By leveraging Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), the system dynamically adjusts explanations and task allocation based on real-time assessments of human cognitive load and emotional states, derived from physiological signals such as EEG, ECG, and eye-tracking. The goal is to build an adaptive, trust-aware AI teammate capable of personalizing its behaviour to support effective, resilient collaboration.

Applications close 5pm, Monday 30 June 2025

Please be aware that screening for this advert will commence immediately and the scholarship may be awarded prior to the closing date.

This scholarship is supported by Deakin University, is available over 3 years and includes:

• Stipend of $35,550 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate)
• Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
• International students only:  Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.
• Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years.
• Funding to support travel of candidate between Deakin University and Coventry University.

To be eligible you must:

• be either a domestic or international candidate currently residing in Australia. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet the PhD entry requirements of both Deakin University and Coventry university, including English language proficiency requirements
• be enrolling full-time and or part-time
• be able to physically locate to both Coventry University (United Kingdom) and Deakin University (Australia)

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page and Coventry’s research entry criteria page for further information.