Deakin - Coventry Cotutelle - Making Motion Tangible: embodied & critical research at the human-machine interface

Embark on a ground-breaking research project through an innovative doctoral Cotutelle through collaboration between Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia). The program is for a duration of 4 years with the project scheduled to commence in January 2024.

Our objective centres around deciphering the dynamic interplay between the physical and virtual realms, intricately influenced by the sophistication of the human body in motion. Our primary focus pertains to immersive multimodal haptics, emphasising how the human senses of touch and motion are emerging in Human-Computer Interaction. The outcome is 'Making Motion Tangible,' in new forms of haptic expression, which have pivotal applications for emerging needs in multiple sectors including health, entertainment, and manufacturing.

While existing research predominantly concentrates on the development of technology-specific to industry requirements, the sphere of creative human interaction within this paradigm remains relatively unchartered. 'Making Motion Tangible' aims to redress this imbalance, and develops candidates as researchers who are hosted by both the Deakin Motion Lab, Deakin University, and the Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE), Coventry University. The two contexts allow researchers to develop complementary strands of investigation, integrating embodied knowledge within the context of practical experimentation with novel immersive multimodal haptic interfaces.

The candidate selected for this current admission round will be the recipient of a significant scholarship from Deakin University and will benefit from a robust supervisory team spanning both institutions. The scholarship commences at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, with immediate immersion into the practicalities of these interfaces at the Deakin Motion Lab. These cutting-edge interfaces include full-body haptic and motion tracking (via Teslasuits), Extended Reality devices, and other immersive technologies. Your subsequent year at Coventry University, UK, facilitates a continuation of this pragmatic work and encourages intellectual introspection and analysis. In your final year, you will return to Deakin to synthesize and contrast your collected insights. Upon completion, two degrees will be conferred, each acknowledging the jointly-supervised doctoral program.

The ideal candidate could possess a background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), media studies, serious games, or other relevant digital research disciplines (including accessible and health tech). A keen interest in full-body movement or embodied design principles will be advantageous. This research opportunity also encompasses the exploration of embodied knowledge derived from practices such as dance, somatic bodywork, or crafts, thereby invoking critical questions related to accessibility, gender, and ethics, which warrant further consideration within the realm of human-computer interaction design and development. This is a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the future of human-computer interaction at a doctoral level. We encourage you to seize this extraordinary opportunity to shape the future landscape of human-computer interaction.

Applications close 5pm, Wednesday 25 October 2023

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

• Stipend of $33,500 per annum tax exempt (2023 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 Australian student visa
• Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years
• Funding to support travel of PhD Student between Deakin University and Coventry University (UK)

To be eligible you must:

• be either a domestic or international candidate. 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
• enrolling full-time
• be able to physically locate to both Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia)

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