Accessible cars: designed for people with disabilities

Introduction

Coventry University is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship.

Project details

Research shows that poor transport design, whether public or private, can create challenges for disabled people and their ability to make door to door journeys.

In order to overcome some of these barriers, national disability charity Motability, in collaboration with the National Transport Design Centre (an accessible facility) at Coventry University, are seeking to sponsor a doctoral candidate to undertake research in the area of accessible transport solutions.

This Ph.D aims to develop a method or specific tools that facilitates individuals with a disability achieving, or retaining, a driving license. The following topics could be explored:

• developing a framework of training tailored to individuals with disabilities
• designing devices supporting the use of the controllers (steering wheel, gear box, pedals etc.) within a car.
• assessing the effect of one or more of these measures on the accessibility of a driving license for this population

A state-of-the-art, driver in-the-loop simulator is available to conduct this Ph.D studentship. The car can be instrumented depending on the requirements of the research.

We welcome applications for this unique and exciting opportunity from candidates who have innovative research ideas that can help to provide solutions and make transport more accessible. The research could also look at future transport solutions and emerging technologies that are still to be defined.

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities. 

Flexible working possible

Candidate specification

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
• PLUS
• the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

Additional requirements

To be eligible you must:-

• live in the UK
• be disabled* or evidence a lived experience of disability (i.e. demonstrate direct and frequent interactions with disabled people which has enabled you to develop deep insight into disability)
• have a minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

Please read the Research Entry Criteria for more details.

* You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. This might include mental health conditions, cognitive or physical impairments or long-term health conditions, for example cancer, HIV, MS, endometriosis, arthritis, crohn’s disease or undiagnosed long-term symptoms https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010 . Statistics show that disabled students are less likely to continue their degrees, graduate with a good degree, and progress onto a highly skilled job or further study, therefore this studentship aims to address this issue.

How to apply

To apply, please follow this link: Advertised research opportunities PGR+ Application (coventry.ac.uk)

All applications require full supporting documentation, and a covering letter – plus the following:

This is a thematic opportunity therefore applicants are required to submit a research proposal based within the selected theme/area of approx. 3,000 words.

For information on research proposals please utilise the  Research Proposal guidance.