🧑🏻‍🎓 PhD Opportunity @ University of Glasgow in HCI

I am looking for a motivated PhD student to join a fully funded PhD position within the GIST section at the University of Glasgow (GIST = Glasgow Interactive Systems) with two possible research directions, both focused on advancing XR interactions and communication. This offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in AR technology and its applications.

Topic 1: Augmented Reality Interactions with Everyday Objects

This project aims to enhance AR interactions by integrating everyday objects, blending the physical and digital worlds. It will investigate how common items can serve as intuitive controls in AR by leveraging their natural affordances, expanding the design space for user interfaces. Building on real-time object detection, tracking, and predictive modelling, the project explores how AR systems can anticipate user actions. Applications span gaming, education, and smart homes. The research involves AR/VR development, machine learning, and user studies, with flexibility to adapt to the student's interests and develop new directions over time.

Topic 2: Collaboration through AR/VR-Mediated Communication

This PhD project explores how AR and VR can enhance remote collaboration to match or surpass face-to-face communication. Focusing on verbal and non-verbal cues, particularly gaze and facial expressions, it aims to replicate and enhance social and mutual gaze, even without eye-tracking. The results could transform remote meetings, connect people across distances, and support sustainability by reducing travel. It involves AR/VR development, animation of virtual humans, and user studies, with flexibility for the student to shape the research direction and acquire necessary skills during the PhD.

Details

Institution: University of Glasgow, GIST Section
Primary Supervisor: Dr. Florian Weidner (that's me)
Funding: Fully funded for UK students who apply by the 31 July or 31 January deadline. Funding options are also available for international students who apply by the 31 January deadline.
Start Date: January 2026

Requirements

Educational Background: B.Sc./M.Sc. in HCI, Game Development, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Human-centred Computing, or related fields.
Technical Skills: Strong foundation in AR/VR development. Experience in character animation and/or machine learning a plus.
Language Proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English skills.
Communication Skills: Strong academic writing and presentation abilities.

Research Environment

The University of Glasgow is ranked among the top 100 universities globally and 6th in the UK for Computer Science (Times Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025). In the UK's 2021 independent research exercise, 100% of our impact was judged as world-leading. As part of GIST, you'll be in a vibrant and diverse PhD community, thriving on collaboration and innovation. Our state-of-the-art facilities and supportive academic network provide an fantastic environment to pursue your research passions and make a meaningful impact in the field of AR technology. Our team size allows for a rich diversity of interests while also fostering a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. Glasgow is a fantastic city with lots of activities and a vibrant community.
As a supervisor, I take a hands-on, collaborative approach and view PhD students as equal partners in the research process. I thrive on open dialogue, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving, and I am committed to fostering an environment where you are empowered to take intellectual ownership of their work.

Next Steps

If you are interested, please reach out to me at florian.weidner [at] glasgow.ac.uk. I look forward to hearing from you. Please include 1) your CV, 2) your publications or latest thesis, 3) relevant experiences and interests, and 4) your grades. No cover letter or certificates needed.