Enhancing the interpretability of GenAI based multi-sensor fusion in autonomous vehicles

Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements

Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Initial Application deadline: 25 May 2025 

Full  Application deadline: 5 June 2025 

Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2025

For further details contact:

Qian Lu (Coventry University) or Sekhar Pagala (GITAM)

Introduction

This fully-funded PhD project is part of the Cotutelle arrangement between Coventry University, UK and GITAM (Deemed to be University). Each scholar will receive two doctoral degree, one from GITAM, one from Coventry University.

Research Scholars receive stipends and full research infrastructure access to both universities.

The PhD student will start at GITAM University, with the supervision team drawn from both two universities.

Project details

The project addresses a critical gap by focusing on interpretability - transforming GenAI from a powerful yet opaque tool into a transparent, trustworthy component of autonomous systems. By developing interpretable GenAI frameworks for sensor fusion, this research will push the boundaries of knowledge in AI explainability, human-AI interaction and multimodal learning. Non-academic impacts are equally significant. Enhanced interpretability will increase public trust in autonomous systems, streamline regulatory approval, and improve the debugging and safety assurance processes for engineers. Cross-deployment in both Indian and UK road environments also ensures culturally and infrastructurally diverse applicability, setting a precedent for inclusive and globally relevant AI-driven autonomous driving systems.

Funding

Tuition fees and stipend

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 and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Candidate specification

Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and GITAM for entry to the cotutelle programme.

• Applicants should have a Master’s degree at 55%.
• 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.
• Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study.