University of Southampton
About the Project
Supervisory Team: Professor Liudi Jiang
This project will employ advanced engineering methods, including data mining, signal processing, and machine learning based on our advanced wearable sensors, to detect gait disorders. This interdisciplinary research aims to deliver critical outcomes that will underpin future healthcare monitoring systems and its potential integration of the Internet of Medical Things.
Millions of people globally suffer from lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) impairments, particularly those related to foot and ankle health, leading to significant issues such as immobility, imbalance, and overall physical dysfunction. Prolonged disorders or immobility can exacerbate MSK conditions, including plantar tissue damage, muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and even amputations, severely impacting quality of life. Chronic health conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological damage from events like strokes often contribute to these impairments. These conditions frequently manifest as gait disorders, which progressively worsen over time compared to healthy gait patterns. Wearable technology has emerged as a critical tool for diagnosing and monitoring these disorders in daily living environments.
This project aims to develop continuous monitoring solutions based on wearable insole sensors to aid gait analysis, activity monitoring, and abnormality detection in pathological gait, such as in individuals with diabetes. This interdisciplinary project involves research activities in the development of embedded wearable sensor systems, advanced signal processing, and machine learning, supported by innovative foot biomechanical studies. The project builds upon the extensive research expertise of our dynamic research group at the School of Engineering, as well as strong collaborations with MSK health scientists, offering unique interdisciplinary opportunities for students. This will not only provide the candidate with the specific training required for the project but also equip them with highly sought-after interdisciplinary research and technical skills, essential for the rapidly evolving field of healthcare technologies.
The student will receive training in foot and ankle biomechanics, as well as in the use of wearable sensor data for biomechanical assessment. This training will be provided by the primary supervisor’s dynamic research group, which specializes in the development of medical devices and systems for healthcare. Interdisciplinary training in foot and ankle biomechanics can also be offered by clinical co-supervisors with expertise in musculoskeletal health.
Entry Requirements
A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) or its international equivalent is required.
Candidates with skills, experience, or a strong interest in one or more of the following areas of embedded systems, signal processing, machine learning, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, as well as experience or interest in programming languages, are required.
Closing date: 15 July 2025. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.
Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships Doctoral College University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How To Apply
Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Eng & Env (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Professor Liudi Jiang
Applications should include:
Research Proposal
Curriculum Vitae
Two reference letters
Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date
For further information please contact: [email protected]
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
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