Federated Learning Techniques for Cross-Domain Wi-Fi Sensing in Healthcare

This PhD project is part of the Cotutelle arrangement between Coventry University, UK and Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.

The successful applicant will spend the 1st year at Coventry University and the following year at Deakin University and then the final 1.5 years at Coventry University  

The supervision team will be drawn from the two Universities. 

Federated learning (FL) is a machine learning technique that allows multiple devices to collaboratively train a global model while keeping their data local. This is particularly useful for cross-domain Wi-Fi sensing, where devices in different environments collect different types of data.

One of the key challenges in cross-domain Wi-Fi sensing is the heterogeneity of data. Data collected from different environments may have different distributions due to factors such as the number of devices, the size and shape of the environment, and the presence of obstacles. This can make it difficult to train a single model that can accurately perform Wi-Fi sensing tasks across all domains.

This PhD project will address this research challenge by allowing devices to train local models on their own data. The local models will then be aggregated to train a global model.

The potential PhD student working on federated learning for cross-domain Wi-Fi sensing is expected to work on a variety of challenging and interesting problems. Some specific research areas that could be explored include:

• Developing new FL techniques that are more efficient and effective for cross-domain Wi-Fi sensing.
• Designing FL-based systems for specific cross-domain Wi-Fi sensing applications, such as HAR, indoor localization, and smart home monitoring.
• Evaluating the performance of FL-based cross-domain Wi-Fi sensing systems in real-world settings.

The PhD student will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers in the field and to publish their work in top academic conferences and journals.

Training and Development 

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.

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

·      Applicants should have graduated within the top 15% of their undergraduate cohort. This might include a high 2:1 in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 70% mark (80% for Australian graduates) in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall module average (80% for Australian graduates).

A Masters degree in a relevant subject area, with overall mark at minimum Merit level. In addition, the mark for the Masters dissertation (or equivalent) must be a minimum of 80%. Please note that where a candidate has a 70-79% and can provide evidence of research experience to meet equivalency to the minimum first – class honours equivalent (80%+) additional evidence can be submitted and may include independently peer – reviewed publications, research – related awards or prizes and/ or professional reports.

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

·      Applicants should have graduated within the top 15% of their undergraduate cohort. This might include a high 2:1 in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 70% mark (80% for Australian graduates) in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall module average (80% for Australian graduates).

·      A Masters degree in a relevant subject area, with overall mark at minimum Merit level. In addition, the mark for the Masters dissertation (or equivalent) must be a minimum of 80%. Please note that where a candidate has a 70-79% and can provide evidence of research experience to meet equivalency to the minimum first – class honours equivalent (80%+) additional evidence can be submitted and may include independently peer – reviewed publications, research – related awards or prizes and/ or professional reports.

·      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 complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study

For an overview of each University’s entry requirements please visit:

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/cotutelle-phd-programmes/

https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/research-degrees-and-PhD/research-degree-entry-pathways

Please note that it is essential that applicants confirm that they are able to physically locate to both Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia)

To find out more about the project please contact Dr Syed Aziz Shah: syed.shah@coventry.ac.uk

All applications require a covering letter and a 2000-word supporting statement is required showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.   

All candidates must apply to both Universities. 

 For the Coventry application, please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/ 

 For the Deakin application, please visit: http://www.deakin.edu.au/research/become-a-research-student/how-to-apply-research-degrees