SGSSS Apply.
SGSSS Social.

Scottish Graduate School of Social Science

Sgoil Cheumnaichean Saidheans Sòisealta na h-Alba

Scottish Graduate School of Social Science

Sgoil Cheumnaichean Saidheans Sòisealta na h-Alba

Studentship opportunity

All Studentship Opportunities

Adaptive Reading Technologies

This studentship is funded by the ESRC through the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS)

Institution
University of Glasgow
Pathway
Communication, AI and New Technologies
Studentship
Steers – Interdisciplinary
Mode of study

Full-time / Part-time

Application deadline
4pm, 14 April 2022
Applications are due 10 April, 5 pm BST and
References are due 16 April, 5 pm BST

Project details

Reading technologies are continually evolving with new tools available to enhance the reading experience as well as make it more inclusive. This research project aims to design and develop reading technologies which transform the reading experience via specific, research-based modifications and innovations to text presentation. This interdisciplinary project will assess different computer-based paradigms to enhance reading by optimising visual processing. By integrating psycholinguistics and computer science, we will design and implement two innovative paradigms: parafoveal magnification (PM) and guided reading (GR). PM compensates for reduced parafoveal visual acuity and GR exploits our eye movements used for following moving objects to enhance reading speed. The project also proposes to implement one of these technologies into a user-controlled app.

The methods involve eye-tracking systems and sophisticated software for precise text presentation that changes in real time depending on the position of the reader’s eyes. The research plans to recruit participants from the University of Glasgow community. Ethical considerations align with established research protocols within Psychology and Computer Science domains.

The studentship timeline spans an MSc project (if required), followed by a 3.5-year PhD (including placement). The dissemination plan includes presenting findings at international conferences and publishing in relevant, high-impact journals. Anticipated outcomes suggest potential advancements in reading technologies and establishing the UK as a leader in this field.

The supervisors Sereno and Khamis bring distinct yet complementary expertise to the table. Sereno focuses on word recognition in reading, while Khamis specialises in developing and evaluating novel gaze-based Human-Computer Interaction technologies. Their combined knowledge spans psycholinguistics and computational disciplines, crucial for implementing and interpreting complex eye-tracking methodologies in reading research. Moreover, they have a track record of training PG and post-doctoral students, offering a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment for aspiring researchers.

Supervisory Team:

  • First Supervisor: Dr Sara Sereno, Sara.Sereno@glasgow.ac.uk
  • Second Supervisor: Dr Mohamed Khamis, Mohamed.Khamis@glasgow.ac.uk

About the University

The University of Glasgow is one of the world’s top 100 universities and is a member of the UK’s research-intensive Russell Group.  As well as housing a vibrant and growing academic community, the university is also located in a beautiful setting beside a park, in the heart of Glasgow’s West End, with many local cafes, shops, pubs, and restaurants.  There is a thriving cultural scene in the city.  Scotland’s famously stunning lochs and mountains are nearby, and easily accessible by car or public transport.

The successful applicant will be integrated into the teams of Dr Sara Sereno (School of Psychology & Neuroscience) and Dr Mohamed Khamis (School of Computing Science).

The School of Psychology & Neuroscience (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/psychologyneuroscience/) is a world-class research and teaching unit. Psychology at Glasgow was recently rated 5th in the UK (Times Higher Education subject rankings, 2025). In the last REF (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), the unit of assessment of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience at Glasgow was ranked 10th in the UK overall, and 4th in the UK for Research Output. Within the School, there are regular journal clubs, talks, and seminars in multiple relevant domains such as Cognitive Science, Language, Methods & Metascience, Social Interactions, and Cognitive Neuroscience. In the School of Computing, you will be part of the SIRIUS Lab led by Dr Khamis (https://mkhamis.github.io/mkhamis/team/).

For more information on the University of Glasgow’s School of Computing Science, please visit https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/computing/.

During your PhD, you will contribute to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of psychology, human-computer interaction, and eye tracking. It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research, and teaching environment.

We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Applicants will have a first degree (undergraduate) and have a demonstrable interest in the topic area under investigation.
  • Applicants can have a Masters degree, however this is not a requirement.
  • Applicants can study part-time or full-time

Other criteria include:

  • Previous experience in programming is essential.
  • Previous experience with statistical analysis is essential.
  • Previous experience with eye tracking is desirable.
  • Previous experience in experimental design is desirable.

Funding

As per guidance published by UKRI in October 2020, a maximum of 30% of all studentships awarded can be made to international students, with the remaining 70% going to home students. 

Residential Criteria

To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements), or
  • Have settled status, or
  • Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
  • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If you do not meet the criteria above, you will be classed as an international student. To establish if you would be classed as a home student, please see pages 4 and 5 of the UKRI eligibility guidance here

As per guidance published by UKRI in October 2020, a maximum of 30% of all studentships awarded can be made to international students, of which SGSSS has now awarded for the 2021/22 round of studentship awards. As such, this opportunity is only open to home students.

Residential Criteria

To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements), or
  • Have settled status, or
  • Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
  • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If you do not meet the criteria above, you will be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to apply. To establish if you would be classed as a home student, please see pages 4 and 5 of the UKRI eligibility guidance here.

Award details

The scholarship is available as a +3.5 (3 year PhD and placement) or a 1+3.5 (Masters year, 3 year PhD, and a placement) studentship depending on prior research training. This will be assessed as part of the recruitment process, however you can access guidance here to help you decide on which to apply for. The programme will commence in October 2025. The full ESRC studentship package includes, as advised by ESRC:

  • An annual maintenance grant (stipend)
  • Fees at the standard institutional home rate
  • Students can also draw on a pooled Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)

Other information

Additional information to include in your application: 

The supervisory team asks you include:

  • Cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for this project, and
  • Portfolio of previous projects (optional)

How to apply

  1. Applicants must register on SGSSS Apply, completing their Equal Opportunities data.
  2. Applicants must apply via SGSSS Apply, uploading the following documentation:

    • Application Questions (answered within SGSSS Apply, no upload needed)
    • Academic transcripts
    • Academic prizes
    • Referee information
    • CV
    • Other information (if required by the advert)
We strongly encourage applicants review the applicant guidance document for more on the process. 

Please Note:

  • This is not an application to the relevant University, this is an application for SGSSS (ESRC) funding.
  • Students do not need a Masters/PhD offer from the relevant University before they can apply for funding, i.e. this studentship.
  • If successful in obtaining the SGSSS (ESRC) studentship, students can only start the funded studentship once they have an unconditional Masters/PhD degree offer from the relevant University. It is your responsibility to find out the University’s application process, including when you need to secure your offer, as SGSSS plays no role in this process.

This studentship opportunity will open for applications on 9th June.

Apply now via SGSSS Apply

Selection process

Applications will be ranked by an internal institutional selection panel, and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted for interview on or around 23 April. Interviews will take place 06 May.

This studentship award is subject to the successful candidate securing admission to a PhD programme within the University of Glasgow. The successful candidate will be invited to apply for admission to the relevant PhD programme.

Contact details

Name
SGSSS Team (for questions on the application portal, only), for any questions on the project, email the first & second supervisors (see details in abstract above)
Email
team@sgsss.ac.uk

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Privacy Policy

© 2024 All rights reserved​

Scottish Graduate School of Social Science, proudly funded by