EPSRC Funded PhD Studentship: REINS Project Applications are invited for an EPSRC 3 year fully 
funded PhD studentship working on the REINS project to begin on 1st September 2011 or as soon 
as possible after that date. The REINS research group, based at Sheffield Hallam University in 
cooperation with King's College, London, is researching and designing a haptic communicational 
interface between a human agent and a mobile robotic guide. Expertise from design, engineering, 
robotics and communication will be brought to bear on the interface design. This interface 
('reins') will facilitate joint navigation and inspection of space under low visibility conditions.

The aim of the PhD studentship is to contribute to the trial, evaluation and possible re-design of 
the initial interface prototypes. Candidates should have a good honours degree and/or a 
postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. communication studies, psychology, design, 
computing, engineering) with a good understanding of and interest in one or more of the following 
areas:
        Communication
        User-orientated design
        Human-machine interaction

Suitable candidates must be able to work successfully as part of a multi-disciplinary project team 
as well as being able to work with outside agencies (including South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and 
Guide Dogs for the Blind).
Funding
This project is fully funded at EPSRC rates:
*       EU Fee i.e. 2011/12 £3710 any applicants classed as overseas fee payers should bear in 
mind that they are responsible for paying the difference between the EU fee and the Overseas fee.
*       Bursary rate 2011/12: £13,590

Applications
Applications must be made using the Sheffield Hallam University Postgraduate Application Form 
which can be found at http://www.shu.ac.uk/study/form.html. CVs will NOT be accepted. All 
applications should be sent to charlotte.lester@shu.ac.uk .

Supervision
The project will be supervised by Dr Jacques Penders and Dr Peter Jones Sheffield Hallam University.
Further Information
For an informal discussion regarding this studentship please contact Jacques Penders at 
j.penders@shu.ac.uk applications sent to this address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 09/10/2011
Interview Dates: To be confirmed