“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
Applications are invited for an EPSRC Doctorate in the Centre for Remote Environments (CRE), in collaboration with The South Georgia Heritage Trust. CRE is based in the Visual Research Centre, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, The University of Dundee. This EPSRC studentship is additionally funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd and the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and will cover a stipend and PhD fees for three and a half years. Additional support for travel and research materials will be covered by the Studentship for suitably qualified applicants.
Only UK students are eligible for this EPSRC studentship.
We are looking for a PhD student who will undertake research into the Industrial and Cultural Heritage of the Island of South Georgia with a particular focus on the whaling stations. Largely because of its geographical position (South Georgia is a remote Island within the Antarctic Convergence) there remains a unique collection of plant and machinery from all over Europe, as well as North America. This industrial legacy makes primary research into the history of the whaling industry possible.
A study that incorporates advanced visualization to simulate the various plants, machines and processes including a demonstration of how the various machines actually worked would be a valuable addition to the existing knowledge of the whaling industry and would be an expected outcome of this primary research. There is some urgency that this is undertaken while the engineering and whaling experts are still alive and can help with the investigations. It is impressive to see these massive machines from the whaling industry, but in many cases all that is visible are the outer casings and they are difficult to appreciate as part of an ongoing continuous industrial process. Bringing the machinery to life through digital and 3D animation would be a very valuable contribution to what is known of this early 20th Century industrial and cultural heritage.
Suggested complimentary theoretical approaches are as follows:
A potentially interesting project/approach within this field with a focus explicitly on the physical machinery is to study local adaptation of the technology: Much of the machinery found in South Georgia is known from other uses (general purpose technology) but it was changed and adapted for the unique tasks at a whaling station. This adaption also differed from one station to another although they were working to the same goal. To study the development from patent drawings and descriptions to actual layout and construction could be an interesting aspect of the research.
A 3D point cloud laser survey of two of the whaling stations has been completed. This information will be made available to the successful candidate and covers all the buildings and the major elements of machinery on the sites. Further survey work is planned for the 2013/14 season and it may be possible to incorporate even more detailed surveys of specific elements of equipment. It is expected that the PhD student will liaise with Geometria for expert advice and assistance and ideally co-ordinate any initial field work to tie in with the next phase of Geometria survey work. There will also be expert advice from the South Georgia Heritage Trust, from The Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, from the respected conservationist and architect Michael Morrison, BA BArch RIBA IHBC and Professor Bjørn Basberg, (Professor in Economic History) at the Norwegian School of Economics.
Field visits to South Georgia will be an essential part of this research project.
Applicants should hold a first degree, or equivalent, of at least an Upper Second (2.1) in a relevant subject, such as, but not limited to, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Software Engineering, Computer Arts, Animation, Digital Effects, Design or Interactive Media.
Knowledge of programming languages or industry standard software such as Maya is a distinct advantage.
Please note only UK students are eligible for this EPSRC studentship.
This EPSRC studentship will include tuition fees and the minimum EPSRC stipend of £13,590 (2012/13 rate) for three and a half years, depending on satisfactory progress. The costs for travel and research materials will also be covered.
Please quote ref: PHD/DJCAD-CRE12 - on your application when applying through UKPASS.
The closing date is 7th January 2013, please note that the University of Dundee will be closed from 5pm on Friday 21st December, reopening 9am on Thursday 3rd January. You can still apply during this period, but you will not receive an acknowledgement from the University.
DJCAD is a research-led unit within a progressive University, world famous for its excellence in Art and Design within the visual disciplines and applicants can consult the DJCAD website http://www.dundee.ac.uk/djcad/ in the first instance in order to learn more about our research strengths and areas of specific expertise.
General information on how to apply for DJCAD studentships can also be found at http://www.dundee.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/interests/djcad.htm
If you would like to talk to someone for more information on the Centre for Remote Environments please contact Professor Elaine Shemilt e.shemilt@dundee.ac.uk.
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