Understanding and Reducing the Environmental Impact of Large Scale Video and AI Solutions

The project:

Are you interested in understanding and reducing the environmental impact of national or global video streaming and AI? We have a four-year studentship, at the University of Bristol, hosted jointly with the BBC Research and Development Sustainable Engineering team. This offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the net zero transition of the digital sector.

You will work between the University and BBC R&D to analyse and quantify the energy and carbon footprint of the digital infrastructure and devices providing services in data centres, networks and people’s homes.

For this you will apply lifecycle assessment approaches supported with our unique insight and data from operating a global media service.

You will start by establishing the current energy and greenhouse gas footprint from the state of the art data and collecting new data. You will identify hotspots for climate impact, propose sustainable interventions, and test their efficacy in real-world settings. You will consider a range of technologies, including video encoding in cloud services, CDN cache servers or in applications like BBC iPlayer; and considering the effects of AI-based innovations.

You will build comprehensive sustainability assessment models, undertake extensive data collection, sanitisation, visualisation, and pipeline development, and proposing sustainability interventions.

Comprehensive training will provided. Additional information is provided in the Entry Requirements section.

You will spend your time between the University of Bristol and the BBC Research and Development, with a dedicated desk space and access to the BBC Sustainable Engineering Research team.

Ideal Candidate: We are looking for highly organised, curious and critical individuals who want to make a difference. If you have a strong analytical background and are eager to engage with cutting-edge research, apply now. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found, so don’t wait for the deadline to near.

If you are interested, please contact Dan Schien immediately at Daniel.schien@bristol.ac.uk to find out if this is something for you.

Candidate requirements:

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in an area related to the topic of digital media and/or quantitative environmental assessments.

Applicants without a master’s qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

You will need proficiency and/or interest in a programming language such as Python, R. The willingness to work collaboratively with other researchers and external stakeholders is essential.

Depending on your background you will attend the BBC’s inhouse trainings, University of Bristol’s graduate level courses, training in academic writing, introductory training in media, internet, and entertainment sector as well as advanced training in Lifecycle Assessments and Environmental Impacts.

Supervisors will also ensure trainings for any coding and/or software skills as well public engagement skills if needed and/or desired.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss. 

Online applications are made at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Please select Computer Science PhD on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of the studentship in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form. 

Applications should send their applications as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the ad earlier, should a suitable candidate be found

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact Dr Dan Schien at Daniel.schien@bristol.ac.uk

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk