IoT techniques for disaster prediction and mitigation

IoT techniques can be applied in many fields, including disaster prediction and mitigation by early warning systems. Due to the climate changes, torrential rain and unseasonable high temperature become more common and these could be a trigger of hazards, such as flooding and landslides. These disasters could be predicted with meteorological observation and data collection. Based on the prediction, an early warning could be issued. With a help of IoT based techniques, an observation network could be established for such predictions. The main area of research would be designing and partially implementation of an IoT based system for Disaster Prediction and Mitigation for a target area. For example, monitoring geographical, metrological and/or hydrological data with a combination of wireless and connected networks, processing the data, thence issuing a early warning to the target area.The main technical challenges would be in the selection of sensor technologies for monitoring, a data communication method (Wireless LAN/WAN, wired network), a communication network topology, a data processing method (distributed / centralised) and an information propagation channel (wireless / connected / broadcasting). These could be depending upon the local issues – such as the size of the target area and/or geological features etc.A prospective PhD student will be required to have good programming skills, and knowledge in wireless and network communication, parallel and distributed systems, climate changes, and basic geology and meteorology.

Further information:

https://www.undrr.org/terminology/early-warning-systemhttps://www.un.org/en/climatechange/climate-solutions/early-warning-systems

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Take Itagaki - Dr Takebumi ITAGAKI obtained a BEng from Waseda University (Japan) and a PhD in Engineering/Music from University of Durham (UK) in 1998. In 2000, he moved to Brunel University London as a Lecturer in Engineering. He contributed towards the several EU-IST FP5/FP6 research projects, including the SAVANT Project as the prime contractor and administrative coordinator, and the INSTINCT Project as the project manager. He was coordinating the EU CIP PSP Project DTV4All. His expertise include: Digital TV system (DVB, ISDB), Digital Signal Processing, Parallel Processing, Computer Music and Computer Architecture. Currently, he is one of the coordinators of ITU-T Focus Group Audio Visual Accessibility – Working Group D.

Related Research Group(s)

Wireless Network and Communication - Application of Networks for the communication of information, media and services within the media, energy and environment, security and defence, manufacturing and medical industries.