New technologies from insect-inspired drones to systems that prevent cyberattacks on electricity grids and national airspace infrastructure are among the latest UK Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellowships focusing on areas of cutting-edge unclassified basic research that can support the intelligence, security and defence communities.
The fellowships, which are offered by the Government Office for Science and administered by the Royal Academy of Engineering, provide a vital link between academia and the intelligence community. Each awardee receives funding for at least two years of their project and mentorship from a Fellow of the Academy as well as an advisor from the intelligence community. The new UK Intelligence Community postdoctoral researchers are listed below:
Dr Aakash Bansal, Loughborough University
Smart antennas to ensure global connectivity for small satellite constellations
This project aims to develop cutting-edge antennas for small satellites to enable seamless access for mobile receivers, including those on vehicles. Successfully implementing this would enable uninterrupted connectivity for smart infrastructure and advanced drone delivery systems and help to prevent autonomous vehicle accidents.
Dr Matthew Coburn, University of Southampton
Increasing high-fidelity modelling efficiency with automation and machine learning
This project will automate (and speed up) the setting up of complex simulations of the wind environment in urban areas. Machine learning will be used to reduce the uncertainty associated with modelling multiple different wind directions. This could help to reduce the time required for high-fidelity modelling of phenomena such as chemical plumes.
Dr Hamid Isakhani, University of Birmingham
Bioinspired autonomous flapping-gliding micro aerial vehicle capable of sustainable flights
Sustainable aerial mobility is paramount to remote sensing and repetitive, fast data collection over large areas required for search and rescue, disaster response, intelligence, defence and security. This project aims to develop a locust-inspired flapping wing micro aerial vehicle – one of the most suitable mobility systems for these needs due to their high manoeuvrability and stealth.
Dr Ali Khaheshi, London South Bank University
Insect-inspired drones with enhanced flight and energy efficiency
This project will develop insect-inspired adaptive wings that can enhance the flight performance and energetic efficiency of flapping-wing drones. The project will accelerate widespread use of miniaturised drones for civilian applications such as safety, search and rescue, communication, inspection, and environmental preservation.
Dr Sebastian Köhler, University of Oxford
Physical layer security in the next generation of power grids
The smooth and stable operation of the electricity grid requires continuous monitoring of demand and production. This research aims to identify and address vulnerabilities in sensor systems used for monitoring in order to increase resilience to cyberattacks.
Dr Alessia Noccaro, Newcastle University
How humans can learn to control an extra robotic arm
“Can you give me a hand?”. This project will investigate to what extent you can give yourself the extra hand you need, or in other words whether the human brain can learn how to move an extra arm together with its own. The research outcomes could be used to augment human abilities in daily life, in surgical environments when dealing with multiple laparoscopic tools, or to help limb-impaired people in controlling substitutive devices.
Dr Deepak Kumar Panda, Cranfield University
Antifragility for secure air traffic control
National airspace infrastructure faces risks from emerging threats and adversaries. Innovative AI-based solutions will be developed that learn from operational experiences to develop the capacity to anticipate and adapt. The aim is to make air traffic infrastructure adaptive and resilient against emerging cyberphysical threats.
