Research Objectives
- Develop Comprehensive UHI Models: Integrate thermal, optical, and geodetic data to create detailed models of UHI dynamics.
- Monitor Temporal Changes: Track changes in UHI intensity and distribution over time to understand long-term trends and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
- Guide Urban Planning: Provide data-driven insights to urban planners for designing cooler, more sustainable cities.
Methodology
The research employs the following techniques:
- High-Resolution Satellite Imagery: Provides detailed thermal and optical data for precise UHI mapping.
- LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Offers high-accuracy elevation data, crucial for detailed urban mapping and subsidence monitoring.
- Machine Learning and AI: Automates the analysis of large datasets, improving the efficiency and accuracy of UHI assessments.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhance Understanding of UHI Dynamics: By developing comprehensive models and monitoring temporal changes.
- Support Sustainable Urban Planning: By providing actionable insights to mitigate UHI effects.
Environmental Impact
The research also considers the broader environmental impacts, including:
- Climate Change: Increased greenhouse gas emissions leading to global warming, sea-level rise, and more extreme weather events.
- Health Risks: Pollution and environmental degradation cause respiratory diseases, waterborne illnesses, and other health problems.
- Economic Costs: Environmental damage leads to costly clean-up efforts, loss of ecosystem services, and reduced agricultural productivity.
This dissertation will contribute to the field by integrating advanced remote sensing and geodetic techniques to address the challenges posed by Urban Heat Islands, ultimately aiding in the development of more resilient and sustainable urban environments.
The selected candidate will work on the PhD thesis under the supervision of Prof. Dr Jūratė Sužiedelytė Visockienė. The successful applicant will have to attend scientific conferences, meetings and internships at other universities.
Programme Structure
Curriculum includes:
- Independent research under supervision;
- Courses for PhD students (approximately 30 ECTS credits);
- Participation in research networks, including placements at other, primarily foreign, research institutions;
- Teaching or another form of knowledge dissemination, which is related to the PhD topic when possible;
- The completion of a PhD thesis.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English Requirements
TOEFL iBT: 70
IELTS: 6
Other Requirements
General Requirements
- Postgraduate diploma (or higher)
- The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English.
- You must take verified copies of the entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university.
- At least 2 reference(s) must be provided.
- Certified copies of the Master’s degree diploma and its supplement with grades or higher education equivalent to it;
- Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- List of scientific publications and their copies or research proposal (if scientific publications are not included);
- Copy of a personal data page of a passport or a copy of a personal ID;
- Other documents that an applicant wants to submit.
- FCE (First Certificate in English): A
- CAE (Certificate in Advanced English): C
- CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): C
- B2 Certificate in English
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
International tuition fees apply to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the study country. In some regions, like the EU/EEA, or under certain agreements, students from partner countries may also pay domestic fees.
Applies to you: Non-residents
20,415 AUD / year
≈ 12,680 EUR / year
Living Costs
Vilnius, Lithuania: 789-1,378 AUD / month
Funding
The PhD studies can be financed by the companies or enterprises financial resources or a PhD student’s personal finances.
