[Air-L] 🌟Fully-Funded PhD Opportunity at UCL: Technology-Facilitated Abuse🌟

[Leonie Tanczer]

Dear All,

I’m excited to share a fully-funded PhD opportunity (starting October 2025) at University College London (UCL) that merges cutting-edge research in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a commitment to tackling technology-facilitated intimate partner abuse (tech abuse). This position offers a unique chance to create safer online spaces and drive research and social impact through technical innovation and user-centred design.

🔍 Project Overview
Hosted by UCL’s “Gender and Tech<https://www.genderandtech.net/>” Lab within the Information Security Research Group<https://sec.cs.ucl.ac.uk/>, this PhD project will focus on:

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HCI-driven user research to design interfaces and interventions that support and empower at-risk users.
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Using NLP to uncover harmful language patterns and behaviours online, informing policy and protections.
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Collaborating with NGOs, policymakers, and industry experts to shape proactive technical safeguards and regulatory frameworks.

 ✨ Why Join Us?

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Full funding for tuition, stipend, and research costs.
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Opportunity to publish in top journals and conferences.
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Engage with a vibrant, interdisciplinary community passionate about digital safety, policy-relevant research, and social justice.
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Access to world-class resources, mentorship, and collaboration networks.

🔧 Ideal Candidates Will Have:

  *   HCI and User-Centred Design Knowledge: Skills or interest in designing intuitive and secure user interfaces for vulnerable populations, incorporating user research and usability testing.
  *   Technical Expertise in Python/NLP: Experience with text classification, information extraction, and deep learning frameworks. A strong understanding of ethical AI principles, including fairness and transparency, is essential.
  *   Research Independence and Rigour: Ability to define research questions, apply robust methodologies, manage large datasets, and work autonomously. Strong English language skills are essential.

 📅 Deadline to Apply: 28 January 2024

🔗 Full project details and application information:

  *   Project Details: https://ucl-epsrc-dtp.github.io/2025-26-project-catalogue/projects/2531ad1520.html
  *   Application Information: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/epsrc-doctoral-training/prospective-students/apply-ucl-epsrc-dtp-studentship

Thank you for helping us spread the word, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you or your networks have any questions.

Best wishes,
Leonie

________________________________________________________________
Dr Leonie Maria Tanczer

Associate Professor in International Security and Emerging Technologies
Department of Computer Science
University College London

Twitter: @leotanczt<https://twitter.com/leotanczt>
Website: http://www.leonietanczer.net/
Key Fingerprint: 9F21 A6A6 913E 1393 1BC6 73DA EBEF 07A4 F61F 79DA