AI-enhanced conversational support for people living with dementia

The Faculty of Science Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a new initiative by the University of Nottingham to train future researchers and leaders to address the most pressing challenges of the 21st Century, through foundational and applied AI research on a cohort basis. The DTC training and supervision will be delivered by a team of outstanding scholars from different disciplines cutting across arts, engineering, medicine and health sciences, science, and social sciences. 

Project overview

Start date: 1 October 2026 for 3.5 years (42 months)

Communication difficulties, including problems with speech and language, are common among people living with dementia and often worsen as the condition progresses. These difficulties can significantly impact everyday interactions with family members, carers, and professionals, limiting social participation and engagement and reducing independence. Supporting communication is therefore central to maintaining social engagement, inclusion, and quality of life for people with dementia.

Evidence shows that people with dementia can and do use technology particularly when it is co-designed to be accessible, meaningful, and responsive to their needs. The development of assistive technologies for people with dementia has accelerated rapidly in recent years, creating new opportunities to support communication in innovative ways.

This PhD project aims to develop an AI-enabled communication support (mobile) tool that assists people with dementia who experience difficulties with speech and language. The tool will predict likely next words during speech and, when a person becomes stuck, offers optional prompts, such as suggested words or visual cues, to support expression without taking control away from the user. Use of the tool will be aimed at maintaining good communication relationships between dyads - a person with dementia and their carer, family member or friend.

The primary focus is the development and optimisation of the underlying AI technology. However, a key aspect of this work is to co-develop the tool with people with dementia and carers, ensuring the tool is ethically grounded, usable, and aligned with real-world communication needs. This PhD would therefore suit a candidate who is interested in developing AI tools as well as working with end users and other stakeholders to achieve a practical solution.

Supervisors

• Dr Michael Craven - Faculty Engineering
• Dr Armaghan Moemeni - School of Computer Science
• Dr Esther Loseto-Gerritzen - School of Medicine

Candidate requirements

A strong enthusiasm for artificial intelligence research and a minimum of a 2:1 bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline to the research topic - please consult with the potential supervisors. See the "how to apply" section for contact details. 

Read our application guide for full guidance on residency, qualifications and English language requirements.

Funding and eligibility

This studentship is open to UK/home applicants only. 

Annual tax-free stipend based on the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27), home tuition fee, and a £3,000 p.a. Research Training Support Grant.  

How to apply

Application deadline: Sunday 19 April 2026. You must have completed and submitted your application to the NottinghamHub system by this date. 

Read our application guide for full guidance on how to apply. The application process has two steps.

Email Dr Michael Craven (Faculty of Engineering) for further details and to arrange an interview.