PhDEnvironmental Engineering
| Study location | Lithuania, Vilnius, On Campus |
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| Academic field | Environmental science (ISCED 422) Environmental engineering (JACS H220) |
| Type | Doctoral, full-time |
| Nominal duration | 4 years (30 ECTS) |
| Study language | English |
| Awards | PhD (PhD candidate position in Assessing Urban Heat Islands Using Remote Sensing and Geodetic Techniques) |
| Course code | Environmental Engineering T004 |
| Tuition fee | €12,449 per year Part-time studies (6-year) 8 229,00 |
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| Application fee | €100 one-time |
| Entry qualification | Postgraduate diploma (or higher) The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. You must take verified copies of the entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university. |
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| Language requirements | English International applicants to whom English is not a native language need to provide a proof of their English language proficiency. Exceptions are made only for applicants who have completed their previous studies fully in English. One of the following is accepted: |
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| Other requirements | At least 2 reference(s) should be provided. A relevant portfolio is required. Please upload your research proposal including the abstract, literature review, research objectives, research questions, methodology and bibliography. - Certified copies of the Master’s degree diploma and its supplement with grades or higher education equivalent to it; |
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| More information |
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Overview
PhD candidate position in Assessing Urban Heat Islands Using Remote Sensing and Geodetic Techniques
Open application for a doctoral candidate in Environmental Engineering
The doctoral candidate position is available in the Environmental Engineering Faculty Geodesy and Cadastre Department. Applicants interested in other research topics related to Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing are also welcome to apply.
Research topic description
Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) are urban areas that experience significantly higher temperatures compared to their rural surroundings. This phenomenon is primarily driven by human activities, such as the construction of buildings and roads, which absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes. The impacts of UHIs include increased energy consumption, elevated emissions, and health risks.
Research Objectives
1. Develop Comprehensive UHI Models: Integrate thermal, optical, and geodetic data to create detailed models of UHI dynamics.
2. Monitor Temporal Changes: Track changes in UHI intensity and distribution over time to understand long-term trends and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
3. 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
The study aims to:
• 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.
Requirements
• Required background: Geodesy, Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS), Machine Learning
• Expected skills and knowledge: RS, GIS software, programming.
It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.
For more information
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The position may not be opened if no qualified candidate is found. Additional information regarding the post may be obtained from Prof. Dr Jūratė Sužiedelytė Visockienė, e-mail: juratesuziedelyte-visockiene@vilniustech.lt
Programme structure
The PhD programme consists of:
· 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.
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