Stress test of autonomous driving systems using AI and augmented virtual reality

This scholarship is provided by School of Civil Engineering to support Prof Zuduo Zheng's Future Fellowship "From error-prone human driving to error-free superhuman-like self-driving" sponsored by the Australian Research Council.

Automated vehicles (AVs) without human intervention are heralded to revolutionise transportation systems, but can make roads more dangerous for other users. This Future Fellowship aims to rigorously assess AV interactions with human drivers and vulnerable road users, by simulating dangerous traffic dynamics through augmented virtual testing.

Expected outcomes include a novel AV testing platform that will start a new paradigm for AV deployment, and an error-free motion planning method. You will focus on using cutting-edge AI based method to generate highly realistic vehicular trajectories and ultimately traffic dynamics with high criticality by learning from error-prone human-driving.

The successful applicant will benefit from a strong research environment in the Transport Group at School of Civil Engineering, which has a distinguished record of success in national competitive funding.

The Multi-Modal Connected & Automated Transport Lab (M2CAT) provides world-class infrastructure, including two driving simulators, an e-scooter VR simulator, a bicycle VR simulator (forthcoming), and a dedicated simulation platform. The group is also a key participant of the Future Mobility Testbed at Mount Cotton. These facilities are essential for the proposed PhD research.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of driving simulator experiment design and data collection would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of traffic modelling, simulation, and/or autonomous driving and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of AI, especially large language models and world models, is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 17 March, 2026 17 March, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Professor Zuduo Zheng (zuduo.zheng@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: AUTONOMOUS-ZHENG
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/stress-test-autonomous-driving-systems-using-ai-and-augmented-virtual-reality

Submit an EOI