About the project
In a world increasingly dominated by AI-generated content, this PhD project will research advanced AI methodologies for detection and localization of manipulated imagery. You’ll push the frontiers of computer vision and data forensics, creating tools that strengthen digital authenticity, security, and global trust in visual information.
This PhD project will push the boundaries of AI-generated content detection and localization, rapidly advancing fields at the intersection of AI, computer vision, and digital forensics. With synthetic media and image manipulation becoming ever more convincing, verifying where an image was captured and whether it is genuine, has become a critical challenge for national security, media integrity, and public trust.
The research will tackle the central problem of authenticating visual content without relying on metadata, developing innovative AI techniques to interpret visual and contextual cues such as landscape, architecture, lighting, and environmental patterns.
By integrating geospatial analysis with deepfake detection, this project aims to create robust, explainable tools capable of identifying falsified or fabricated imagery and tracing its likely origin.
Key outcomes will include:
- new explainable AI models
- comprehensive evaluation of developed geolocation and detection approaches
- practical frameworks that enhance confidence in digital evidence
The project will also contribute valuable insights into the ethical, technical, and operational implications of using AI in high-stakes image analysis. You will receive specialist research training and work within a collaborative environment, with access to state-of-the-art computing facilities and potential opportunities to engage with industry partners.
This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of digital authenticity, geospatial intelligence, and information security research.
The School of Electronics and Computer Science is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
