Biometric recognition systems with artificial intelligence techniques

About the project

Machine learning as well as deep learning techniques are employed in this project to design novel biometric recognition systems. Biometrics included in this type of study are: Face, Face profile, Ear, Iris, Gait, Palmprint, Fingerprint and body shape.

Cutting-edge artificial intelligence methods and techniques are employed to develop novel biometric systems. Biometric datasets are exploited or developed to design biometric recognition Systems.

Datasets of images are used or developed to design Biometric recognition systems by employing Artificial Intelligence (Deep learning, machine learning, and computer vision) methods. Various biometric modalities such as Ear, Face, Face profile, Gait, Iris, Fingerprint, Palmprint and body shape may be considered to develop cutting edge biometric systems. Such systems are then numerically evaluated for comparisons with existing biometric systems in the literature.

There are computer vison, Image Processing, Machine Learning and Deep learning modules and labs available in our school that you can take to improve or complete your background knowledge to undertake this project successfully.

Potential supervisors

Lead supervisor

Dr Sasan Mahmoodi PhD

Associate Professor

Research interests

Medical Image Analysis
Biometrics
Computer Vision

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

you must have knowledge of, or be interested in learning, some of the following topics:

machine learning
computer vision
Python programming

Knowledge of deep learning is also desirable but not essential.

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.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

International candidates who are self-funded or sponsored are also encouraged to apply for this project.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
select Full time or Part time
search for programme PhD Computer Science (7089)
add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

research proposal
your CV (resumé)
2 academic references
degree transcripts and certificates to date
English language qualification (if applicable)

Contact us

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

If you have a general question, email our doctoral college (feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk).

Project leader

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Sasan Mahmoodi (sm3@ecs.soton.ac.uk).

Postgraduate research project