Developing and Deploying AI for Elderly Social Care - Opportunities and Challenges from Multi-Stakeholder Perspective

Applications are invited for a fully-funded three-year PhD to commence in October 2025. 

The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Business and Law and will be supervised by Dr Aamir Amin, Dr Zeeshan Bhatti and Professor Mark Xu.  .

Candidates applying for this project may be eligible to compete for one of a small number of bursaries available. Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25). Bursary recipients will also receive £2,000 for fieldwork purposes. 

Costs for student visa and immigration health surcharge are not covered by this bursary. For further guidance and advice visit our international and EU students ‘Visa FAQs’ page.    

The aging population presents significant social challenges and economic burdens, particularly as older adults require substantial health and social support (Qian et al., 2021; Tyrväinen et al., 2018). Evolving family dynamics, declining family sizes, and increased workforce participation among women strain traditional caregiving models (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016). Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), including sensor-based AI and AI-powered humanoid robots, are increasingly highlighted as solutions to these pressures. Policymakers emphasize their potential to enhance care quality, promote independence, and alleviate strain on health and social care systems while reducing costs (Hutchings, 2020; NHS, 2020). AI technologies can supplement existing care provision, reduce family caregiver burdens, and improve service consistency (Meskó et al., 2018; Ienca et al., 2018).

However, the adoption and implementation of such technologies face challenges due to limited understanding of stakeholder perceptions. Attitudes of policymakers, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and older adults significantly influence technological acceptance and deployment (Sartori & Bocca, 2023). Understanding these perceptions is crucial to align AI solutions with stakeholder expectations and concerns.

This study explores the attitudes, concerns, and expectations of key stakeholders regarding AI-powered social care interventions. Using interviews, surveys, and focus groups, it seeks to capture insights from policymakers, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and older adults. By addressing barriers to acceptance and implementation, this research aims to inform the development and deployment of AI technologies in social care, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for older adults.

How to apply 

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Aaamir Amin (aamir.amin@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process. 

Please also include a research proposal of 1,000 words outlining the main features of your proposed research design – including how it meets the stated objectives, the challenges this project may present, and how the work will build on or challenge existing research in the above field.
 

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code OSP50320125 when applying. Please note that email applications are not accepted.