1. Project Themes
  2. All Project Topics

All Project Topics

Supervisors for all

  • Dr. Gavin Abercrombie
    Keywords:
    Natural Language Processing, AI, safety fairness and ethics
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, NLP, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    g.abercrombie@hw.ac.uk
  • Dr. Stefano V. Albrecht
    Keywords:
    autonomous agents, multi-agent systems, reinforcement learning, probabilistic inference, state estimation
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Verification and Security
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Yoann Altmann
    Keywords:
    Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems; research; uk; robotics; biomedical; imaging
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Bioinspired Approaches
    y.altmann@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Morteza Amjadi
    Keywords:
    Soft robotics, smart materials, wearable sensors
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    m.amjadi@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Tughrul Arslan
    Keywords:
    Haptic Feedback for Human-Robot Interaction, Radio Frequency (RF) SLAM for Robotic Navigation; Real-Time Systems,...
    T.Arslan@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Fernando Auat Cheein
    Keywords:
    field robotics; agricultural robotics; remote sensing; crop characterization and phenotyping; perception and computer...
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    F.Auat@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Matthew Aylett
    Keywords:
    Human-Robot Interaction, Social Robotics, Conversational User Interfaces, Speech Technology, Accessibility
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction
    M.Aylett@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Ruth Aylett
    Keywords:
    Afffective computing, social robotics
    r.s.aylett@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Lynne Baillie
    Keywords:
    Human Robot Interaction, Health...
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction
    l.baillie@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Phil J. Bartie
    Keywords:
    geoinformatics; spatial analysis; LiDAR; visibility modelling; data visualisation
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Human Robot Interaction
    phil.bartie@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Vaishak Belle
    Keywords:
    Explainable AI, Machine learning, Cognitive robotics, Integrated task and motion planning
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Verification and Security
    vaishak@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Hakan Bilen
    Keywords:
    Computer vision and machine learning
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    hbilen@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Frédéric Bosché
    Keywords:
    Automation, imaging, defect, construction, management
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    f.bosche@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Keith Brown
    Keywords:
    Condition monitoring, signal processing, sonar
    k.e.brown@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Alan Bundy FRS, FACM, FREng, FRSE
    Keywords:
    Automation of reasoning; formation and evolution of representations of knowledge; logical theory creation and evolution...
    Theme:
    Verification and Security
    bundy@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Ignacio Carlucho
    Keywords:
    Robotics, reinforcement learning, multi-agent systems, intelligent control, ad hoc teamwork.
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    Ignacio.Carlucho@ed.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Mike Chantler
    Keywords:
    human-robot co-operation through visual interfaces; computer vision and image processing, texture
    M.J.Chantler@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Dongdong Chen
    Keywords:
    Machine learning; AI; computer vision; computational imaging; information fusion, medical imaging, signal processing
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Robot Design and Soft Robotics
    d.chen@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. David Corne
    Keywords:
    data analytics, machine learning, swarm intelligence, autonomous task co-ordination
    d.w.corne@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Michael Crichton
    Keywords:
    skin, device-human interfacing, biomedical sensing, sensors, biomimetics
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    M.Crichton@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Elliot Crowley
    Keywords:
    Efficient machine learning, automated machine learning
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    elliot.j.crowley@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Mike Davies
    Keywords:
    radar, lidar, computer vision, image processing, compressed sensing, sampling, sensor fusion, machine learning
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    mike.davies@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Louise Delicato
    Keywords:
    emotion recognition, visual perception, health and wellbeing
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Human Robot Interaction
    L.Delicato@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Karen Donaldson
    Keywords:
    Planetary exploration, Biomimetic Robotics
    Theme:
    Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    karen.donaldson@hw.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Christian Dondrup
    Keywords:
    Human-Robot Interaction, Social Robotics, (Human-aware) Navigation...
    c.dondrup@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Mauro Dragone
    Keywords:
    Cognitive robotics, human-robot interaction, multi-agent systems, internet of things, cloud robotics, ambient assisted...
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    m.dragone@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Matthew W. Dunnigan
    Keywords:
    Control, modelling, estimation
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Bioinspired Approaches
    m.w.dunnigan@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Mustafa Suphi Erden
    Keywords:
    Assistive robotics, skill assistance, physical human-robot interaction, medical robotics, mechatronics design
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Vision and Perception, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Robot Design and Soft Robotics
    m.s.erden@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Arash Eshghi
    Keywords:
    Spoken Dialogue Systems, Natural Language Processing, Linguistics, Human Interaction
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, NLP
    a.eshghi@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Robert Fisher FIAPR FBMVA
    Keywords:
    3D and Stereo Vision
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception
    rbf@inf.ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Theodoros Georgiou
    Keywords:
    Rehabilitation robotics, technology assisted healthcare, wearables, human-robot interaction.
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction
    t.georgiou@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Francesco Giorgio-Serchi
    Keywords:
    Underwater Robotics, Bioinspired Robotics, Soft Robotics, Vehicle Hydrodynamics, Mechatronics, Actuator Design, Model...
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    f.giorgio-serchi@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Abderrahim Halimi
    Keywords:
    image processing, computational imaging, 3D Lidar
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Bioinspired Approaches
    a.halimi@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Helen Hastie
    Keywords:
    Human-robot interaction, spoken dialogue systems, NLG, trustworthy autonomous systems.
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, NLP
    h.hastie@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. J. Michael Herrmann
    Keywords:
    Robot learning; self-organisation; developmental robotics; neuroprosthetics; computational neuroscience; data analysis
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Bioinspired Approaches
    michael.herrmann@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Timothy Hospedales
    Keywords:
    meta-learning, deep learning, computer vision
    t.hospedales@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Craig Innes
    Keywords:
    Statistical Verification, Safe Planning and Control, Explainable AI, Integrated Task and Motion Planning
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Vision and Perception, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    cinnes@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Andrew Ireland
    Keywords:
    Automated reasoning; formal modelling; verification and synthesis; productive use of failure; system safety
    Theme:
    Verification and Security
    a.ireland@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Ohad Kammar
    Keywords:
    Programming languages design and semantics, types, category theory
    Theme:
    Verification and Security
    ohad.kammar@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Frank Keller
    Keywords:
    Natural language processing, language and vision, computational narrative
    keller@inf.ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Mohsen Khadem
    Keywords:
    Medical Robotics, Image-guided Surgery, Continuum Robots, Applications of Control Theory in Robotics
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Vision and Perception
    mohsen.khadem@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Ekaterina Komendantskaya
    Keywords:
    Logic in AI, Verification, Theorem Proving, Types, Programming Languages
    Theme:
    Verification and Security
    e.komendantskaya@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Taku Komura
    Keywords:
    Animatronics, Computer graphics and Animation
    tkomura@inf.ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Xianwen Kong
    Keywords:
    Robotics; parallel mechanism; parallel robot; reconfigurable robot; adaptive robotic hand/gripper; compliant mechanism...
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, Robot Design and Soft Robotics
    X.Kong@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Ioannis Konstas
    Keywords:
    Natural Language Processing, Natural Language Generation, Deep Learning, Machine Learning
    Theme:
    NLP, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    i.konstas@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Maria Koskinopoulou
    Keywords:
    Robotics, computer vision and AI, medical robotics, autonomous systems, industrial applications.
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Vision and Perception, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    M.Koskinopoulou@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. David Lane CBE FREng FRSE
    Keywords:
    Autonomy, control, imaging, sonar, subsea robotics
    d.m.lane@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Oliver Lemon
    Keywords:
    Human-robot interaction, speech, machine learning, multimodal interfaces, collaboration, HRI
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, NLP, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    o.lemon@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Changjian Li
    Keywords:
    Computer Graphics, 3D Vision, Shape Analysis, Geometry Processing, 3D reconstruction, Sketch-based modeling, Medical...
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    Changjian.li@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Theo Lim
    Keywords:
    Visualisation, haptic interfaces, manufacturing
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    T.Lim@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Michael Lones
    Keywords:
    bio-inspired control, predictive modelling, optimisation
    M.Lones@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Chris Lu
    Keywords:
    SLAM, Sensing and Perception under Visual Degradation. Multi-modal sensor fusion
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    xiaoxuan.lu@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Christopher Lucas
    Keywords:
    cognitive science, active learning, probabilistic models, transfer learning, multi-task learning, compositionality
    Theme:
    Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Bioinspired Approaches
    c.lucas@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Oisin Mac Aodha
    Keywords:
    Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, 3D Understanding, AI for Social Good
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    oisin.macaodha@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Carlos Mastalli
    Keywords:
    Legged robotics, Optimal control, Numerical optimization, Reinforcement learning, Model predictive control, Motion...
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Robot Design and Soft Robotics
    C.Mastalli@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Alistair McConnell
    Keywords:
    Rehabilitation robotics, wearables, internet of things, prosthetics, assistive robotics, medical robotics, robots for...
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    Alistair.McConnell@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Michael Mistry
    Keywords:
    dynamics and control, human motion, humanoid robotics
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Bioinspired Approaches
    mmistry@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Joao Mota
    Keywords:
    Optimization Algorithms and Theory, Machine Learning, Multimodal Signal Processing, Network Science
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Verification and Security
    j.mota@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Najib Muhammad
    Keywords:
    Logic, Automata Theory, Game Theory, Multi-Agent Systems, Formal Verification, Automated Synthesis, Model Checking
    Theme:
    Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Verification and Security
    m.najib@hw.ac.uk
  • Dr. Wei Pang MIET
    Keywords:
    Bio-inspired Computing, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Explainable AI, Qualitative Reasoning
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Bioinspired Approaches
    w.pang@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Yvan Petillot
    Keywords:
    Robotics, image processing, vision, autonomy
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Vision and Perception
    y.r.petillot@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Ron Petrick
    Keywords:
    Automated planning, cognitive robotics, knowledge representation and reasoning, human-robot interaction, explainable...
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    R.Petrick@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Norbert Radacsi
    Keywords:
    6-axis bioprinting, 3D/4D printing, nanofibres, sensors
    Theme:
    Robot Design and Soft Robotics
    n.radacsi@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Thusha Rajendran
    Keywords:
    Developmental Psychology; Developmental Disorders
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction
    T.Rajendran@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Subramanian Ramamoorthy
    Keywords:
    Robot Learning for Decision Making under Uncertainty, Dexterous Manipulation and Control, Human-Robot Interaction,...
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Bioinspired Approaches, Verification and Security
    s.ramamoorthy@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Marta Romeo
    Keywords:
    human-robot interaction; human behaviour understanding; social robotics; assistive technologies; affective computing;...
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    M.Romeo@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Michael Rovatsos
    Keywords:
    Multiagent systems, coordination technologies, safe and ethical AI, human-AI collaboration, automated planning,...
    Michael.Rovatsos@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Laura Sevilla-Lara
    Keywords:
    Computer Vision, Video Understanding, Machine Learning
    lsevilla@exseed.ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Mohan Sridharan
    Keywords:
    Knowledge representation and reasoning, cognitive systems, interactive learning, control systems, human-robot...
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Vision and Perception, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    m.sridharan@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Robert Stewart
    Keywords:
    Parallel programming languages, domain specific languages, dataflow models, embedded systems, hardware, model checking...
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Verification and Security
    R.Stewart@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Adam Stokes
    Keywords:
    Soft Materials and Biomimetic Robotics
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction, Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    adam.stokes@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Amos Storkey
    Keywords:
    Reinforcement Learning, Planning, Data-efficient learning
    Theme:
    Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    a.storkey@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Kartic Subr
    Keywords:
    Approximate physical simulation, manipulation of deformable objects
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    K.Subr@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Alessandro Suglia
    Keywords:
    Embodied AI, Conversational AI, Multimodal Generative AI, Reinforcement Learning, NLP
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Human Robot Interaction, NLP, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    a.suglia@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Austin Tate FREng FRSE
    Keywords:
    Intelligent Planning and Execution, Search and Rescue
    a.tate@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Nick Taylor
    Keywords:
    Robot motion planning; human-robot co-operation; robot safety; AUV fault diagnosis and recovery
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    n.k.taylor@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Steve Tonneau
    Keywords:
    Humanoid robotics; Motion planning, Optimal control
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning
    stonneau@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Marta Vallejo
    Keywords:
    Explainable AI, machine learning, deep learning, biomedical image, wearable data and computer vision
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    m.vallejo@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Patricia A. Vargas
    Keywords:
    Neurorobotics, Human-Robot Interaction, Rehabilitation Robotics, Evolutionary Robotics, Swarm Robotics, Biologically-...
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Bioinspired Approaches
    p.a.vargas@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Amir Vaxman
    Keywords:
    Geometry Processing, Computer Graphics, Shape Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Directional and Vector-field Design, Medical...
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Vision and Perception
    avaxman@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Antonio Vergari
    Keywords:
    deep generative models, complex reasoning, neuro-symbolic AI, reliable and efficient probabilistic inferece, automated...
    Theme:
    Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Verification and Security
    avergari@exseed.ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Sethu Vijayakumar FRSE
    Keywords:
    Humanoid robotics; Robot learning; Computational motor control; Adaptive motion synthesis; Prosthetics
    Theme:
    Control and Motion Planning, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems)
    sethu.vijayakumar@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Dr. Changhai Wang
    Keywords:
    Microactuators and microrobotics, robotic micromanipulation and microassessmbly, microsystem and electronic packaging
    Theme:
    Robot Design and Soft Robotics
    C.Wang@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Cheng Wang
    Keywords:
    Motion planning, Verification & Validation, AI Safety, Explainable AI, Scenario Generation
    Cheng.Wang@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Chengjia Wang
    Keywords:
    Machine learning, medical imaging, computer vision
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    chengjia.wang@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Prof. Barbara Webb
    Keywords:
    Bio-robotics, Sensorimotor Control
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    bwebb@inf.ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Yves Wiaux
    Keywords:
    compressive sensing, computational imaging, optimisation algorithms
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Bioinspired Approaches
    y.wiaux@hw.ac.uk
    Heriot-Watt University
  • Dr. Yunjie Yang
    Keywords:
    Soft Sensors, Electronic-skins, Soft Robotics, Machine Learning
    Theme:
    Vision and Perception, Machine Learning and AI (inc. multi-agent systems), Robot Design and Soft Robotics, Bioinspired Approaches
    Y.Yang@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
  • Prof. Frauke Zeller
    Keywords:
    Human-Robot Interaction, Social Robotics, Design Informatics
    Theme:
    Human Robot Interaction
    fzeller@ed.ac.uk
    University of Edinburgh
Please see the list of themes on the menu on the left. Selecting one of these themes will take you to the list of supervisors associated with this particular area of research.