Digital Haptics and Proprioceptive Learning in Surgery. Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences, UQ-Exeter Institute PhD Studentship (Funded) for January 2027 Entry Ref: 5838

Join a world-leading, cross-continental research team

The UQ Exeter Institute is seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, international research partnership tackling major challenges facing the global community in sustainability and wellbeing. Our joint PhD program provides a fantastic opportunity for the most talented doctoral students to work closely with world class research groups and benefit from the combined expertise and facilities at The University of Queensland and the University of Exeter. This prestigious program provides full tuition fees, stipend, travel and development funds and Research Training Support Grants to the successful applicants.

This select group of high-calibre doctoral candidates will have the chance to study in the UK and Australia, and will graduate with a joint PhD degree from The University of Queensland and the University of Exeter.

The studentship provides funding for up to 42 months (3.5 years).

Find out more about the PhD studentships www.exeter.ac.uk/quex/phds

Successful applicants will have a strong academic background and track record to undertake research projects based in one of the four priority themes.

Successful applicants will undertake this joint program on a full-time and onshore basis, commencing in Australia (UQ-homed) or in the UK (Exeter-homed). At least 12 months will be spent at each institution over the period of the joint PhD program.

The closing date for applications is midday Friday, 24 April 2026 (BST), with interview to be held between Monday, 25th May and Wednesday, 3rd June 2026. 

The programme start date is expected to be Monday, January 4th January 2027.

Please note that of the eight Exeter led projects advertised, we expect that up to four studentships will be awarded to Exeter based students.

Theme: Digital Worlds & Disruptive Technologies

Supervisors:

Exeter - Associate Professor Gavin Buckingham

UQ – Dr Jarrod Knibbe

Project Description

Research Problem and Significance 

Virtual Reality (VR) represents a disruptive shift in the modern training ecosystem, increasingly adopted across healthcare, defence, and manufacturing. However, a critical human-centred design challenge emerges: users typically interact with these virtual environments through controller-based interaction, which is largely devoid of the haptic (touch-based) cues that are a core part of real world interactions. The consequences for embodied learning without haptic feedback in digital environments remain largely unknown. As VR training proliferates across sectors, establishing evidence-based principles for haptic design is paramount for responsible innovation. 

Relatedly, literature in motor control suggests that proprioception is a primary driver of skill acquisition. Seminal work by Wong and Gribble (2012) demonstrated that passive proprioceptive training—where the limb is moved by a robot—can induce significant improvements in active motor performance. This implies that "feeling" the correct movement can be a mechanism to improve skill learning, akin to the far larger body of work on observational learning in surgery (e.g., Lebel, Haverstock, Cristancho, van Eimeren, & Buckingham, 2018).   

Research Aims and Objectives   

1. To determine which haptic cues are critical to optimize sensorimotor learning in surgical contexts.  
2. To investigate if proprioceptive cues delivered though a haptic device to guide the user through ideal trajectories can replicate the learning benefits observed in fundamental motor control research within a complex VR surgical tasks.
3. To establish evidence-based design principles for haptic feedback in VR training systems, using surgery as a test-case   

Proposed Research Approach and Methods  

At Exeter, the candidate first will conduct a series of experimental tasks using 3D Systems Phantom Touch devices (robotic arms which provide force feedback of simulated physical contact while measuring movement kinematics and force output). These will be integrated with bespoke VR simulations of surgical tasks developed in collaboration with our industry partner, FundamentalXR, adapted to be delivered with and without haptic cues. Then, at UQ the candidate will work with computer scientists to design paradigms that compare "active" learning (standard VR) against "proprioceptive" learning (haptically guided movement), measuring outcomes such as path efficiency, force consistency, and transfer of training to novel tasks.   

Originality and Innovation 

This project is highly innovative in applying fundamental theories of human motor control to address a critical gap in immersive training design. It moves beyond the current standard of visual-dominant VR to a multisensory approach that respects the physicality of surgical practice, enabled by an interdisciplinary team combining Experimental Psychology, Computer Science, and Clinical Surgery.   

Deliverables and Contribution to Knowledge  

The outcomes will serve as a roadmap for the next generation of how haptic feedback can underpin VR in surgery and beyond. We expect this work to yield high-impact publications and support follow-on funding applications to the EPSRC or Innovate UK regarding haptic technologies in healthcare and wider tele-robotics.

Contact

Questions about this project should be directed to Associate Professor Gavin Buckingham at G.Buckingham@exeter.ac.uk 

Entry requirements

Applicants should be highly motivated and have, or expect to obtain, either a first or upper-second class BA or BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information and a list of acceptable alternative tests.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply for this studentship project please use the 'Apply now' button above.  Important note:  If you apply for this project via a different route your application will not be considered. 

You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload the following documents:

• a full CV
• A Personal Statement.  Please use the following form UQ-Exeter Institute Personal Statement.   Please note: the document will open as read only so please ensure you save a copy onto your desktop to edit the document.  You will need to upload the completed document to your application.
• academic transcripts and degree certificates
• details of two academic referees.
• English Language qualification.

Please quote reference 5838 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary