Privacy-aware Public Trust Infrastructure (PTI) for Elections with AI Fake Detection

About the project

About the Project One fully funded PhD position in the Blockpass Identity Lab at Edinburgh Napier University on a project titled “Privacy-aware Public Trust Infrastructure (PTI) for Elections with AI Fake Detection”. This work is co-funded by Democracy Counts – a leading company within elections in the UK. Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally changing how governments communicate, make decisions and maintain public confidence. This research aims to create a Public Trust Infrastructure (PTI), along with an Electoral Trust Infrastructure (ETI) as the first implementation. This represents a strategic opportunity to create a new GovTech category combining research, standards, intellectual property and commercial platforms. It involves the integration of digital trust into every element of the election process, and where fake entities within elections can be identified. Key elements of the research include: Creation of a privacy-preserving trusted AI infrastructure for elections. Definition and detection of fake entities within an election. Integration of cryptography for privacy and trust. Integration of agentic AI – with privacy preservation - in the detection of fake elements and to verify entities. Large-scale simulation of an election with the integration of fake elements and entities. The PhD position is available to UK and International applications and comes with a full stipend and covers all the PhD fees. Essential attributes: Strong analytical and programming skills. A good Bachelor’s Hons degree (2.1 or above or international equivalent) and/or Master’s degree in a relevant subject (computer science, mathematics, economics, physics, engineering, or related subject). Proficiency in English (both oral and written). Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project. Desirable attributes: Good mathematical skills. Knowledge of cryptography fundamentals and their application. English language requirement IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online. APPLICATION CHECKLIST Completed application form CV 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download) Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results. Research questions or objectives. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods. List of references. The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support. Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project. Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate) To be considered, the application must use the advertised title as project title For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact Professor Bill Buchanan ( b.buchanan@napier.ac.uk ) Project start date - looking to commence Mar 2027 Application link: https://evision.napier.ac.uk/si/sits.urd/run/siwsso.go?fNu4R3DkMauNA4VEpe86PvA5RWFuA39Csuyri2CeDGsvVERahR

Research areas