Dr. Jonathan Higham, The University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
Dr. Jonny Edward Higham is a Senior Lecturer in Contemporary and Dynamic Processes in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Liverpool. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Fluid Mechanics and an MEng in Civil & Structural Engineering from the University of Sheffield, he integrates advanced machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques—especially those rooted in linear algebra such as Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD)—to address critical challenges in maritime safety, environmental monitoring, and public health. Dr. Higham has led high-impact projects, including MarRI-UK-funded research that has reduced port maintenance costs and digitalized shipyard operations in partnership with Lloyd’s Register. His work on ML-based aerosol dynamics in dentistry informed NHS COVID-19 guidelines, while his deployment of a 58-sensor air quality network across Liverpool directly informs city policy. As the founder of the Liverpool Employer-Led Academy (LELA), launched in 2024, he fosters collaboration between academia and industry to enhance student employability. A recipient of multiple awards, including from the American Physical Society and the University of Liverpool, Dr. Higham has over 609 citations and more than 35 publications. He also serves as Deputy Chair of the FSE Ethics Committee and SoES Commercialisation Lead, and supervises numerous doctoral students in ML/AI research.
Professional Profile:
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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award: Dr. Jonny Edward Higham
Dr. Jonny Edward Higham, Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool, is a distinguished researcher whose interdisciplinary work in machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and environmental engineering has made a significant impact on public safety, healthcare, and environmental policy. His research excellence, practical innovation, and mentorship make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
🎓 Education
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PhD in Environmental Fluid Mechanics, University of Sheffield (2013–2016)
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MEng in Civil & Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield (2009–2013)
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MEng in E.T.S. de Ingeniería de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad de Granada (2012)
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Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2016)
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Currently pursuing Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy
💼 Work Experience
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👨🏫 Senior Lecturer, Department of Geography and Planning, University of Liverpool (2018–Present)
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Led £190k MarRI-UK project using ML and SVD for nearshore bathymetry, cutting port costs by 15%
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Principal Investigator for £30k MarRI-UK Digital Shipyard project using AI in shipbuilding with Lloyd’s Register
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Developed YOLOv8-based boulder detection model (78% accuracy) for maritime navigation
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Engineered ML models for aerosol dynamics during COVID-19, contributing to NHS protocols
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Installed 58-sensor air quality network across Liverpool, influencing city policy
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Founded and leads Liverpool Employer-Led Academy (LELA), launched 2024
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Supervises 10 PhD students (4 completed, 6 ongoing)
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Deputy Chair of FSE Ethics, SoES Commercialisation Lead
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🧪 Oakridge Research Fellow, National Energy Technology Laboratories, U.S. Department of Energy (2016–2018)
🏆 Awards and Honors
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🥇 American Physical Society Award (2020) – ML contributions to fluid mechanics
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🎓 School Teaching Prize, University of Liverpool (2020) – for ML-based teaching innovations
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💰 Faculty Teaching Development Grant, University of Liverpool (2020) – for AI-driven teaching tools
📊 Key Achievements
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609 Google Scholar citations
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35+ peer-reviewed publications
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Established YOLOv8 models in sonar imaging and healthcare
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Influenced NHS and Liverpool City Council with ML-driven research
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Leads national-level MarRI-UK maritime innovation projects
Publication Top Notes:
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