The University of Southampton is offering a fully funded PhD position in 'Fairness in AI for Transport' as part of the SustAI: UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Sustainability. This 4-year integrated PhD programme provides an enhanced annual stipend of £24,000, UK tuition fees, and a substantial research and travel budget. The programme starts in September 2026 and is designed for students interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence, transport, and social equity.

The research will focus on how AI technologies used in transport can reproduce or amplify inequalities across places and social groups. The project aims to design and test fairness-aware algorithms that balance equity with efficiency and reliability. Application areas include shared mobility, journey planners, demand-responsive buses, ride-hailing, surge pricing, and fairness in transport simulations and digital twins. The PhD is supervised by Agnieszka Stefaniec, Rich McIlroy, and Baharak Rastegari at the University of Southampton Business School.

The SustAI CDT is recruiting 15 PhD students across five themes: AI for Sustainable Operations and Circular Economy, AI for Transportation and Logistics, AI for Sustainable Energy and Buildings, AI for the Natural Environment, and Sustainable AI. The programme offers structured training in AI, sustainability, and professional skills in the first year, and supports multidisciplinary research. Applicants from diverse backgrounds such as engineering, social science, economics, business, computer science, mathematics, electronics, and physical science are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility requires a very good undergraduate or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent). EU and overseas applicants must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each component). Up to 14 fully funded positions are available for UK nationals and those with indefinite leave to remain, up to 4 for EU and Horizon associated countries, and up to 2 for international applicants. Funding covers tuition, stipend, and additional needs as appropriate. International scholarships are highly competitive and require a first-class degree from a top university.

To apply, check eligibility and instructions at the SustAI CDT website, look up 'Fairness in AI for Transport' in the project list, and indicate this project in your application. Prepare a short research proposal outlining your ideas on the topic. The application deadline is 27 January 2026. An online information event will be held on 10 December 2025. For questions, contact [email protected].

Keywords: AI for Transport, Fairness in AI, Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Transport Inequality, Algorithmic Fairness, Shared Mobility, Digital Twins, Journey Planners, Demand-Responsive Buses.