Applications are now open for fully funded PhD studentships in the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Understandable agri-food Systems Transformed by Artificial Intelligence (SUSTAIN CDT). This prestigious programme is designed for students passionate about tackling real-world challenges in sustainable agri-food systems using advanced AI and data-driven approaches. The SUSTAIN CDT is a collaboration between the University of Lincoln, University of Aberdeen, University of Strathclyde, and Queen's University Belfast, offering a multidisciplinary research environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Studentships cover all PhD tuition fees and provide a generous tax-free stipend: up to £31,805 per year for home students (including a £10,000 TechExpert enhancement) and £21,805 for international students. Additionally, a Research Training Support Grant of £3,000 per year (up to £12,000 total) is available to support travel, training, and consumables. The programme offers comprehensive training and development, with projects spanning AI applications in agriculture, food systems, environmental monitoring, biodiversity, supply chain efficiency, livestock management, and more.

Applicants can choose from a variety of projects, some of which are open to both home and international students, while others are restricted to home applicants. Supervisory teams are drawn from leading UK universities and industry partners, ensuring a rich, collaborative research experience. Key research areas include sustainable agriculture, artificial intelligence, machine learning, climate change, biodiversity, supply chain management, and environmental science.

Eligibility requirements include a minimum of a first class or 2:1 Bachelor's degree or MSc with merit in a relevant subject area. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or hold a degree from an English-speaking university. Applicants must be resident in the UK for the majority of their studies. The application process is anonymised to ensure fairness and reduce bias.

To apply, candidates must complete an online application form, select up to three preferred projects, and submit a personal statement. Supporting documents, including a CV and academic transcripts, must be emailed to the SUSTAIN team. The deadline for applications is 12pm (midday) GMT on Friday, 20th March 2026. For more information and to explore available projects, visit the SUSTAIN CDT website.

Contact: [email protected]