PhD Studentship: AI-Augmented Group Model Building – Evaluating Generative AI as a Co-Facilitator for Participatory Modelling of Complex Socio-Technical Challenges University of Strathclyde in United Kingdom

[Fully-funded scholarship for 3 years covers all university tuition fees (at UK level) and an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate. International students may need to secure additional funding for the fee difference, though exceptional candidates may receive full coverage.]

This fully-funded PhD studentship at the University of Strathclyde offers an exciting opportunity to advance the field of participatory modelling by developing and evaluating a GPT-based AI co-facilitator for Group Model Building (GMB) workshops. The project aims to support stakeholders in collaboratively constructing Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) to address complex socio-technical challenges, such as those found in healthcare and urban planning.

Through a comparative study of traditional and AI-integrated GMB workshops, the research will assess the impact of generative AI on modelling accuracy, inclusivity, participant experience, and the accessibility of systems thinking for non-expert audiences. The AI system will process real-time discussions, suggest causal links, propose feedback loops, and visualize draft CLDs, while ensuring that interpretive authority remains with participants. A post-workshop conversational interface will further enable ongoing model refinement and engagement.

The project will use a mixed-methods, socio-technical design, conducting 4–6 workshops with diverse participants. Outcomes will include an open-source, replicable framework for ethical human–AI co-facilitation in participatory modelling, as well as AI-generated plain-language narratives to make complex systems insights accessible to policymakers and the public.

The studentship is based in the Strathclyde Business School, supervised by Dr Le Nguyen, Prof Viktor Dorfler, Dr Esmaeil Khedmati Morasae, and Prof Nav Mustafee (University of Exeter). The position is funded for 3 years, covering UK tuition fees and a UKRI-rate stipend. International students are welcome to apply, though they may need to secure additional funding for the fee difference unless exceptionally qualified.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first-class or upper second-class Honours degree in a relevant discipline such as Management Science, Operational Research, Computer Science, or Behavioural & Psychological Science. A Master’s degree or professional experience in systems thinking, AI, or behavioural science is advantageous. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential. The standard Strathclyde Business School eligibility criteria apply.

The application deadline is 30 April 2026, with a start date of 1 October 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the official project page.