Fully Funded PhD in UAV Spray Physics and Autonomous Precision Spraying Harper Adams University in United Kingdom

Harper Adams University is advertising a fully funded PhD studentship on UAV spray physics and autonomous precision spraying for sustainable crop protection. The project focuses on understanding spray behaviour under temperate UK conditions, especially for very-low volume (VLV) and ultra-low volume (ULV) formulations, and on building an integrated framework for real-time decision-making and variable-rate aerial application in autonomous farming systems.

The research sits at the intersection of Agriculture, Environmental Science, and engineering-led fluid dynamics. It is designed to support the next generation of precision agriculture technologies that can reduce environmental impact while maintaining or improving crop protection efficacy. The post mentions collaboration with Fernando Auat Cheein and supervision/announcement by Nwabueze Emekwuru, Reader in Mechanical Engineering at Harper Adams University.

Funding: the studentship is fully funded and covers a stipend and tuition fees for eligible UK/Home students.

Eligibility highlights: strong interest in atomisation and sprays, sustainable farming, drone technology, fluid dynamics, field experimentation, and systems integration. The post does not list a detailed degree requirement beyond the PhD opportunity itself.

Deadline: 12 May 2026.

How to apply: read the full vacancy details on the Harper Adams jobs page, then follow the application instructions there. You may also contact the announcer by email for informal enquiries.