Mengwei Sun
2 months ago
Fully Funded PhD in Ubiquitous Cognitive Navigation with AI-Based Systems at Cranfield University Cranfield University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Fully funded PhD studentship sponsored by EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards, Spirent Communications PLC, and Cranfield University. Provides a tax-free bursary of up to £24,000 per annum plus full tuition fees for 3.5 years. Includes two industry placements at Spirent, access to simulation tools and industry support.
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Cranfield University

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About this position
Fully funded PhD opportunity at Cranfield University in Ubiquitous Cognitive Navigation with AI-Based Systems.
This studentship sits at the intersection of aerospace engineering, robotics, computer science, electrical engineering, sensor fusion, navigation, artificial intelligence, and resilient Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems. The project aims to develop AI-driven cognitive navigation methods for autonomous transport, especially in environments where GNSS signals are denied or degraded.
The research is jointly supervised by Professor Ivan Petrunin and Dr Mengwei Sun. It focuses on multi-sensor fusion, adaptive decision-making, and robust navigation architectures for future autonomous systems. Students will work with advanced simulation tools, software-defined radio, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and embedded platforms, and will also complete two industry placements at Spirent Communications.
Funding is provided by EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards, Spirent Communications PLC, and Cranfield University. The award offers a tax-free bursary of up to £24,000 per year plus full tuition fees for 3.5 years. This opportunity is for Home fee status applicants only.
Eligibility highlights include a first or second class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline, programming experience in Python and MATLAB, and interest or experience in autonomous systems, signal processing, robotics, or learning-based fusion methods.
Deadline: 30 September 2026. Start date: 25 January 2027.
To apply, complete the online application form. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Mengwei Sun at [email protected] or Professor Ivan Petrunin at [email protected].
Funding details
Fully funded PhD studentship sponsored by EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards, Spirent Communications PLC, and Cranfield University. Provides a tax-free bursary of up to £24,000 per annum plus full tuition fees for 3.5 years. Includes two industry placements at Spirent, access to simulation tools and industry support.
What's required
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. The project is suited to candidates with programming experience in Python and MATLAB, a background in aerospace, computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering, hands-on experience implementing fusion- or learning-based techniques in robotics or autonomous systems, interest in autonomous systems and signal processing, and willingness to work with equipment and embedded platforms. The funding is only available to Home fee status students, with eligibility determined under UK Department for Education rules.
How to apply
Check eligibility for Home fee status first. Then complete the online application form for the studentship. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Mengwei Sun or Professor Ivan Petrunin by email.
More information can be found here
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