Fully Funded PhD in Ubiquitous Cognitive Navigation with AI-Based Systems at Cranfield University Cranfield University in United Kingdom

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].