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University of Aberdeen

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Funded PhD in AI-enabled carbon farming for climate-resilient smallholder agriculture University of Aberdeen in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Fully funded PhD studentship: all PhD tuition fees paid, tax-free stipend at UKRI rates for living costs, Research Training Support Grant of £3,000 per year (up to £12,000 total), plus additional funding for outreach, dissemination, summer schools, research events, and development projects.

Deadline

Oct 16, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Aberdeen

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Keywords

Computer Science
Environmental Science
Agriculture
Biology
Remote Sensing
Artificial Intelligence
Earth Science
Optimisation
Smallholder Farming
Economics
ML

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About this position

Funded PhD opportunity at the University of Aberdeen within the SUSTAIN CDT on AI-enabled carbon farming for climate-resilient smallholder agriculture.

This project sits at the intersection of agriculture, artificial intelligence, environmental science, climate science, data science, soil science, and economics. The research will explore how AI and integrated data sources can improve measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of carbon outcomes in fragmented smallholder farming systems. It will combine ground observations with drone, satellite, environmental, and farm-level data to build models that estimate carbon outcomes and uncertainty, then develop adaptive sampling and optimisation methods to reduce monitoring costs while maintaining credibility.

The student will receive training in machine learning, remote sensing, spatial and environmental data analysis, economic modelling, uncertainty assessment, adaptive sampling, and optimisation. The project also includes experience working with an industry partner and applying AI to a real-world sustainability challenge.

Funding: fully funded studentship with all tuition fees paid, a tax-free stipend at UKRI rates, and a Research Training Support Grant of £3,000 per year (up to £12,000 total), plus additional support for outreach, dissemination, summer schools, research events, and development projects.

Eligibility: honours degree (minimum 2:1) in agriculture, agricultural economics, computer science, environmental science, or engineering, with strong expertise in agricultural extension, education, or farmer engagement. A relevant master’s degree is desirable, along with quantitative or qualitative research experience.

Supervisors: Prof Pete Smith, Paul Williams, Milan Markovic, and Olusola Omole.

Deadline: 16 October 2026, 12:00 noon UK time.

Apply via the SUSTAIN CDT instructions page and follow the online application process.

Funding details

Fully funded PhD studentship: all PhD tuition fees paid, tax-free stipend at UKRI rates for living costs, Research Training Support Grant of £3,000 per year (up to £12,000 total), plus additional funding for outreach, dissemination, summer schools, research events, and development projects.

What's required

Honours degree minimum 2:1 in agriculture, agricultural economics, computer science, environmental science, or engineering with strong expertise in agricultural extension, education, or farmer engagement. A master’s degree in AI, Machine Learning, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, or Environmental Sciences is highly desirable. Applicants should be self-driven, curious, interdisciplinary, and eager to work in a team; quantitative or qualitative research-focused BSc/MSc dissertation or thesis is desirable.

How to apply

Visit the SUSTAIN CDT application page for full instructions and submit the application online. Check the project page and follow the stated application process before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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