PhD Studentship: Digital Trust in the Computing Continuum – Trustworthy Path Agility for Computing Continuum Transactions University of Kent in United Kingdom

[Tuition fees plus a combined maintenance grant equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£20,2780 for 2025/26) for 3.5 years.]

The University of Kent, in partnership with Huawei, is offering two fully-funded 3.5-year PhD studentships in the area of digital trust within the computing continuum. The research will focus on 'Trustworthy Path Agility for Computing Continuum Transactions,' contributing to the development of new approaches and standards for intelligent networks and the agentic web. Key research themes include policy-based authorization, delegation of entitlements, and trustworthiness assessment of data paths in intelligent networks.

Successful candidates will join the Institute of Cyber Security for Society (iCSS) and the School of Computing's Cyber Security Research Group, both recognized as UK government Academic Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research and Education. The project offers opportunities for international collaboration and involvement in the creation of new standards and protocols for digital trust and security.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, with a Master’s degree preferred. The studentships are open to both Home and Overseas (including EU) students. Non-native English speakers must meet the University of Kent’s English language proficiency requirements. Prior experience or interest in intelligent networks, digital identity, authorization, or trust management is advantageous, and familiarity with neural-symbolic algorithms for security or safety policy is beneficial but not required.

The studentship covers full tuition fees and provides a maintenance grant equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend (£20,2780 for 2025/26) for 3.5 years. The University of Kent is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

To apply, candidates should use the University of Kent’s online application process, clearly indicate their interest in the Huawei PhD studentship, and submit a research proposal on 'Digital Trust in the Computing Continuum.' Applicants must also provide evidence of qualifications, two academic references, and complete the scholarships form. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Rogério de Lemos ([email protected]) to discuss their application before applying. The application deadline is 30 November 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit the University of Kent scholarships page.