Cranfield University
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Self-Funded PhD in Cognitive Intelligence for Self-Evolving Multi-Agent Systems Cranfield University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
This is a self-funded, full-time PhD. The student is responsible for tuition fees and living costs; no stipend or other funding is stated.
Deadline
Apr 7, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
Cranfield University
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About this position
Cranfield University is offering a full-time PhD examining cognitive intelligence in self-evolving multi-agent systems. The project aims to move beyond conventional embodied AI toward human-inspired cognitive reasoning, adaptive collective intelligence, and effective human–autonomy collaboration.
The research will explore how autonomous agents can develop and evolve capabilities such as situational awareness, intention understanding, trust reasoning, and social intelligence. These capabilities may emerge and adapt through interactions between humans and agents, as well as among multiple agents, supporting cooperation in challenging and time-critical environments such as search and rescue.
Research directions are flexible and may involve multimodal foundation models, multi-agent reinforcement learning, continual collective intelligence, or related cognitive architectures. The student will investigate how agents perceive, reason, act, and continuously evolve their cognitive behaviours through interaction.
The researcher will be embedded in Cranfield’s Human-Machine-X Collaboration (HUMAX) Lab and will benefit from the university’s applied research environment and industry connections across aerospace, defence, and transport. The project also offers opportunities to collaborate with industrial partners and contribute to high-quality scientific outputs and an international research profile.
The student will join Cranfield’s Doctoral Network, a community for research students and staff that supports knowledge sharing and collaboration, and will participate in the Doctoral Researchers’ Core Development Programme.
Funding details
This is a self-funded, full-time PhD. The student is responsible for tuition fees and living costs; no stipend or other funding is stated.
What's required
Applicants should hold at least a first- or second-class UK bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related discipline. A sound background in engineering, computer science, or a related field is suitable.
How to apply
Contact Dr Yang Xing for further information, then complete the online application form through the project page. Upload all relevant documents; early application is encouraged because the vacancy may close before the deadline.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.