Kristine Belesova

Imperial College London is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity focused on developing convergent nature-based and sensor solutions for heat-resilient farming in Sub-Saharan Africa. This interdisciplinary project aims to address the urgent challenge of rising heat in farming by integrating nature-based solutions and advanced sensor technologies to better understand and reduce heat stress in smallholder farming systems. The research will combine expertise in environmental science, sustainability, agriculture, and sensor technology. Key areas include the use of wearable health and environmental sensors, real-time monitoring of heat stress and productivity, and the implementation of nature-based interventions to enhance farm resilience. The project is part of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change & the Environment and the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, with collaboration from international organizations such as CABI, World Agroforestry, CIFOR-ICRAF, and CGIAR. The studentship is open exclusively to UK residents and provides comprehensive funding, including a London-weighted UKRI stipend (£23,195 per annum for 2026/27), home fees, and research expenses for consumables, conference attendance, and travel. The position is for 3.5 years and is part of the School of Convergence Science’s doctoral programme, which emphasizes cross-disciplinary research and cohort-based activities. Applicants should have a strong academic background in environmental science, agriculture, sustainability, or related fields, and demonstrate interest or experience in nature-based solutions, sensor technology, or real-time environmental monitoring. The application process requires direct contact with the lead supervisor, submission of a CV, cover letter, two reference letters, and confirmation of completing the Candidate Information Form. The deadline for applications is 27 February 2026, 4pm UK time. Selection as a supervisory team's chosen candidate does not guarantee a studentship offer, as there will be a final selection round for up to 16 offers. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and technological innovation in environmental monitoring. The successful candidate will gain interdisciplinary training, technical expertise, and experience in collaborative research at a leading global institution.

Imperial College London is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity in the field of Global Population Health and Sustainability, supervised by Associate Professor Kristine Belesova. The project focuses on developing convergent nature-based and sensor solutions to address the urgent challenge of rising heat in smallholder farming systems, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This interdisciplinary research will integrate nature-based solutions with wearable health and environmental sensors to monitor and reduce heat stress, aiming to improve productivity and resilience in agricultural communities. The research will involve real-time monitoring of heat stress and productivity using advanced sensor technologies, with a strong emphasis on environmental science, agriculture, and public health. The project is ideal for candidates interested in sustainability, global health, and innovative approaches to climate adaptation in farming. The successful applicant will join a dynamic research environment at Imperial College London, collaborating with experts in environmental monitoring, wearable technology, and sustainable agriculture. The position is fully funded for UK residents, covering tuition and providing a stipend. Applicants should have a relevant academic background and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research. The application deadline is 27 February 2026, 4pm UK time. For more information and to apply, candidates should visit the provided link. Keywords: nature-based solutions, sensor technologies, heat stress, smallholder farming, environmental monitoring, wearable sensors, global health, sustainability, agriculture, Sub-Saharan Africa.

Imperial College London’s School of Convergence Science is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity focused on developing convergent nature-based and sensor solutions for heat-resilient farming in Sub-Saharan Africa. This interdisciplinary project aims to address the urgent challenge of rising heat in smallholder farming systems by integrating nature-based solutions and advanced sensor technologies to better understand and reduce heat stress. The research will combine expertise in public health, agriculture, environmental science, and engineering, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and real-time monitoring using wearable health and environmental sensors. The project is led by Associate Professor Kristine Belesova, an expert in Global Population Health and Sustainability at Imperial College London. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research community and benefit from the convergence science approach, which encourages collaboration across diverse academic fields. The PhD studentship is fully funded for UK home fee status candidates, covering a 3.5-year London-weighted UKRI stipend (£23,195 per annum for 2026/27), home tuition fees, and £4,000 for research expenses, including consumables, conference attendance, and travel. Applicants from a broad range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including those with experience in public health, medicine, engineering, agriculture, and international development. The project will involve real-time heat stress and productivity monitoring, the use of wearable sensors, and the development of nature-based interventions to enhance the resilience of farming systems to climate change. The research outcomes are expected to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and improved health outcomes for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. To apply, candidates must contact the project supervisor directly and submit a CV, cover letter, two reference letters, and confirmation of completing the Candidate Information Form. Applicants must also confirm their commitment to participating in cohort activities within the School of Convergence Science. The application deadline is 27 February 2026 at 4pm UK time. Please note that only candidates who qualify for home fee status in the UK are eligible for full funding, and selection as a supervisor’s chosen candidate does not guarantee a studentship offer, as there will be a final selection round. For more information and to view the full project details, visit the School of Convergence Science PhD opportunities page at Imperial College London.