Queen's University Belfast
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SUSTAIN CDT
PhD in Optimising Sustainability in Livestock Systems with AI and Multi-Criteria Assessment Queen’s University Belfast in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Fully funded four-year PhD studentship. All PhD tuition fees are paid. Includes a tax-free UKRI stipend of £21,805 per year (2026/7 rate) for living costs, plus a TechExpert stipend enhancement of £10,000 per year for Home applicants, bringing the total annual stipend to £31,805 for Home applicants. Also includes a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £3,000 per year (up to £12,000 total) for travel, training, and consumables, plus additional funding for outreach, dissemination, summer scho
Deadline
Oct 16, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Queen's University Belfast

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About this position
PhD opportunity at Queen’s University Belfast in optimising sustainability in livestock systems using artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and multi-criteria optimisation.
This funded project sits within the SUSTAIN doctoral training programme and focuses on developing a holistic assessment framework for agricultural and livestock systems. The research will examine how to balance multiple sustainability objectives at once, including environmental, economic, and social outcomes such as carbon footprint, ammonia emissions, welfare, and antimicrobial use.
The project description highlights work on Pareto-optimality, genetic algorithms, normalisation across sustainability dimensions, and a hybrid AI framework combining machine learning with computational argumentation to optimise and explain decisions. Stakeholder engagement is also part of the project, with an emphasis on real-world applicability for farmers, policymakers, and industry.
Funding is fully provided for four years. The package includes full PhD tuition fees, a tax-free UKRI stipend of £21,805 per year (2026/7 rate), a TechExpert enhancement of £10,000 per year for Home applicants, and a Research Training Support Grant of £3,000 per year for travel, training, and consumables. Additional support is available for outreach, dissemination, summer schools, research events, and development projects.
Eligibility includes an honours degree at minimum 2:1 in Statistics, Data Science, Animal Science, or Veterinary Science, with relevant quantitative experience such as programming, modelling, machine learning, or AI. A Master’s degree is advantageous, especially in AI, Machine Learning, Environmental Sciences, Biological Science, or Agricultural Science. The ideal candidate is self-driven, curious, interdisciplinary, and interested in public/policy engagement.
Supervisor/contact: Professor Ilias Kyriazakis (Queen’s University Belfast), [email protected].
Deadline: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 12:00 noon BST. The post states applications are open for the October 2027 cohort.
Funding details
Fully funded four-year PhD studentship. All PhD tuition fees are paid. Includes a tax-free UKRI stipend of £21,805 per year (2026/7 rate) for living costs, plus a TechExpert stipend enhancement of £10,000 per year for Home applicants, bringing the total annual stipend to £31,805 for Home applicants. Also includes a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £3,000 per year (up to £12,000 total) for travel, training, and consumables, plus additional funding for outreach, dissemination, summer scho
What's required
Honours degree (minimum 2:1) in Statistics, Data Science, Animal Science, or Veterinary Science, with a qualitative focus that included programming, modelling, data science, machine learning, or AI. A Master’s degree is an advantage and a Master’s in AI, Machine Learning, Environmental Sciences, Biological or Agricultural Science or similar is highly desirable. Applicants should be self-driven, curious, interested in interdisciplinary work, eager to work in an interdisciplinary team, and willing to engage in departmental events, seminars, and public/policy engagement activities. A quantitative or technically focused dissertation/thesis is desirable.
How to apply
Submit an application for the October 2027 cohort through the SUSTAIN doctoral training programme. Review the project details and apply before the deadline; enquiries can be sent to Professor Ilias Kyriazakis by email.
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