UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Understandable agri-food Systems Transformed by Artificial Intelligence (SUSTAIN)

Where the next generation of AI science takes root.

Applications are invited for fully funded four-year PhD studentships to join the SUSTAIN doctoral training program, focusing on the application of Artificial Intelligence to sustainable agri-food. This prestigious centre is a collaboration between the Universities of Lincoln, Aberdeen, Queen’s Belfast and Strathclyde, supported by industry leaders across the UK and globally. Sixty studentships will be awarded, in total, over five years.

We are currently recruiting for Cohort 2 (October 2025 entry), with a limited number of studentships still available. Student applications are currently closed, but are due to reopen soon.

SUSTAIN AI CDT is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Programme Structure

SUSTAIN Students complete a 4-year PhD at their chosen project’s host institution (either the University of Lincoln, University of Aberdeen, Queen’s University Belfast or the University of Strathclyde). A number of exciting research projects can be found on the SUSTAIN website.

Programme Package and Funding

A SUSTAIN PhD Studentship package includes:

• All PhD tuition fees paid.
• A tax-free stipend at UKRI rates to cover living costs.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £3,000 each year to support travel, training and consumables costs (up to £12,000 in total).
• Additional funding to support outreach and dissemination, attendance at summer schools, research events, and development projects.

SUSTAIN students receive training in both the technical and social science aspects of AI, alongside training in plant, animal, and/or biosciences. Additional training can be tailored to students’ needs and interests. Students also benefit from opportunities to develop their careers by working alongside academic and industry specialists. Internships and engagement opportunities may be available with world-leading companies interested in research and collaboration with CDT-trained students.

Bringing together the expertise and resources of our four academic institutions, SUSTAIN spans the landscape of UK agriculture, critical AI research areas, and the national geography of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Students have the chance to make a real difference by addressing the challenges facing the global agri-food industry through the application of AI, including climate change, population growth, political pressures affecting migration, and the demographics of an ageing population.

Applications

Eligibility:

• Some projects may only be available to home applicants due to funder restrictions – please check the SUSTAIN website for project eligibility.
• Please visit the SUSTAIN website for further information on eligibility requirements.

How to Apply: Please visit the SUSTAIN website’s application page for details of the required application documents, deadlines and how to submit your application.

PhD projects available: