Computer Science: Fully Funded EPSRC DTP PhD Scholarship: Vertical Multi-Purpose Farming Robotic System

Funding provider(s):  

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP) and Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering

Subject area(s): Intelligent Robotics 

Project start date(s):  

1 April 2025 

1 July 2025 

Supervisors:  

Primary Supervisor : Dr. Daniele Cafolla

Secondary Supervisor: Professor Xianghua Xie  

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Computer Science 

Mode of study: Full-time 

Project description:  

Swansea University, an internationally recognised academic institution with strong commitments to research and technological innovation, seeks applications for a PhD scholarship funded position to join our rapidly developing Intelligent Robotics Group at the Computer Science Department, Faculty of Science and Engineering. The development of Intelligent Robotics for real-world applications, cutting across the domains of assisted living and modern agriculture, is one of our research group’s goals. An exciting opportunity awaits in our ambitious project “HARVEST”, where we seek to transform global food production systems in the face of impending challenges.

At its heart, the project is about developing Vertical Multi-Purpose Farming Systems. From providing cost-effective, year-round agriculture to creating disease-resistant crops and yield prediction using computer vision, the technologies you develop have the potential to shape the future of farming. It may become the path to devising new vertical agricultural techniques, paving the way for sustainable methodologies in the agriculture sector. Join us and participate in this exciting project. At Swansea University you will do more than just research; you will be positively impacting people’s lives and the environment.  

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related discipline. 

Or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related discipline;

Or an appropriate master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) – see country specific qualifications

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations. 

Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.