Welcome to the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Understandable agri-food Systems Transformed by Artificial INtelligence (SUSTAIN).
SUSTAIN is a collaboration between the Universities of Lincoln, Aberdeen, Queen’s Belfast and Strathclyde, and focuses on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to sustainable agri-food.
Where the next generation of AI science takes root.
The SUSTAIN Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) empowers the next generation of AI scientists to invent, develop and deploy technologies, co-created with growers and agri-food practitioners.
SUSTAIN facilitates meaningful partnerships between academics and industry, investing in stakeholder-driven innovation.
SUSTAIN CDT Call for PhD Project Proposals
Cohort 4 (starting October 2027)
(For academics and industry partners)
We invite academics and industry partners to submit proposals for PhD projects within the SUSTAIN AI Centre for Doctoral Training, starting in October 2027.
This call supports the co-development of interdisciplinary research projects applying AI to real-world challenges in sustainable agri-food systems. Proposals should demonstrate strong collaboration, a clear research focus, and alignment with SUSTAIN’s aim to deliver impactful, high-quality research.
How to apply:
Download the Call Guidance and Submission Form, and submit your completed form along with a CV and Letter of Support to:
Deadline: 12:00 (midday), Monday, 7th September 2026
Next steps:
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Results will be announced on Friday, 11th September 2026
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Student recruitment will begin on Friday. 18th September 2026
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Students will start their PhD on the 1st October 2027.
Uniting industry and research for a sustainable future
Please download and return completed forms to
SUSTAIN@lincoln.ac.uk
If you have interest but you don’t have a fully formed proposal yet, please complete the Expression of Interest (EoI) form here.
Be part of the future of food production
Thank you to everyone who applied to join the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Sustainable, Understandable agri-food Systems Transformed by Artificial INtelligence (SUSTAIN)
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Please check back for updates on any future application rounds.
