Join the SUSTAIN UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training 

The SUSTAIN UKRI AI CDT is part of the TechExpert pilot, offering enhanced tax-free stipends of £31,805 for students with home-fee status.  

We are building the UK’s national capability in AI for sustainable agriculture, a vital component of the UK’s modern industrial strategy.  

If you are passionate about applying artificial intelligence to real-world challenges and want to develop advanced research and innovation skills to further your career in the agri-food sector, we’d love to welcome you to our doctoral training community.  

 

Why Join the SUSTAIN CDT? 

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll receive a comprehensive support package including: 

• *£31,805 tax-free stipend (2026-27) for living costs (pro-rata for part time students), paid monthly. Stipends normally increase annually with inflation.  

• Full payment of annual tuition fees  

• £12,000 Research, Training and Support Grant to fund essential project and development costs 

• Additional funding to attend conferences, placements and other research-related events.  

 

TechExpert Enhanced Stipend 

Home-fees students joining through the TechExpert pilot will receive an additional £10,000 above the UKRI minimum stipend. In return, students will be asked to take part in additional TechExpert activities for up to 10 days each year including outreach to promote tech careers, networking with the TechFirst community and engagement with the tech industry. 

 

*Eligibility 

You must have Home fee status to be eligible for the TechExpert stipend amount.  

This opportunity is currently available only to entrants in October 2026. 

Applicants with international fee status are still welcome to apply for eligible projects but will receive the standard UKRI minimum stipend (£21,805 in 2026-27).