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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS WITH SUSTAIN
ABOUT US
The UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Sustainable Understandable agri-food Systems Transformed by Artificial Intelligence (SUSTAIN) is a UK research programme that unites academia with industry to deliver innovative, practical research into the application of Artificial Intelligence to real-world challenges in sustainable agri-food.
The SUSTAIN AI CDT is led by the University of Lincoln in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen, Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Strathclyde.
Our team comprises world-leading academics with research interests spanning fundamental to applied AI and from farm to fork in the agri-food pipeline.
60+
supporters from across agri-food industries
4
university partners with cutting-edge facilities
120+
cross-disciplinary research supervisors
60
studentships granted to date (over 5 intakes)
4
years of dedicated research per PhD
SUSTAINABILITY
IN THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR
Creating a sustainable agri-food sector whilst ensuring business profitability and food security is challenging. It requires multiple advances to effect reduced environmental impacts, food waste and greenhouse gas emissions, plus enhanced animal management and carbon sequestration. In such a complex system, no single technology will drive sustainability on its own.
A sustainable agri-food system can be achieved with support from a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. From the precision weeding and harvesting of crops and raising of animals through to stronger, sustainable supply chains and positively influencing consumer choices, SUSTAIN brings forward a new generation of researchers to wield the power of AI.
SUSTAIN EMPOWERS BUSINESSES WITH TAILORED RESEARCH PROJECTS THAT PROVIDE EXPERTISE AND BUSINESS ADVANTAGE TO UK INDUSTRY
We are seeking collaboration with businesses of all sizes who are active within or support businesses in the arable, horticulture, livestock, aquaculture, supply chains, food systems and food policy sectors.
Whether you are a farmer who requires optimal harvest times, a manufacturer who requires sustainable recipe development, or a food service outlet keen to personalise consumer preferences – bring your challenges forward and let SUSTAIN support your journey towards enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability.
Interested in working with us? Contact SUSTAIN@Lincoln.ac.uk to find out more about opportunities to collaborate with SUSTAIN AI CDT.
AN OVERVIEW OF OUR WORK
See how SUSTAIN's researchers are working with industry partners to tackle today's pressing sustainability challenges.
CALLS FOR PHD PROPOSALS
(ACADEMIC AND INDUSTRY)
CALLS FOR COHORT 4 (STARTING OCT 2027) ARE OPEN.
We invite academics and industry partners to submit proposals for PhD projects 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, 4th January 2027
Next steps:
Results will be announced on Friday, 11th January 2027 Student recruitment will begin on Friday, 18th January 2027 Students will start their PhD on the 1st October 2027
WHERE THE NEXT GENERATION OF AI SCIENCE TAKES ROOT
SUSTAIN is a collaboration between the Universities of Lincoln, Aberdeen, Queen’s Belfast and Strathclyde. Together, we're enabling the next generation of AI scientists to invent, develop and deploy technologies co-created with growers and agri-food practitioners to positively impact the future of food.
