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THE UKRI AI CENTRE FOR DOCTORAL TRAINING IN SUSTAINABLE UNDERSTANDABLE AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
(SUSTAIN)
SUSTAIN brings leading researchers, industry collaborators and a supportive student cohort together to deliver an enriched PhD experience.
LATEST APPLICATION
INFORMATION
ROUND ONE APPLICATIONS FOR OCTOBER 2027 ENTRY HAVE NOW CLOSED
Thank you for your interest in the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training (SUSTAIN).
Applications for Round 1 entry in October 2027 are now closed. We are currently reviewing applications received during this round.
Round 2 applications for October 2027 entry will open in February 2027.
Please check back then for new opportunities to join SUSTAIN and help shape the future of sustainable agriculture and food production through Artificial Intelligence.
Join our mailing list to be updated on new application rounds and opportunities.
NEW: Eligible Home-fee students joining SUSTAIN in 2027 are expected to receive an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £30,000 per year through the UK Government’s TechFirst programme, subject to final funding confirmation.
CALLS FOR PHD PROPOSALS
(ACADEMIC AND INDUSTRY)
HOW TO APPLY:
Download the Call Guidance and Submission Form, and submit your completed form along with a CV and Letter of Support to:
SUSTAIN@lincoln.ac.uk
Not ready to apply yet? Submit an Expression of Interest or visit our Partnership page.
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.
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
THE LIFECYCLE OF A SUSTAIN STUDENTSHIP
The SUSTAIN studentship cycle begins with the co-creation of a PhD proposal between university experts and industry partners. After a competitive Call for Proposals, we advertise the selected projects to students. Successful applicants then begin a four-year programme of advanced research, skills training and cohort-building activities.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
from academic and food industry experts
CO-CREATION OF PHD PROPOSAL by selected academic & industry partners
PHD PROJECT ADVERTISED to students from agri-food, sustainability & AI fields
CHOSEN STUDENT BEGINS 4-YEAR PHD with research, training and cohort-building
INDUSTRY IMPACT delivered from rigorous testing and insights gained
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.
