Computer Science: Fully Funded EPSRC DTP PhD Scholarship: Vertical Multi-Purpose Farming Robotic System (RS676)

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.  

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.

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. 

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237.

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select
   *For April 2025 start select:
   Computer Science/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / April
   OR
   *For July 2025 start select:
   Computer Science/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / July  

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS676 - Farming Robotic System’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email). We strongly advise you to provide the listed supporting documents by the advertised closing date, where possible:

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Scholarship-scienceengineering@swansea.ac.uk

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.