FoodBioSystems Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) brings together seven university partners: University of Reading, Cranfield University, University of Surrey, Queen’s University Belfast, Aberystwyth University, University of Lincoln and Brunel University London.

Our vision is to develop a diverse cohort of scientists and innovators, with in-depth scientific knowledge, advanced technical capability and food systems understanding, who will address the challenges of sustainability, efficiency and safety of food systems, deliver better nutrition and strengthen resulting health and economic resilience of our society.

We are advertising 40 salaried PhD projects in areas that span the food chain from farm to fork: farmed animal health and welfare; food safety; lifelong health; human nutrition; one health; precision agriculture and smart technologies; reducing waste; sustainable agricultural systems; and understanding and exploiting genomics.
 
We will award a minimum of 19 salaried studentships through a competitive process. Studentships will be for four years full-time and will start in autumn 2026. Studentship opportunities are available at Aberystwyth University, Brunel University, Cranfield University, University of Lincoln, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Reading and University of Surrey.
 
We are looking for candidates from a broad range of scientific backgrounds including: alternative food systems; combatting antimicrobial resistance; farmed animal health and welfare; food science and production; lifelong health; human nutrition; one health; precision agriculture and smart technologies; reducing waste; and sustainable agricultural systems.

 

Cranfield University will part of 5 projects to start in September 2026:

At a glance

  • Application deadline26 Jan 2026
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date07 Sep 2026
  • Duration of award4 years
  • EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of world

Supervisor

See individual projects for the relevant academic supervisor.

Entry requirements

The FoodBioSystems DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). We want to build a doctoral researcher and staff body that reflects the diversity of society, and to encourage applications from under-represented and disadvantaged groups.

See FoodBioSystems website for full eligibility criteria. 

Funding

FoodBioSystems DTP students receive an annual tax-free stipend (salary) that is paid in instalments throughout the year. 
 
For 2025/26 this is £22,780 (including London Allowance) and it will increase slightly each year at rate set by UKRI.

We welcome applications from candidates with Home/ROI fees and international fees status. This studentship is funded by UKRI and covers stipend, fees at Home/ROI rate, and research costs. The host university will not charge UKRI funded international students the difference between Home/ROI fees and international fees.

Costs that must be found from other sources or met by the individual student include: visa fees, healthcare surcharge, relocation costs and guarantor services.

For up to date information on funding eligibility, studentship rates and part-time registration, please visit the FoodBioSystems website.

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

See FoodBioSystems DTP website for full details. You can apply to a maximum of TWO PhD projects.