Predictive models for sustainable mango supply chains PhD

This fully funded PhD studentship, supported by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award, Cranfield University, University of Birmingham, and Blue Skies Holdings Ltd., will develop engineering solutions to decarbonise fresh produce supply chains. The studentship covers full tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend of £23,000 per annum plus a £1,000 annual industry top-up for 3.5 years. The project focuses on postharvest engineering, predictive modelling, sensor technologies, and sustainable food systems, using mango supply chains to develop data-driven environmental control strategies that improve ripening efficiency, reduce food loss, lower energy consumption, and support Net Zero goals in global horticultural supply chains.

This interdisciplinary project sits at the interface of postharvest engineering, data science, mathematical modelling, and sustainable food systems. Global fresh produce supply chains face urgent challenges to reduce carbon emissions, minimise food waste, and improve energy and resource efficiency while maintaining high product quality. Mango supply chains provide an ideal real-world model, involving international logistics, biological variability, and energy-intensive ripening processes. Recent advances in sensor technologies, predictive modelling, and digital control systems offer new opportunities to optimise postharvest operations. By integrating engineering and data-driven approaches, this research will help develop smarter, lower-carbon supply chains that improve efficiency, reduce losses, and support Net Zero goals.

The project will develop innovative sensing modelling control systems to optimise mango ripening and storage under commercial conditions. The doctoral researcher will characterise physical, biochemical, and sensory indicators of fruit ripeness and design sensor-based monitoring systems to track environmental and physiological changes in real time. Mechanistic and predictive models will be developed to link environmental conditions to fruit behaviour and identify optimal ripening strategies. These models will be integrated into industrial ripening software platforms to enable adaptive environmental control. The research will combine laboratory experimentation, advanced data analysis, and industrial pilot trials to deliver practical, scalable solutions for improving efficiency, consistency, and sustainability in fresh produce supply chains.

Cranfield University is internationally recognised for its leadership in sustainable engineering, agrifood systems, and strong industry collaboration. The student will join a multidisciplinary research environment with expertise in postharvest biology, engineering, and data-driven sustainability. The supervisory team includes collaboration with the University of Birmingham, a leading UK institution with internationally recognised expertise in applied mathematics and predictive modelling. This partnership will provide advanced training in mechanistic modelling and data-driven system optimisation. Industrial partner Blue Skies Holdings Ltd., a global fresh produce company, will provide access to commercial ripening facilities, supply chain infrastructure, and operational data. This unique academic-industry collaboration ensures the research delivers scientifically rigorous and commercially scalable solutions for sustainable fresh produce supply chains.

This research will deliver predictive tools and adaptive environmental control strategies to improve ripening consistency, reduce food loss, and lower energy consumption in postharvest systems. By enabling real-time, data-driven decision-making, the project will support the transition towards more efficient, low-carbon fresh produce supply chains. The outcomes will contribute to high-impact scientific publications, new engineering methodologies, and practical technologies for industrial deployment. Ultimately, the research will help reduce the environmental footprint of horticultural supply chains while improving product quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the global food system.>

This PhD offers exceptional opportunities for industry engagement and interdisciplinary training. The student will work closely with Blue Skies and partner institutions, gaining direct experience in commercial ripening and supply chain operations. Opportunities include international travel, industrial placements, conference participation, and collaboration with academic and industry experts. The student will receive advanced training in predictive modelling, sensor technologies, data analytics, and sustainable engineering. This unique combination of fundamental research and real-world application provides valuable experience working at the forefront of sustainable food system innovation.

The student will develop highly transferable skills in experimental design, data analysis, mathematical modelling, sensor integration, and engineering problem-solving within a real-world industrial context. They will gain experience in project management, interdisciplinary research, and collaboration with academic and industry partners. Comprehensive doctoral training programmes at Cranfield University and the University of Birmingham will support development in advanced research methods, scientific communication, and professional skills. Close collaboration with Blue Skies Holdings Ltd. will provide direct exposure to commercial operations and industry challenges, equipping the student with practical and applied expertise. This unique combination of academic excellence and industrial experience will prepare graduates for careers in academia, engineering, data science, food technology, sustainability consultancy, and leadership roles across industry, government, and the global agrifood sector.

At a glance

Application deadline29 Jul 2026
Award type(s)PhD
Start date25 Jan 2027
Duration of award3.5 years
EligibilityUK
Reference numberCRAN-0091

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, including engineering, environmental science, food science, agricultural science, physical sciences, mathematics, data science, or other quantitative or interdisciplinary subjects. Applicants with interests in sustainability, engineering systems, biological or physical processes, data analysis, modelling, or technology development are particularly encouraged to apply.

We welcome applicants from diverse academic pathways, including those transitioning between disciplines or returning to education. Candidates should demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and an interest in developing solutions for sustainable food systems. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are desirable, along with willingness to work across laboratory, computational, and industrial environments. Experience in programming, modelling, or experimental work is beneficial but not required, as full training and support will be provided.

Funding

Sponsored by EPSRC, Blue Skies and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £24,000 (tax free) plus fees* for three and a half years.

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.

Sharing data

UKRI would like to have a better understanding of the students its training provision attracts and supports. Diversity information on all applicants/recruits applying for UKRI funded studentships will be shared with UKRI. The data will be aggregated and will not be shared as individual data or used to report on individuals or specific universities. The data will be used to analyse general trends in student populations across UKRI's portfolio.

Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield

At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum.

Our Student Wellbeing and Disability support team provide a range of support and coordinate reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, specific learning differences and mental and physical health conditions. Please contact studentsupport@cranfield.ac.uk for support queries, the information you provide will be confidential. .

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.