We invite applications for a self-funded PhD to advance cognitive intelligence in self-evolving multi-agent systems, moving beyond conventional embodied AI towards human-inspired cognitive reasoning, adaptive collective intelligence and seamless human–autonomy collaboration. This research will investigate how autonomous agents develop and evolve cognitive capabilities, such as intention understanding, trust reasoning, and social intelligence, to enable effective cooperation with humans and other agents. Candidates will explore foundation models, multi-agent reinforcement learning or related cognitive architectures, with applications in challenging, time-critical environments such as search and rescue. Applicants are responsible for tuition fees and living costs. 

Recent breakthroughs in embodied AI, foundation models, and autonomous robotics have enabled intelligent agents to perceive, reason, and act in increasingly complex environments. However, existing systems remain predominantly task-driven, with limited capabilities to understand human cognition, reason about other agents' intentions, or continuously evolve their cognitive behaviours through interaction.

This PhD aims to push beyond conventional embodied intelligence towards human-inspired, self-evolving cognitive intelligence in multi-agent systems. The research will investigate how autonomous agents can develop cognitive mechanisms, including situational awareness understanding, trust reasoning, and social intelligence, and how these capabilities can emerge, adapt and co-evolve through human–agent and agent–agent interactions.

Candidates will have opportunities to explore cutting-edge AI methodologies, including multimodal foundation models, multi-agent reinforcement learning, and continual collective intelligence. Research directions are flexible, encouraging applicants to develop innovative approaches.

Students undertaking this project will be embedded within Cranfield’s world-leading research ecosystem, working at the Human-Machine-X Collaboration (HUMAX) Lab. They will have the opportunity to collaborate with major industrial partners across aerospace, defence, and transport sectors, benefiting from Cranfield’s strong industry networks and applied research culture. Throughout the programme, the student will be fully supported to produce high-quality scientific outputs and develop a strong international profile.  


At a glance

  • Application deadline07 Apr 2027
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date27 Sep 2027
  • Duration of award3 year (full-time)
  • EligibilityUK, Rest of world
  • Reference numberCRAN-0121

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Dr Yang Xing

Entry requirements

Applicants should at least have a first- or second-class UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit candidates with a sound background in engineering, computer science, or related disciplines. 

Funding

 This is a self funded PhD. 

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, identify opportunities for collaboration and create smaller communities of practice. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge.

Doctoral Researchers’ Core Development (DRCD) Programme

An important part of the research journey is developing key skills that will benefit a research students research and professional development. As a research student at Cranfield, you will be expected to attend the DRCD programme which comprises of four 1 week units which cover the key stages of your research journey. Workshops are held face to face, providing the opportunity for you to network and collaborate with your peers during these valuable development sessions. For further details visit Cranfield's Doctoral Network.

How to apply

For further information please contact:   

Name: Dr Yang Xing 
Email:  yang.x@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1234 75 4261

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.

This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.

Note, your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. For more information please visit  Applying for a research degree.