Bennett Institute PhD Studentship in AI Governance OR Geospatial AI

Bennett Institute PhD Studentship in AI Governance OR Geospatial AI is sponsored by University of Sussex. A funded PhD studentship focusing on AI governance or geospatial AI for urban sustainability.

Sussex AI PhD Programme : PhD/MSc programmes : AI Research Group : University of Sussex Sussex AI funds up to 3 full PhD studentships for innovative AI research every year. The University of Sussex invites applications for PhD studentships based within Sussex AI, an interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence based at the University of Sussex.

Sussex AI is the focal point of research in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science methods and applications within the University of Sussex. We draw together world-leading experts from across the University to create a critical mass of technical skills and domain knowledge. Our research and training cover a wide range of topics across AI and data science, with a unique multidisciplinary Sussex angle.

Given the broad range of research carried out within Sussex AI, we encourage applications from students with innovative proposals in the following areas: Theoretical challenges in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Innovative methodological developments in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science that enable novel applications.

Address complex problems that require in-depth interdisciplinary research at the intersections of traditional disciplinary boundaries. The studentship provides funding for 3. 5 years with a tax free living allowance at the standard Research Council rate – currently £19,237 per year– and full fees covered.

A one-off Research and Training Support Grant of £2,000. Supervision from world-leading researchers in many different areas of AI Opportunities to participate in high-quality teaching in AI and data science. Being a part of a vibrant interdisciplinary centre, with a wide range of seminars, reading groups and other academic and social activities.

Students must submit an application containing a PhD proposal indicating their preferred primary supervisor, who must be a member of the School of Engineering and Informatics. Secondary supervisors (if known) may also be nominated and can be from any part of the university.

Proposals must describe a novel research direction that has feasible equipment and data requirements and should lie within the remit described above, and the scope of the supervisor(s) expertise. We have included a list of project suggestions to highlight the range of available research directions and supervisors, but this is not exhaustive and you are not required to select from this list of projects or supervisors.

Please contact your preferred advisor for informal enquiries and for advice on preparing a high-quality application. The application deadline is the 12th January 2026, with interviews to be held in February 2026. Further application information is given in the advert.

We are looking to recruit a broad-minded interdisciplinary cohort of researchers working at the intersection of multiple academic fields. Accordingly, we anticipate applicants may have a range of experiences. Candidates must clearly describe how their skills and achievements thus far make them particularly well-placed to conduct their proposed research project.