Agentic AI-Based Behaviour and Intent Prediction within Aviation Operations

About the Project

Are you ready to shape the future of aviation operation and create AI solutions that enhance operator safety and effectiveness in real-time? This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to design and implement agentic AI-based systems capable of predicting behaviours and intentions in high-stakes aviation environments. Sponsored by EPSRC and BAE Systems, you will have the opportunity to develop real-world solutions with practical applications, making a tangible impact on operational success.

Why This Project?

In complex aviation scenarios, human operators must interpret dynamic environments, predict behaviours, and make split-second decisions, often under overwhelming cognitive pressure. With hundreds or even thousands of participants, sensor feeds, and real-time communications, human decision-making is increasingly challenged by information overload.

This is where you come in.

By developing agentic AI systems, which act autonomously while collaborating with human operators, this project seeks to deliver AI-driven behaviour prediction models that go beyond passive assistance. These AI systems will perceive environmental cues, autonomously assess risks, forecast intent, and offer explainable recommendations, ensuring human operators maintain control while leveraging the machine’s ability to process vast data in real time.

Project Roadmap:

1. Engage with key aviation stakeholders to identify technical, cultural, and operational challenges related to agentic AI behaviour prediction
2. Conduct a comprehensive literature review on prediction, inference methods, and agentic AI models under complex, dynamic conditions
3. Develop and propose potential AI-based solutions, collaborating with stakeholders to down-select the most promising concepts
4. Build and demonstrate agentic AI prototypes within synthetic sandbox environments to showcase practical applications
5. Collaborate with BAE Systems experts to test, refine, and optimise the prototypes
6. Deliver final outcomes and recommendations, including operational guidance for implementing agentic AI-based solutions

What We are Looking For

We are seeking motivated, creative thinkers who want to develop next-generation AI-driven systems to act autonomously while respecting human control and oversight.

Essential Skills/Qualifications

• A 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Human-Computer Interaction)
• Strong understanding of agentic AI principles (e.g., multi-agent Large Language Models) and how they apply to dynamic, real-world scenarios
• Hands-on experience with Machine Learning (ML) or AI systems development, including prototyping, testing, or real-time applications
• Programming proficiency in Python or a similar language commonly used in AI/ML development
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in multi-disciplinary teams and present technical information clearly

Desirable Skills/Qualifications

• Experience with agent-based models, reinforcement learning, or probabilistic reasoning frameworks
• Experience with knowledge representation and reasoning systems (e.g., knowledge graphs, ontologies) to model complex environments and support autonomous predictions
• Knowledge of human-AI collaboration and human factors, particularly cognitive load management and user-cantered interface design
• Familiarity with multi-sensor data fusion and real-time system integration
• Awareness of ethical and legal considerations related to AI autonomy in safety-critical contexts

Why Apply?

This PhD is not just academic. It is about creating real-world impact. You will work with industry leaders like BAE Systems, applying your research in environments where human-machine collaboration could redefine operational success. From hands-on prototyping to real-world testing, you’ll gain valuable experience, expand your network, and contribute to cutting-edge aviation systems.

Funding and Application Details

This fully-funded PhD is open to both home and international students. The studentship includes:

• A fee waiver equivalent to the home rate
• A tax-free stipend of approximately £22,700 per year, increasing annually with inflation, for up to 4 years

To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

International students must cover the difference between home and international tuition fees through self-funding or external funding. We welcome both self-funded and externally funded applications.

Additional funding will be available to support training, conference attendance, internships, and placements with industry partners.

How to Apply?

To apply, contact Dr. Yashar Moshfeghi at yashar.moshfeghi@strath.ac.uk with the subject line “EPSRC IDLA PhD Studentship (250050)”. Please include:

• A cover letter (max two pages) detailing:
  • What is your motivation for applying
  • How does your background fit the project
• Your proposed research direction, including a short literature review and specific research question (max two pages)
• An up-to-date CV
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Proof of English proficiency (if required)
• Two references, including one academic

Applications are based on first come first served. Interviews will be held shortly after applications are received. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a large, collaborative research network that is creating safer, fairer, and more accountable AI.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

This is more than just a research opportunity—it’s a chance to design agentic AI systems that transform aviation operations by enhancing human decision-making. You’ll develop solutions that augment human strengths, work autonomously where needed, and help operators maintain control in high-pressure environments.

Are you ready to take on this challenge and be at the forefront of AI innovation in Aviation? Apply now and help shape a future where humans and machines collaborate seamlessly for mission success.

Funding Notes

This fully-funded PhD is open to both home and international students. The studentship includes:

• A fee waiver equivalent to the home rate
• A tax-free stipend of approximately £22,700 per year, increasing annually with inflation, for up to 4 years

To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK national (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

International students must cover the difference between home and international tuition fees through self-funding or external funding. We welcome both self-funded and externally funded applications.

Additional funding will be available to support training, conference attendance, internships, and placements with industry partners.