Implementation of innovative telemetric technology towards carbon-neutral and safe grain storage in the UK - PhD

About the Project

This fully funded PhD studentship, supported by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) and industrial partner Crover Ltd, offers home fees (£5,238 p.a.) and a £23,000 annual tax-free stipend for three years. The project focuses on environmental sustainability in grain storage, developing telemetric robotic sensing and predictive modelling to control mycotoxin (Ochratoxin A) risk while reducing postharvest drying energy demand. Combining applied mycology, food safety modelling, precision agriculture and Net Zero energy systems, the research will deliver energy-efficient, data-driven grain storage solutions for the UK agri-food sector.

This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of bioengineering, heat and mass transfer, predictive modelling, postharvest systems engineering and applied microbiology. It addresses the urgent need for energy-efficient grain storage solutions in the context of climate change and Net Zero commitments. By integrating thermal dynamics, moisture migration modelling and real-time telemetric sensing, the research responds constructively to the dual challenge of maintaining food safety while reducing the carbon footprint of postharvest cereal management across the UK supply chain.

The project aims to collaboratively design and validate an integrated engineering and biological modelling framework for carbon-efficient grain storage. It will combine heat and moisture transfer modelling, stochastic prediction of fungal growth and Ochratoxin A risk, and optimisation of in situ robotic sensing technology. Through this systems-based approach, the research will generate balanced, data-informed strategies that enable proportionate ventilation, cooling and drying decisions, reducing unnecessary energy use while safeguarding grain safety.

The research will be conducted at Cranfield University within a supportive, cross-disciplinary environment spanning energy systems engineering, computational modelling, bioinformatics and food safety science. The studentship is funded by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA), providing Home tuition fees and a £22,000 annual stipend. The project is delivered in close partnership with Crover Ltd, an innovative agri-robotics SME (based in Edinburg, Scotland) developing advanced telemetric grain-monitoring systems, contributing £15,000 in cash support alongside engineering co-supervision and technology integration expertise.

The project will deliver a validated, engineering-led decision-support framework that integrates thermodynamic modelling, environmental sensing and mycotoxin risk prediction. Expected outcomes include improved spatial understanding of temperature and moisture gradients within bulk grain, reduced over-drying and ventilation cycles, lower energy consumption and enhanced operational confidence for storage managers. The research will strengthen sustainable engineering practices in agriculture while advancing technology readiness toward commercial deployment.

The student will undertake a three-month industrial placement with Crover Ltd, gaining hands-on experience in applied robotics, sensor optimisation and product development within a collaborative SME setting. The project offers exposure to real-world storage facilities, interaction with farmers and grain operators, and participation in industry events. Interdisciplinary mentoring by Dr Carol Verheecke-Vaessen, leader in Applied molecular mycology, Dr Jerry Luo, leader in Energy storage and harvesting and Dr Lorenzo Conti, granular locomotion pioneer, will provide support across heat transfer modelling, computational simulation, microbial risk assessment and low-carbon energy systems creates a uniquely integrative and professionally enriching doctoral pathway.

The student will develop strong capabilities in thermal systems analysis, mass transfer modelling, computational simulation, data analytics and experimental validation, alongside applied mycology, and food safety risk modelling. Transferable skills will include collaborative systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, ethical innovation and project coordination. This supportive and technically rigorous training will prepare graduates for impactful careers in sustainable engineering, agri-tech innovation, climate-responsive infrastructure design, food system resilience or academic research.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit graduates from a wide range of quantitative, engineering and science backgrounds, including mechanical, chemical or environmental engineering, bioengineering, agricultural or biosystems engineering, energy systems, physics, applied mathematics, data science, computer science, food science, microbiology or related fields.

It is especially well suited to individuals who are curious about how thermal processes, heat and mass transfer, modelling and simulation, sensor technologies and sustainable system design can work together to support safer, lower-carbon food systems. Applicants with experience in programming (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB or similar), data analysis or experimental research are encouraged to apply; however, we equally value potential, creativity and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving.

We warmly welcome applicants from diverse educational, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those who may not see themselves traditionally represented in engineering or agri-tech. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive and respectful research environment where different perspectives are recognised as strengths and where all students can thrive and contribute meaningfully to sustainable innovation.

Funding

Sponsored by EPSRC-DLA, Cranfield University and Crover Ltd, this studentship will provide a stipend of £23,000 plus fees* (reviewed annually) for three years.

This studentship is open to both Home and Overseas fee status students, however we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to students with Overseas fee status. 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.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr Carol Verheecke-Vaessen

Email: c.verheecke@cranfield.ac.uk

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

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.

Funding Notes

Sponsored by EPSRC-DLA, Cranfield University and Crover Ltd, this studentship will provide a stipend of £23,000 plus fees* (reviewed annually) for three years.

This studentship is open to both Home and Overseas fee status students, however we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to students with Overseas fee status. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.