PhD Studentship: Implementation of Innovative Telemetric Technology Towards Carbon-neutral and Safe Grain Storage in the UK

Cranfield University

Start date: 28/09/2026

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.

Fee status: Home or Home and Overseas (Overseas to cover themselves the difference in fees)

Duration *: 3.5 years

1st Supervisor: Dr Carol Verheecke-Vaessen

2nd Supervisor: Dr Jerry Luo

This fully funded PhD 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 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.

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.

Funding

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.

How to apply

For further information please contact:
Name: Carol Verheecke-Vaessen Email: c.verheecke@cranfield.ac.uk

If you are eligible to apply, please complete the online application form via the above 'Apply' button.