NIAB EMR is part of a collaboration that from 2021 to 2027, sees the UKFS-CDT grow the next generation of interdisciplinary food systems change makers.
The UKFS-CDT brings together the NRI of the University of Greenwich (lead institution), UCL, Royal Veterinary College, IBERS at Aberystwyth University, Centre for Food Policy at City University, University of Sussex, and Brunel University London; and two leading agricultural research institutes, NIAB EMR and Rothamsted Research, plus over 50 partners from business, government and civil society.
There are 15+ fully funded studentships available; these include UK student rate tuition fees and a tax-free UKRI stipend in the region of £17,285, annually over four years.
Note: International students will be eligible for UKRI-funded postgraduate studentships from the start of the 2021/22 academic year. All students will be eligible for the full award – both the stipend to support living costs, and fees at higher education institutions at UK-rate. UKRI funding will not cover international fees set by universities.
Currently the UKFS-CDT does not have any dedicated institutional bursaries to fund the difference between the home and international fee rate although we welcome applications from international students in receipt of complementary studentship funding.
The UKFS-CDT will create cohorts of future food systems changemakers who can lead the UK towards a resilient, healthy and inclusive food future using new, holistic and critical interdisciplinary thinking.
Research scope
Research will be interdisciplinary, combining natural sciences and social sciences approaches, and linked to food systems stakeholders. Research scope includes (but is not limited to) the following topics:
- Food environment, consumer behaviour, diets, nutrition and health (Healthy People)
- Livestock health and welfare (Healthy Animals)
- Environmental sustainability, climate change (Healthy Environment
- Food production, distribution, manufacturing and waste (Healthy Economy)
- Food system governance and resilience (Healthy Society)
All students will be recruited and selected under a single UKFS-CDT banner and not to individual partner institutions. Recruitment is not restricted to UK applicants, but PhD projects must be UK food systems focussed.
UKFS-CDT values equality, diversity, inclusion and we welcome applications from anyone regardless of age, disability, race/ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. We encourage individuals who have had worked in relevant sectors, a change in disciplines or career paths or career breaks, e.g. caring responsibilities, to apply.
We actively promote and encourage a more inclusive environment. We aim to provide high standards of support to all participants in order to ensure that each doctoral student has the skills and opportunities to excel in the programme.
Key Dates & How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the UKFS-CDT website and complete the application process by 23:59 GMT on 15th Feb 2021.
Full details of the application procedure and eligibility for funding is on the UKFS-CDT Doctoral Programme
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in mid-March 2021. Studentship offers will be made in early April.