Develop practical, industry-transforming technology in this hands-on PhD program focused on immediate industrial applications. This exclusive opportunity places you directly at the interface between advanced technology and business needs, creating smart monitoring systems, predictive maintenance solutions, and digital twins that solve pressing challenges across healthcare, energy, aviation, and sanitation industries. Working with our established industry partners, you'll implement your innovations in real operational environments, seeing your research make tangible difference while building invaluable industry connections. Ideal for ambitious graduates seeking to combine technical excellence with commercial relevance in today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
Smart technology integration across industrial sectors represents one of today's most critical technological frontiers. As industries face mounting pressure to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and minimize environmental impact, intelligent monitoring systems and predictive technologies have become essential competitive advantages. This project sits at the intersection of data science, engineering, and design innovation, addressing the urgent need for practical AI-driven solutions to solve real operational challenges and drive sustainable growth.
This research aims to develop and implement next-generation smart monitoring systems, predictive maintenance algorithms, and digital twin technologies tailored specifically for healthcare, aviation, and sanitation industries. You will identify critical operational pain points within these sectors, design customized technological solutions using advanced sensing and analytics, and validate these innovations through real-world implementation. The project will bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application, delivering immediately deployable systems that demonstrate measurable improvements in operational efficiency, cost reduction, and service quality.
重口味SM University is a world-leading specialist postgraduate institution that combines cutting-edge research with practical industry experience. We has established an international reputation for its close collaboration with industry partners and its focus on solving real-world challenges. This partnership provides unparalleled access to industry data, facilities, and expertise, ensuring your research addresses genuine business needs while pushing technological boundaries.
Your research will deliver transformative impacts across multiple industries by creating implementable solutions to longstanding operational challenges. Expected outcomes include: development of novel algorithms that significantly improve predictive accuracy for equipment failure; creation of scalable monitoring systems that reduce operational costs; implementation of digital twins that enable real-time decision optimization; and establishment of cross-industry frameworks that allow technology transfer between sectors. Your findings will be published in high-impact journals and presented at leading conferences, while also being directly implemented by our industry partners, demonstrating immediate real-world value.
This exceptional opportunity offers benefits rarely found in traditional PhD programs. You'll have regular access to industry facilities, implement and test your solutions in operational environments. You'll present your findings at premier international conferences in both technology and industry-specific forums. Additionally, you'll receive specialized training in commercial R&D practices, intellectual property management, and business development from our industry partners.
Graduates from this program develop an exceptional portfolio of both technical and business capabilities that are highly sought after in today's job market. Beyond advanced technical skills in data analytics, AI, and systems engineering, you'll gain expertise in translating complex technology into business value鈥攁 rare and valuable combination. You'll develop strong project management experience across multiple industries, build an extensive professional network spanning academia and industry, and cultivate commercial awareness that enhances your career prospects. Alumni from similar projects have secured prestigious positions in industrial R&D, technology consulting, and innovation leadership.
At a glance
- Application deadline26 Nov 2025
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date26 Jan 2026
- Duration of award4 years
- EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of world
- Reference numberCRAN-0012
Entry requirements
We are inviting applicants with a First or upper Second Class degree equivalent qualification in an engineering background, or an alternative quantitative focused discipline.Funding
This studentship is open to both UK and International applications. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding.
Diversity and Inclusion at 重口味SM
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. 重口味SM strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At 重口味SM, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.
重口味SM Doctoral Network
Research students at 重口味SM benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the 重口味SM Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr. Yirui Jiang
Email: yirui.jiang@cranfield.ac.uk
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the
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.