2026 University of Southampton PhD Scholarship in Sustainable Generative AI models

This project aims to pioneer advancements in the energy-efficient Generative AI models (GenAI), focusing on achieving faster inference times and reduced model sizes without compromising performance and increasing carbon emissions.

As GenAI becomes increasingly central to a wide range of applications, from generating images to generating videos and music, their computational demand and the time required for training and inference have escalated. This research seeks to address these challenges by developing innovative techniques for efficiency, including architectural innovations, compression strategies, algorithmic improvements, and system level optimizations. 

The goal is to enable the deployment of state-of-the-art GenAI models across broader scenarios of computing environments, from high-end servers to consumer-level machines. 

• Table of Content
• About University of Southampton
• University of Southampton PhD Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of University of Southampton PhD Scholarship
• Requirements for University of Southampton PhD Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

University of Southampton PhD Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of University of Southampton PhD Scholarship

• Funding is provided through the UKRI AI CDT on Sustainable AI (SustAI). For more information and recruitment rounds deadlines, please visit the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Sustainability.

Requirements for University of Southampton PhD Scholarship Qualification

You must have a 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

The AI for Sustainability CDT is multidisciplinary, and we welcome applicants from diverse disciplines, including but not limited to: 

• engineering
• social science
• economics
• business
• computer science
• mathematics
• electronics
• physical science

You should have an interest in multidisciplinary research, and an aptitude for data analytics as well as other skills relevant to one or more of the core themes within the CDT.

Academic attainment is only one of our criteria for selection; we equally value the ability to work in teams, excitement for research, enthusiasm for the research focus of the CDT and the ability to communicate ideas. EU and Overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme iPhD AI for Sustainability (9220)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• research proposal
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

Potential Supervisors.

If you have a general question, email doctoral college ([email protected]).

For more information, kindly visit University of Souhtampton scholarship webpage.