Current AFIC opportunities
Multimodal AI Framework for Quality Monitoring and Nuanced Understanding
(Self-Funded PhD Students only)
University-wide opportunities
Doctoral programmes and projects
Self-funded opportunities
We welcome applications for PhDs and other research degrees aligned to any of the research themes.
Please start your journey with us by having an exploratory conversation with our Centre Co-Director, Dr Hongwei Zhang.
Email Dr Zhang
Doctoral research
Current AFIC opportunities
Multimodal AI Framework for Quality Monitoring and Nuanced Understanding
(Self-Funded PhD Students only)
University-wide opportunities
Doctoral programmes and projects
Self-funded opportunities
We welcome applications for PhDs and other research degrees aligned to any of the research themes.
Please start your journey with us by having an exploratory conversation with our Centre Co-Director, Dr Hongwei Zhang.
Email Dr Zhang
Doctoral researchers
Haseeb Zaidi
My research project is “Machine learning for fault and anomaly detection in food and drink manufacturing”. My main research interests are in machine learning through Electrical (Computer Systems) Engineering and AI and Data Science and at AFIC I am contributing to 'Digital Innovations'.
Benjamin Ilo
My diverse, applied, MPhil research is to perform real-time condition monitoring and early-stage fault detection and diagnosis on rice milling machines to improve quality of milling and reduce machine down-time. My primary research interests are in the quality control of rice milling processes using computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in Industry 4.0 enabled processes and contributing to ‘Digital Innovations’.
Emmanuel Lwele
My research is exploring ‘Digital Twins’. These are virtual replicas of physical systems or processes that enable simulation, optimization and prediction, allowing for a deeper understanding of a physical system which can improve its performance and efficiency. My research interest is the creation of novel AI-based methods for creating data-driven surrogate models. At AFIC I am contributing to 'Digital Innovations'
Leo Luke
I am a Mechanical Engineering with an interest in automation, control and robotics. My research focuses on model-based MEF/Ohmic Heating food processing. My work at AFIC aims to facilitate the transition from laboratory to industrial-scale operations to decarbonise food manufacturing, utilising control system development and machine learning for ‘Food system sustainability’.
Thouseena Ajmal
I have a background in food science, food safety and food processing engineering – studying and working in both the UK and India. My research explores how multi-modal imaging techniques can be combined with laboratory analysis to helping decision making in quality assessment for food manufacturing and is contributing to 'Digital innovations' and ‘Healthier lives’.
Dan Rippon
I am a Technical Specialist in the Electronics Department based at city campus. My applied, MPhil research is exploring improvement of head rice yield quality and novel methods for rice assessment. I am achieving this through the development of a ‘rice inspection bed' - an in-line quality rice assessment using computer vision software. Prototypes will be revised across a range of engineering dimensions and all with a view to work in harmony with the F1 Koolmill. I am contributing to ‘Digital Innovations’.
Tammy Chiang
I am a Chemical Engineer with a keen interest in food processing. My research aims to enhance the safety and nutritional value of fava beans in food products in promoting ‘Healthier lives’. My primary research areas encompass processing technology, plant biochemistry, food nutrition, and formulation.
Seun Seidu
My project is entitled, “Characterising vegan cheese - its microstructure and the influence of ingredients and process” I’m excited to explore functional plant proteins and contribute to meaningful innovations that bridge the gap between plant and animal protein functionality. This isn't just about research - it's about creating sustainable solutions for our future.
Sundas Sundas
My project is entitled "AI-driven robotic automation for precision handling in horticulture", and aligns closely with AFIC’s strategic focus on sustainable and intelligent food systems.
Tino Mhiko
I am pursuing a PhD in robotics, developing an AI-powered agri-food robot for yield prediction and crop monitoring to improve food security for smallholder farmers. I am an award-winning agri-food leader and CEO of Zimbabwe’s Agricultural and Rural Development Authority.
Jonathan Qaiser
I am investigating the conversion of food waste into methanol to support circular, sustainable waste management and renewable fuel production. With a background in process design, chemical plant simulation, and industrial experience at Balmoral Tanks, I combine strong engineering expertise with a focus on cleaner energy solutions.
Donya Asgharzadeh
My doctoral project is entitled, “Waste to Wings: Farm Waste to Sustainable Aviation Fuel” and will explore catalytic process and life cycle assessment and will contribute to food system sustainability.
Oyindamola Akorede
My research focuses on advancing the circular carbon economy. I am developing biochar based catalysts to improve bio oil quality, alongside work on process optimisation through the development of machine learning based decision support systems.
Dr Alex O'Brien
Completed April 2026 My research is concerned with advanced real-time control and optimisation in mixed beer fermentation - bringing better control, greater efficiency and contributing to ‘Digital Innovations’. My primary research interests focus on biochemistry, control engineering and data science.
Dr Tasmiyah Javed
Completed March 2026 My research aims to introduce MEF technology for food processing taking a step towards achieving net zero and contributing to 'Food system sustainability'. My primary research interests focus on learning-based control, machine and deep learning.
Dr Abraham Badjona
Completed January 2026 My multi-disciplinary research applies different processing methods in order to improve the nutritional and functional properties of Faba beans for 'Healthier lives'. My primary research interests focus on physiochemistry of biopolymers, bioactive compounds, functional properties and biochemical assays.
Dr Loba Oluwole-ojo
Completed Sept. 2023 My research covers the application of continuous flow ohmic heating and advanced process control to industrial food processing, to support smart processing for ‘Food system sustainability’. My primary research interests focus on process control, modelling and validation, industrial automation and smart systems.
Join the Doctoral Community
PhD studentships
Businesses can contribute to the developing knowledge base by funding individual scholarships or research topics. You can facilitate our PhD students to find innovative solutions that enhance your business such as developing new processes or technology.
Previous innovations have included improving product crispiness in the chilled food chain and the hot-cutting and packing of baked foods to maximise shelf-life.