SPADS

In an era of increasing global instability and an artificial intelligence (AI) arms race, maintaining leadership in new and emerging information technologies is of critical importance to national defence and security. The user-led CDT in Sensing, Processing, and AI for Defence and Security (SPADS) will provide world-class training for student cohorts with the breadth and depth of expertise needed to innovate generation-after-next technology crucial to today’s defence and security challenges.

The Programme

A robot with wheels and arms outside the National Robotarium centre at Heriot Watt University

CDT SPADS is a joint programme between the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Signal Processing in the domain of defence and security. 

With our industrial and government partners we will train the next generation of highly professional defence scientists, including engineers, computer scientists, and mathematicians, capable of leading developments in cutting-edge AI and information and communications technology that are poised to transform not only the world of defence and security, but also broader civilian society.

 

Apply

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First-round applications have closed and the applications for SPADS are now being considered on a gathered field basis, where applications will be considered at the end of every month until all places are filled. 

Find out about the SPADS recruitment process:

How to Apply

Skills and Expertise

Students and laptops

  • Extensive technical training: co-designed and co-delivered with industry and government
  • Foundational mastery: achieve a solid understanding of fundamental concepts from hardware and sensing and processing to software
  • Deep specialization: gain cutting-edge knowledge in your chosen field
  • Conduct high-impact research that tackles real-world problems 
  • Ethical expertise: understand the ethics governing research and development in a defence and security context
  • E-track: entrepreneurship support and training

Benefits of the CDT

National Robotarium

  • Comprehensive funding, including an enhanced annual stipend of £23,112 tax-free (2025/26) and a generous research training and support grant (RTSG) 
  • Professional network: build invaluable contacts with UK industry and government organisations
  • Peer community: establish strong ties with a network of fellow PhD students
  • Undertake an internship with one of our partners
  • Funding for access to state-of-the-art key facilities at the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University
  • Engage in a rich programme of cohort events, designed to enhance your skills and connections

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Partners

Find out more about our industry and government partners.

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Programme structure

Learn more about the structure of the SPADS programme.

Automated robots with wheels and sensors delivering packages in a warehouse

PhD research themes

Learn about the SPADS research theme structure.

Any questions?

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