NATS and University of Exeter Launch New PhD’s in Air Traffic Management

NATS, the UK’s leading air traffic services provider, and the University of Exeter have today launched the first NATS led Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) for Air Traffic Management (ATM).

The programme, worth over £1m, has drawn substantial funding from UK government through the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council’s (EPSRC) Industrial Doctorial Landscape Awards scheme, will open its doors to its first ten PhD students in October 2025.

The CDT aims to develop the next generation of researchers and industry leaders who will tackle the most pressing challenges in air traffic management (ATM) through cutting-edge research and innovation in key areas such as Artificial intelligence technologies, Human-computer interaction, Operational research, Control engineering.

This programme builds on the existing partnership between NATS and the University of Exeter through work on Project Bluebird.

Bringing together leading academics, industry experts and doctoral candidates, research will focus on AI for Air Traffic Control/Management, Human-Machine Teaming for Air Traffic Control, and technology to enhance airspace efficiency, resilience and sustainability, whilst keeping safety at the forefront.    

Prof Richard Cannon, CDT Industry Lead at NATS said:

“Machine Learning has the potential to transform air traffic management, making it safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. This new CDT in partnership with the University of Exeter will help us to equip the next generation of researchers with the necessary skills and knowledge to shape the future of aviation.”

Prof Richard Everson, CDT Academic Lead at University of Exeter said:

"We are thrilled to collaborate with NATS on this new CDT. Building on our success with Project Bluebird, securing further EPSRC funding allows us to strengthen our research partnership to support the next wave of AI talent in aviation.”

The new CDT will provide comprehensive, versatile training for its students, with subjects ranging from communication, navigation and practical radar skills to mathematical optimisation, machine learning and uncertainty quantification. Students and staff will split their time between the University of Exeter and NATS and, with close support from supervisors, will ensure that students have the core skills and training they need to engage with hands-on, real-world challenges. This industry-driven approach aims to accelerate the transition from research to real-world application and impact.

The PhD positions are open to applications now and more detail can be found here.