University College Dublin (UCD) has announced several prestigious, fully funded PhD opportunities across its Schools of Agriculture and Food Science, and Information and Communication Studies. These competitive scholarships support high-potential researchers in advancing impactful work in ecology, food systems, AI, and digital heritage. Below is an overview of three currently advertised positions, including project descriptions, eligibility criteria, key requirements, and application details. PhD Opportunity: Seasonal and Spatial Patterns of Badger Diet (School of Agriculture and Food Science) UCD is inviting applications for a fully funded four-year PhD position beginning in January or May 2026. The project is part of a national collaboration aimed at better understanding the ecology of badgers (Meles meles) in Ireland to support bovine tuberculosis (bTB) eradication. Partner institutions include UCD’s Schools of Agriculture and Food Science and Biology and Environmental Science, alongside the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). This project will analyse badger diet using stable isotope analysis of inert tissues—such as whiskers—to complement ongoing work involving GPS tracking and camera-trap population density studies. By combining diet data with movement and density patterns, the research will help identify how badgers use agricultural landscapes, when they interact with farmlands, and how ecological or management factors influence their behaviour. The outcomes will contribute to both wildlife conservation science and national bTB mitigation efforts. Key project goals include: Examining spatial, temporal, and individual differences in badger diet across Ireland. Assessing how diet varies with local density, group size, or broader ecological factors. Analysing how culling and vaccination strategies may influence dietary patterns. Eligibility and Requirements Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related discipline. Demonstrable quantitative skills. Experience using R for data analysis. Proficiency in English (meeting UCD language standards). Full-time availability. Funding Package €25,000 annual stipend (tax-free). Tuition fully covered at EU and non-EU rates. Annual research budget, including €2,000 for travel and conferences. Application Deadline: 14 December 2025, 23:59 Dublin time.Applicants must submit: CV One-page cover letter Academic transcripts Contact details for two referees Enquiries: Dr. Virginia Morera-Pujol. UCD Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship: Online Food Shopping Systems (Agribusiness & Rural Development) The UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science also invites applications for the Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship exploring the role of online food shopping in shaping global health and environmental outcomes. This four-year programme will begin in May 2026, with flexibility for a September 2026 start. Research topics may investigate consumer behaviour, psychological drivers of food choice, food purchasing patterns, sustainability, and data-driven approaches to analysing online food environments. Successful candidates will work within UCD’s Agribusiness and Rural Development section, a multidisciplinary area focused on the sustainability and competitiveness of agri-food systems, rural livelihoods, policy analysis, community development, and innovation. The PhD will be supervised by Dr. Vilma Xhakollari with co-supervision by Dr. Tomás Russell. Eligibility and Requirements First or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in agricultural economics, agricultural extension, food science, business, computer science, or related fields. Strong interest in marketing, psychology, technology, or decision-making. English language proficiency as required by UCD. Full-time commitment. Funding Package €25,000 annual stipend. Full tuition fee coverage at EU and non-EU rates. Research budget of up to €4,000 annually (subject to PI approval). Scholarship renewable annually for up to four years based on progress. Application Deadline: 14 December 2025, 23:59 Dublin time.Required documents: CV or résumé One-page motivation letter Academic transcripts Two academic referees’ contact details Shortlisted applicants may be asked to prepare a presentation or attend an interview.Queries should be directed to Dr. Vilma Xhakollari. PhD Studentship: AI and Heritage Futures (School of Information & Communication Studies) UCD’s School of Information and Communication Studies (ICS) is offering a fully funded PhD studentship starting 18 May 2026, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence and cultural heritage. The programme explores how AI reshapes the creation, preservation, and governance of heritage—from digitalised artefacts to AI-generated cultural works. This opportunity is suited to candidates interested in technical, social, cultural, policy-related, or interdisciplinary approaches to digital heritage. Under the supervision of Dr. Sun Park, the student will design and complete an independent doctoral project within one of the following areas: AI for digitalised heritage (e.g., computer vision, NLP, data visualisation, digital twins). AI-generated works as born-digital heritage (cultural, technological, or social value analysis). AI-heritage policy (alignment of AI regulations with GLAM and cultural policies). The School welcomes a range of methodologies—from qualitative ethnography to computational modelling. Eligibility and Requirements Master’s degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in Computer Science, HCI, Information Science, Digital Humanities, Heritage Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, Public Policy, Law, or related fields. Strong English proficiency (C1–C2 recommended). For technical projects: programming skills and quantitative research experience. For non-technical projects: qualitative research experience; willingness to learn technical methods if required. Strong organisational skills and capacity to work in interdisciplinary environments. Open to all nationalities; women and people of colour are strongly encouraged. Funding Package €25,000 annual stipend. €4,000 annual research budget. Full tuition fee waiver. Access to priority travel funding. Application Deadline: 31 January 2026.Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 19–20 February 2026.Applications must include: CV Cover letter (max 1,000 words) PhD project outline (max 1,500 words) Academic transcripts English language documentation Applicants must apply via UCD’s online portal (Programme Code W139). Conclusion These three fully funded PhD opportunities demonstrate UCD’s commitment to advanced graduate research across ecology, food systems, digital culture, and AI. Prospective candidates are encouraged to review eligibility criteria carefully and submit complete applications ahead of the stated deadlines. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the scholarship institute. For any inquiries, please contact the official institute directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.