AI for Certification and Lifecycle Monitoring: Intelligent Assurance in Safety-Critical Systems PhD

This PhD opportunity at Cranfield University invites candidates to explore the integration of AI into certification and lifecycle monitoring processes for safety-critical systems. The project delves into areas such as AI-driven verification, predictive maintenance, and compliance assurance, aiming to enhance system reliability and safety. Situated within the esteemed IVHM Centre and supported by collaborations with industry giants including Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Thales, and UKRI, this research offers a unique platform to contribute to the advancement of intelligent assurance methodologies in sectors like aerospace, healthcare, and industrial automation.

In safety-critical domains, such as aviation and medical devices, rigorous certification processes and continuous lifecycle monitoring are essential to ensure compliance and operational integrity. The application of AI in these areas enhances the ability to predict system behaviours, detect anomalies, and streamline certification workflows. AI-driven tools can analyse vast datasets to identify potential issues before they escalate, facilitating proactive maintenance and compliance assurance. Integrating AI into certification and monitoring processes is revolutionizing how safety and reliability are managed throughout a system's lifecycle.

This PhD project explores the application of AI in enhancing certification processes and lifecycle monitoring of safety-critical systems. The research will focus on developing AI-powered verification tools, health monitoring algorithms, and compliance assurance techniques that ensure system reliability throughout their operational lifespan. A key aspect of the project will be the incorporation of communication security measures, specifically targeting resilience against jamming and spoofing attacks. Students will investigate how AI can streamline certification workflows and enable proactive maintenance, with applications in sectors such as aviation, healthcare, and industrial systems.

Research Focus Areas:

• AI-Powered Verification Tools: Develop AI algorithms that automate the verification process, ensuring systems meet required safety and performance standards.
• Health Monitoring Algorithms: Implement AI-based monitoring systems that continuously assess the health of components, predicting failures before they occur.
• Compliance Assurance Techniques: Design AI-driven methods to ensure ongoing compliance with industry regulations and standards throughout the system's lifecycle.
• Secure Communication Monitoring: Integrate AI techniques to monitor and enhance the security of communication channels, focusing on detecting and mitigating jamming and spoofing threats in real-time.
• Integration of Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs): Investigate the use of TEEs to create secure zones within embedded systems, facilitating secure data processing and storage, and supporting compliance with stringent certification requirements.

Cranfield University offers a distinctive research environment renowned for its world-class programmes, cutting-edge facilities, and strong industry partnerships, attracting top-tier students and experts globally. As an internationally recognised leader in AI, embedded system design, and intelligent systems research, Cranfield fosters innovation through applied research, bridging academia and industry. Students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, hardware/software resources, and design facilities, supporting AI-powered electronics research.

This project will be conducted within Cranfield’s Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) Centre, established in 2008 in collaboration with industry leaders such as Boeing, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Meggitt, and Thales. The IVHM Centre is globally recognized for defining the subject area and continues to expand its research horizons. It plays a pivotal role in the £65 million Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC), leading advancements in aircraft electrification, autonomous systems, and secure intelligent hardware. Through collaborations with the Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC), Airbus, and Rolls-Royce, students gain industry exposure and further research opportunities.

Additionally, the IVHM Centre hosts Seretonix, a research group specializing in secure electronic design, AI-driven system resilience, and intelligent hardware security. Through the EUROPRACTICE partnership, the IVHM Centre provides access to advanced CAD tools, integrated circuit prototyping, and technical training, equipping students with cutting-edge skills.

To support hands-on experimentation and applied research, the IVHM Centre offers access to a suite of specialised facilities:

Engaging with these facilities allows students to acquire practical skills and technical expertise, enhancing their research capabilities and employability in the field of intelligent systems and AI-integrated electronics.

This project focuses on integrating AI into the certification processes and lifecycle monitoring of safety-critical systems. Research will involve developing AI-powered verification tools and health monitoring systems that ensure compliance with regulatory standards throughout a system's operational life. The project will also address secure communication protocols to safeguard against jamming and spoofing, enhancing the trustworthiness of these systems. Expected outcomes include streamlined certification processes, improved system reliability, and reduced downtime, benefiting industries such as aviation, automotive, and medical devices. By aligning with the increasing emphasis on safety and compliance in technology deployment, this research equips students with the skills to influence policy and practice in high-stakes environments.

Bridging AI innovation with real-world assurance, this PhD focuses on designing verifiable and certifiable AI-embedded systems for safety-critical applications. You’ll collaborate closely with industrial and regulatory partners in aerospace, automotive, and digital infrastructure, participating in audits, standards evaluations, and compliance testing. The project encourages international dissemination and engagement, with funded opportunities to present at conferences like SAFECOMP, DATE, and DSN. Training in AI explainability, lifecycle analysis, and compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 26262, DO-254) will be central to your development, ensuring you graduate ready to drive change in AI-powered system certification and governance.

Through this PhD, students will master the intersection of AI, verification, and regulatory compliance, gaining a rare combination of skills in intelligent system validation, safety assurance, and lifecycle analytics. They will also develop transferable abilities in technical reporting, stakeholder communication, standardisation processes, and risk management. These proficiencies open pathways to leadership roles in AI engineering for regulated industries, including aerospace certification, automotive compliance, and digital health systems. The project’s emphasis on explainability, traceability, and system integrity positions graduates as key contributors to the future of responsible AI deployment.