Chris Knight

Cranfield University

Project

Using weather patterns and AI to understand crop yield variability and prediction

Supervisors

  • Toby Waine
  • Abdou Khouakhi

PhD Summary

Crop yield predictions have short lead times as they use specific indicators such as precipitation and/or temperature. The aim of this research is to identify whether weather patterns can be used to give multi seasonal crop yield predictions. It is hoped that such a model can help create informed and long term food security policy and strategies allowing governments and NGO’s to be proactive rather than reactive to famine.

Previous activity

I suppose the quick answer would be a Software/AI developer. I worked in many industries; Space and Defence, Medical, High Frequency Trading and I have even been running my own Deep Tech development company for the past five years.

Why did you choose doctoral research?

I was very interested in the project and doing a PhD was an itch that needed to be scratched.

Why did you choose CENTA?

It was mainly the project that attracted me.

Future plans

It’s not something I really consider as my career was going just fine without it. I suppose some people will take me more seriously as a PhD can change people’s perception of you.