School of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering

With climate change presenting the greatest global challenge of our time, the search is on for alternatives to fossil fuels. Bioenergy from wood, waste, agricultural residues and energy crops is a major global energy renewable source. However, there are challenges concerning technical performance, cost effectiveness, sustainable production, food security and biodiversity. The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Bioenergy, which has developed from the successful DTC in Low Carbon Technologies, aims to address these challenges.

The first 18 months of the programme is an intensive period of learning, which includes a research project, taught modules, interdisciplinary team projects and an industrial placement. During the four years, students will develop substantial technical and transferable skills enabling them to build a successful career and become a leader in industry or academia.

The research conducted within the Bioenergy themes addresses short, medium and long term challenges associated with realising the national and international targets. Each individual research and innovation project will benefit from a supervisory team and sponsorship from industry or other key stakeholders. Currently, we have more than 20 industry/stakeholder partners and a large team of supervisors who will assist in project development and execution. PhD projects will fall within or cross the four research themes, relating to the design and appraisal of bioenergy technologies, in the context of wider socio-economic and policy issues:

• Theme 1 – Feedstocks, Processing and Safety
• Theme 2 – Conversion
• Theme 3 – Products, Utilisation and Impacts
• Theme 4 – Sustainability and Whole Systems

Distinctive features about the CDT in Bioenergy:

• PhD projects are co-supervised by colleagues with different academic backgrounds, allowing students to develop essential interdisciplinary research skills.
• Facilities are second to none. The CDT has a programme of continued investment in facilities and infrastructure ensuring that staff and students benefit from state-of-the-art, high quality equipment and laboratories.
• The CDT works closely with key national and international partners to produce the highest quality, transformative research. The project partners’ contributions range from funding full interdisciplinary PhD projects, team projects and placements, to providing access to real-world data, equipment, expert speakers and advice.
• A full programme of professional development training is included in the course activities, and assessed portfolios of work can be used as evidence for chartered status later in the students’ career. Engagement and outreach activities are encouraged and supported; most are student-led and include participation in major initiatives.

Entry requirements:

A degree equivalent to a UK upper second class honours (2:1), or higher, in engineering, chemistry, physics or mathematics. Applicants with a 2:2 first degree will not be considered, even if they also have a Master's level degree.

A full standard studentship consists of academic fees (£4,100 in Session 2015/16), together with a maintenance grant (approx £14,000 in Session 2015/16) paid at standard Research Council rates and a Research Training Support Grant. Generally, UK students will be eligible for a full award and other European Union applicants will be eligible for an award paying academic fees and RTSG only, except in cases where residency in the UK has been established for more than 3 years prior to the start of the programme of study. Places are available for students who have their own funding.