WORKING TOGETHER TO SECURE
A NET ZERO FUTURE
Engineered removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere is one way of helping to meet our decarbonisation and climate change commitments. This PhD allows you to apply your scientific and engineering knowledge to developing techniques for delivering “negative emissions” (net removal of CO2 from the atmosphere).
Queen’s University, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering are offering a range of fully funded research places (UK/home student fees, approved maintenance stipend and research costs), that will equip graduates with the technical skills to achieve Net Zero success.
Join us for a new era of success, where NI secures its reputation as a global leader in Net Zero innovation and advancement.
About The Projects
Projects are available across the full range of engineered greenhouse gas removal options: direct air capture, CO2 utilisation, biomass to energy with carbon capture and storage, biochar, negative emission materials and chemicals.
You Could Be:
- Working in the laboratory to develop new technologies to convert CO2 to chemicals, or biorenewables to new high-performance materials;
- Characterising the huge range of renewable and waste feedstocks to maximise conversion efficiencies;
- Developing process modelling tools to aid intelligent plant design;
- Evaluating the sustainability and social impacts of different feedstocks and technology options using Life Cycle Analysis;
- Comparing policy instruments that can encourage negative emissions, or evaluating the economic impact of implementation
These are just a few examples; projects will be led by the societal need to move to net zero and the industrial challenges to get there.
Making a Difference in Scientific Knowledge
You will be working as part of a national interdisciplinary effort to advance these new technologies, directly informing the implementation strategies of our industrial and policy partners.
You will, of course, expand your subject knowledge and technical capability, but will also benefit from a comprehensive, interdisciplinary taught programme and skills development.
Above all, you will be making a difference to the UK’s scientific knowledge base, and engineering implementation and positively impacting global carbon emissions.
A Collaborative Partnership
This doctoral training programme is a partnership across 4 UK universities (Aston University in Birmingham, University of Nottingham, University of Warwick and Queen's University Belfast). Students across all 4 universities will be working on the same modules as one cohort. There will be opportunities for all four university groups to meet up for residential training.
Funding and Academic Criteria
This studentship comes with a robust funding model, including paid fees, a generous (tax-free) stipend and further funding opportunities for training and research-related travel.
This scheme is open to both the UK and international applicants. We are only able to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants outside the UK.
Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or their equivalent) in Engineering or a related subject.
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How to Apply
If you are expecting to achieve a first or 2:1 in a numerate discipline and are interested in making a difference in the global climate challenge, express your interest via the link below. We will contact you to arrange a preliminary discussion about your eligibility, qualifications and areas of interest, and discover which research partner and project could be right for you.
You will have a chance to meet with prospective supervisors before applying - further details will be provided.
Please contact us at c.wu@qub.ac.uk for any questions about the opportunity.
Deadline for Applications
The deadline for applications is 13 May 2024. However, we would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to maximize your chances of securing a place.