PhD studentships

Why join us?

The CDT-GIF (Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures) is offering an exciting pathway for aspiring researchers and engineers who are passionate about creating solutions to accelerate the transition toward net zero. Combining cutting-edge research, training in industry-relevant skills and professional development opportunities (including industrial secondments and international visits to world-leading facilities), the programme will expand your career pathways in both academic and industrial roles. Projects are based in one of four universities (Heriot-Watt, Imperial College London, University of Bath, University of Sheffield). Projects will start in Sept/Oct 2025 and are fully funded (limited positions for international students). You can find further details on the programme and how to apply here: https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/the-programme/training-programme/

Research projects

We are offering pioneering research projects that will enable you to explore key technologies that will support UK industry to reach net zero. Our students will develop expertise in their chosen research field, whilst also understanding cross-thematically how technologies integrate. CDT-GIF has five research themes:

1. Carbon capture, utilisation and storage
2. Hydrogen and sustainable fuels
3. Direct CO2 removal technologies
4. System integration  
5. Integrated theme: socio-politico-economic-environmental considerations

For our current list of project vacancies, visit https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/the-programme/phd-projects/

Integrated training

Alongside the four year research project, all students will undertake valuable training to enhance and contextualise their research. There are three elements of the training programme: (1) modular taught course exploring the technical, social and economic aspects of the net zero industrial transition, (2) a Net Zero Leadership Portfolio (NZLP) involving a series of activities and workshops to develop skills sought after by industry partners and boost exposure to different career pathways (e.g. secondments, site visits, guest lectures, skills workshops), (3) an opportunity to visit world-leading facilities and meet global industrial stakeholders.

Core technical courses are delivered across Year 1 & 2 as two-week residentials at each of the four university partners. In Years 1 & 2, students will spend 75% of their time on their research project and 25% on core modules. The focus of years 3 & 4 will be on PhD research, however there will be opportunities for professional development including industry secondments, site visits, training workshops and guest lectures.

Funding

Studentships will start in October 2025 and are fully-funded with an annual stipend of £19,237 (2024/25 stipend), excluding London weighting. Please note that stipends are not taxable income and are council tax exempt.  In addition, all CDT training opportunities are covered by the centre and students will have access up to £3000 per annum for research and training costs.

Apply here: https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/the-programme/how-to-apply/