EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities
ReNU is an added value doctoral training programme that will create the next generation of specialists in small scale renewable and sustainable distributed energy applications.
Over the next decades, global demand for electricity is set to soar driven by new applications including for example, the transition to zero carbon emissions vehicles, autonomous electric aero-taxis, wearable devices and healthcare that extends beyond hospital walls. In order to meet this demand and place the United Kingdom in a leading position, highly skilled doctoral graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines are needed.
Why do a PhD in the ReNU Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)?
The CDT in ReNU is a collaboration between Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham Universities. The unique co-location of this expertise in the North East of England will allow you to access state-of-the-art research equipment and high quality supervision.
Doing a PhD at ReNU is no ordinary PhD! In addition to working on a research project at the frontiers of science and engineering, you will benefit from significant additional training over the course of a 4-year programme. This includes business and innovation training, energy policy and opportunities for international travel.
A key objective of ReNU is to develop doctoral graduates who have excellent scientific and technical skills while at the same time, are readily able to understand the business context for innovation in the energy sector. This means that you will develop an understanding that spans from molecules to systems as well as the environmental, political and societal implications for energy research.
How do I apply?
ReNU invites applications from top quality graduates with a degree (or about to gain a degree) in physics, chemistry, engineering or mathematics or equivalent. You should have, or expect to obtain, at least an upper second class degree and be strongly motivated by doing independent research. ReNU also welcomes applications from mature students.
If you wish to apply, please see the list of available projects: and note that the number of projects is approximately equal across the three institutions. The deadline for applications is Friday 8th of March. If successful, candidates should expect to start their project on 1st October 2019. The individual candidate stipend for 2019/20 is £15,009 for Home/EU students.
If you wish to discuss your application informally then please contact the relevant ReNU Institution Director for the project you are interested in which at Northumbria is Dr Neil Beattie, at Newcastle, Dr Elizabeth Gibson and at Durham, Dr Chris Groves.