Join our diverse and inclusive team to transform the future of aviation as part of the UK’s EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Aviation. This fully funded (including fees for home UK students and a tax-free bursary of £25,183) PhD, sponsored by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), aims to support airports in identifying clear requirements and phasing considerations when planning for the introduction of hydrogen as a new fuel for aviation., and contribute to MAG’s strategic planning for future energy infrastructure and decarbonisation pathways.
Benefitting from unique access to both facilities and personnel at London Stansted Airport, part of the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the project will focus both on the technical and economic feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at airports, with Stansted Airport as a case study. This will include an assessment of the business and commercial models that will best support the transition to handling hydrogen at Stansted, and to airports and the wider aviation sector in general.
You will join a pioneering multidisciplinary team that values equity, diversity, and inclusion, gaining unique expertise to directly support the UK's ambition to lead global decarbonisation efforts, shaping your future as a skilled innovator and inclusive leader in sustainable aviation technologies.
Liquid hydrogen powered aircraft offer an important pathway to helping decarbonise aviation and reduce the sector's environmental impacts. However, the transition to supporting these new aircraft poses significant challenges for airport operators, requiring major changes and upgrades to infrastructure and operations as well as new business and commercial models.
This PhD research seeks to support airports in identifying clear requirements and phasing considerations when planning for the introduction of hydrogen as a new fuel for aviation via a techno-economic assessment of different hydrogen infrastructure pathways at London Stansted Airport, the UKs fourth largest airport by passenger numbers and part of the Manchester Airport’s Group. Uniquely, the study will focus equally both on the technical and economic feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure, and an assessment of the business and commercial models that may best support this transition. In doing so, the research will assist airports in their long-term development strategies and support them in planning for the introduction of hydrogen aircraft over different time horizons.
Based at Cranfield University, the project benefits from the myriad of world-class capabilities and test facilities in digital aviation and air transport management including the Ground Operations Laboratory in the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC), and the suite of facilities in the new Cranfield Hydrogen Integration Incubator (CH2i)
The industrial sponsor for the project, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), are a major UK airport operator with ambitious targets to decarbonise their operations and a record of taking a leading role in embracing innovation and digital technologies to support decision making and strategic planning.
This work will provide support and guidance to help airports develop actionable plans and identify opportunities to support hydrogen flights. In doing so, it will help to de-risk critical investment decisions and help empower decision makers. Outputs from the project will directly feed into MAG’s long-term planning for hydrogen fuels and future infrastructure investment
While working on this exciting research project, you will be provided with:
A fully funded 4 year full-time PhD - £25,183 tax-free stipend per year
Cohort and individual modular training covering technical, research, professional and personal development.
Minimum of 3 months fully funded industrial placement at MAG. The expectation is that students will have regular access and contact with the teams at Stansted and MAG throughout the duration of the project to support their work, in addition to the industrial placement.
Industrial supervision/mentorship scheme.
Access to approximately 40 industrial, government & research partners from the wider aviation sector as part of the Net Zero CDT programme.
Access to world class research and education facilities
The PhD researcher will benefit from working closely with MAG’s Strategy, Master Planning and Decarbonisation teams, gaining insight into real-world decision making for complex airport systems.
Graduates of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation will emerge with a unique interdisciplinary combination of technical and professional skills, a deep understanding of the broader aviation ecosystem, and a sustainability-driven mindset. This comprehensive experience ensures graduates are prepared to lead and accelerate the decarbonisation of aviation from diverse roles across industry, academia, government, and policy.
If asked to interview, which will take place in person or online, candidates will be asked to give a 15-minute presentation on their suitability for the project and how their skills and experience align with the research and training programme of the Net Zero CDT. This will be followed by questions from the interview panel.
At a glance
- Application deadline22 Apr 2026
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date28 Sep 2026
- Duration of award4 years (full-time)
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0063
Supervisor
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a relevant disciplines in Engineering (for example, Chemical, Material or Process Engineering), Physical Sciences, Economics and Business, or Environmental Science and Sustainability.
Prior experience and knowledge of air transport is beneficial but not essential; determination, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are key attributes we value. Applicants with alternative qualifications, industry experience, or from diverse educational and professional backgrounds are also strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM, mature applicants, carers, or individuals returning to academia after career breaks, offering arrangements and support tailored to individual needs.
Funding
Sponsored by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Aviation and Manchester Airports Group (MAG), This opportunity provides full UK fees, £25,183 tax free annual stipend, training and an industrial placement with MAG.
This opportunity is currently available for applicants that have UK student fee status only.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Thomas Budd
Email: t.m.budd@cranfield.ac.uk
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.
Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.
