Foundation industries sustainability transitions MRes

We have an exciting MSc by Research opportunity in Sustainable Manufactruring Systems Centre (SMSC) and more specifically within EPSRC’s “Transforming Foundation Industries Research and Innovation Hub” project (Transfire). SMSC is leading on the development and delivery of the Transfire project in collaboration with multiple academic and industry partners. The project aims to engage the full stakeholder community involved in transforming the foundation industries in interdisciplinary research for solutions that can be rapidly deployed within these industries.

The Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre is a global research excellence hub for industrial sustainability and circular economy. It is our ambition to develop world leaders in sustainable manufacturing technologies and management practice.

Our centre is leading the development of technological as well as collaborative outcomes between academic and industrial partners in the foundation industries (cement, paper, chemicals, glass, ceramics and metals). This MRes opportunity resides at the heart of the “Transfire Hub” project in observing best practice and driving for academic rigour in the project delivery.

Cranfield overview and Sponsor Information/Background: The Transfire Hub project executive team are deeply committed to deliver innovative processes, practices and designs for a decarbonised and circular economy in the UK. The project has been funding by the UK’s Research and Innovation agency (UKRI) and will end in June 2024.

Expected impact/results of research project: Project outcomes will be achieved via world-class research into materials and processing technologies as well as the design of better product life-cycles – enabled by new collaborations and partnerships. Informed by research outputs, the successful candidate will investigate and develop the blueprints of what an expedient transition to a low carbon economy will look like and the policy interventions needed to change and sustain the proposed changes. One of the primary objectives will be to assess the economic potential of the current technological developments and propose frameworks, methodologies and solutions for industry and policy makers.

Unique Selling Points of project (e.g.: travel, conferences, external training opps). This MRes will offer considerable access to discussion with the Transfire Hub academic and industrial partners. The project currently consists of 11 academic institutions in the UK as well as more than 70 industry partners in the foundation industries. The candidate will be able to interact with all partners, travel to conferences and relevant events with the relevant teams as required.

What will the student gain from experience (transferable skills, employability): The candidate will gain considerable exposure and knowledge on state-of-the-art technologies and practices for a circular economy, tools and techniques that can be transferable to various industrial settings and gain unique networking opportunities with industry executives across the UK and beyond.

At a glance

Application deadline29 May 2023
Award type(s)MSc by Research
Start date05 Jun 2023
Duration of award1 year
EligibilityUK, Rest of World
Reference numberSATM349

Supervisor

Dr Lampros Litos and Prof K Salonitis.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit someone with a relevant degree in chemical/process engineering, material science or manufacturing management, interested in economic evaluation and impact assessment.

Funding

This studentship is open to both UK and international applications. However, we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants from outside the UK. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding.

About the sponsor

Sponsored by EPSRC and Cranfield University, this studentship will cover the fees for one year.

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.