EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus

*Projects to start in October 2025 will be advertised on FindAPhD in Autumn 2024*

The EPSRC CDT in ReNU+ is a unique and ambitious programme that will train the next-generation of doctoral carbon champions who are renowned for research excellence and interdisciplinary systemic thinking for Net Zero. The ReNU+ vision is that they will become living examples of a highly skilled workforce delivering an equitable energy transition so that Net Zero is inclusive for all.

ReNU+ includes a high-skilled training programme that has been co-created with industry partners and will be co-delivered in an inclusive environment of research excellence led by Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham universities. Throughout ReNU+ you will engage directly with industry and gain valuable transferable skills. For examples of industry case studies, please take a look here.

Upon completion of the training programme, doctoral carbon champions will be able to: identify carbon dioxide emissions savings opportunities through quantitative analysis; navigate complexity and risk across disciplinary boundaries; and understand policy, end-user engagement and investment as wider success factors for Net Zero. To learn more about the CDT, please meet our students.

Achieving Net Zero requires the full range of perspectives and lived experiences for an equitable and sustainable energy transition. ReNU+ welcomes and encourages applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and part-time students. As part of this goal, ReNU+ facilitates pre-application support workshops to help potential applicants learn more about a PhD before applying and provide an informal opportunity to ask questions. ReNU+ also provides support during your PhD with a dedicated Progression Tutor and excellent related networks including the Pro: NE Project.

Next pre-application support workshop: Autumn 2024

Programme Duration: 4 years (Full Time). Studentships are also available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis.

Funding: The studentship is available to Home and International (including EU) students and includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2024/25, this is £19,237 pa), full tuition fee and a Research Training Support Grant (for travel, consumables, and further training).

Entry Requirements: Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above) in a related science or engineering discipline.

(Photo on the left: ReNU students at Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales. Photo on the right: ReNU students and industry partners at the 2023 ReNU CDT week.)

What our students say:

Being a part of ReNU…

“…has allowed me to connect with members across various cohorts, creating a supportive, collaborative environment guided by the dedicated ReNU coordinators, all while collectively advancing our PhD research in a shared field.” Jemma Cox

“…has been key for my professional and personal development mainly due to being part of a multidisciplinary cohort with similar ambitions and I would recommend it to anyone.” Bethany Willis

“…is a supportive experience where you're able to jumpstart your journey into the cutting edge of science - and you get to do it alongside a group of diverse people each from adjacent fields. The breadth of training activities informs your wider viewpoint, the context for your specific research area, and which directions you may wish to consider in the future.” Nicholas Theodorou

“…has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and opportunities through various trainings, workshops, and transdisciplinary activities. The CDT is committed to developing well-rounded professionals who can contribute to society through excellent scientific research and the application of knowledge in the industry. I am proud to be a part of the ReNU CDT.” Tunde Okeowo

“…has provided me with the opportunity to connect with individuals beyond my research topic and my affiliated university, offering experiences that would not have been possible without the CDT.” Ruth Pollard

Durham University

Northumbria University

Newcastle University

See the video below to find out why students from Northumbria University, Durham University and Newcastle University decided to a PhD at ReNU CDT):