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?

Please see individual adverts for deadlines.

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.

Applicants should be aware of the following additional costs that you may incur as these are not covered by the studentship:

• Immigration Health Surcharge
• If you need to apply for a Student Visa to enter the UK, please refer to the information on www.gov.uk/student-visa. It is important that you read this information very carefully as it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold the correct funds required for your visa application otherwise your visa may be refused.
• Check what COVID-19 tests you need to take and the quarantine rules for travel to England: www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19
• Costs associated with English Language requirements which may be required for students not having completed a first degree in English, will not be borne by the CDT. Please see individual adverts for further details of the English Language requirements for the university you are applying to.

If you wish to apply, please see the list of available projects below. For more information about ReNU visit: renu.northumbria.ac.uk/

Newcastle University

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 Vincent Barrioz (vincent.barrioz@northumbria.ac.uk), at Newcastle, Prof Elizabeth Gibson (elizabeth.gibson@newcastle.ac.uk) and at Durham, Prof Chris Groves (chris.groves@durham.ac.uk).