EPS2021/25: Developing ocean alkalinity enhancement technologies to prevent climate change and protect ecosystems

Heriot-Watt University has now created scholarship opportunities in the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences for 2021-22. 

Requirements

All applicants must have or expect to have a 1st class MChem, MPhys, MSci, MEng or equivalent degree by Autumn 2021. Selection will be based on academic excellence and research potential, and all short-listed applicants will be interviewed (in person or via Microsoft Teams). Most of these scholarships are only open to UK/EU applicants and for

students who meet residency requirements set out by EPSRC

https://epsrc.ukri.org/skills/students/guidance-on-epsrc-studentships/eligibility/  For some projects, applications may be accepted for exceptional overseas applicants.

To mitigate the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems, and the human populations that depend on them, some are proposing proactive stewardship of our marine environments. For instance, the effects of ocean acidification could be mitigated by adding crushed rocks and minerals to the oceans (also known as ‘ocean alkalinity enhancement’). Weathering of rocks is a natural process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and increases the alkalinity of the ocean. However, it would take thousands of years for this process to consume the excess CO2 produced from anthropogenic sources that currently resides in the atmosphere. By increasing ocean alkalinity, it may be possible to mimic natural weathering processes so that it is applicable on climate policy relevant timescales. The aim of this project is to develop novel methods of increasing ocean alkalinity, develop fundamental chemical and material data needed to assess their engineering feasibility. This project will be conducted at the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (https://rccs.hw.ac.uk) an interdisciplinary world leading engineering centre, inspiring and delivering innovation for the wider deployment of technologies needed to meet necessary carbon targets.

How to Apply

1. Important Information before you Apply

When applying through the Heriot-Watt on-line system please ensure you provide the following information:

(a) in ‘Study Option’

You will need to select ‘Edinburgh’ and ‘Postgraduate Research’. ‘Programme’ presents you with a drop-down menu. Choose Chemistry PhD, Physics PhD, Chemical Engineering PhD, Mechanical Engineering PhD, Bio-science & Bio-Engineering PhD or Electrical PhD as appropriate and select September 2020 for study option (this can be updated at a later date if required)

(b) in ‘Research Project Information’

You will be provided with a free text box for details of your research project. Enter Title and Reference number of the project for which you are applying and also enter the potential supervisor’s name.

This information will greatly assist us in tracking your application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application, it will not be considered until you have uploaded your CV and transcripts.

2. Applications

Applications must be made through the Heriot-Watt on-line

application system, https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/apply/uk/postgraduate.htm

3. Closing Date

All applications must be received by Sunday 14th February 2021. All successful candidates will usually be expected to commence their studies in September/October 2021.