Form, function and utility in small community energy networks.

Do you have a passion for sustainability?
Would you like to apply mathematical research to help improve resource security?

Modelling and Analytics for a Sustainable Society (MASS) is a Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships programme at the University of Nottingham that aims to tackle the ongoing global problems of food shortages, water scarcity and insufficient clean energy by using mathematics to help understand and optimise resource use through predictive modelling and statistical analysis.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to undertake research that spans across the disciplines of energy engineering and mathematical sciences. Successful applicants will be joining a strong interdisciplinary team from academia and industry who are currently working on the delivery of the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) Community Energy System (CES) demonstrator at the 15 acre Trent Basin site in Nottingham. The project will investigate the energy challenges and complexity science issues associated with heat and electrical power generation, storage and use arising from the connections between micro-generation output, grid/heat loads, weather, and energy/power demands (including occupant behavior) combined with variable load energy storage devices in order to provide energy stability, a reduction of cost and associated carbon emissions from fossil fuel use. The PhD research will develop new multi-vector CES models that utilise ‘big data’ obtained from a dedicated onsite monitoring platform at the housing development applied to a heterogeneous network of users. The work will ultimately help inform the design, implementation and operation of local community energy schemes in the UK. Applicants should have a Bachelor Science or Engineering (at least 2i) and/or a Master of Science or Engineering in Mathematical Sciences, Engineering or Energy related disciplines.

For more information, including details of other available research projects, please visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/mathematics/prospective/research/leverhulme-doctoral-scholarships.aspx

The Leverhulme Doctoral Scholars, who will be based in the new £7m Mathematical Sciences Building, will be exposed to an outstanding and vibrant research environment in mathematics, resource science, engineering and social sciences, with excellent opportunities for international engagement. At the end of their PhD, the Scholars will be eligible to apply for an additional one-year post-doctoral prize, funded by The University of Nottingham, to help establish their independent research careers.

Summary: The scholarships are for four years and will cover PhD tuition fees for UK/EU students, plus a tax-free stipend of £14,553 per annum (2017/18 rate). While the scholarships may be held by students of all nationalities, the Leverhulme Trust has a particular interest in supporting UK or EU students. International students would be expected to cover the difference between international and UK/EU tuition fees (currently approximately £9,500 per annum).

Eligibility: Appropriately motivated students should have, or expect to obtain, a first-class or good 2:1 honours degree and/or a distinction or high merit at MSc level in Mathematics or a subject with a strong mathematical component (e.g. physics, engineering, computer science).

Apply: Please visit the MASS web page and identify up to three projects of interest. Then apply via the University of Nottingham application page, using the personal statement section to indicate that you are applying to the “Mathematics for A Sustainable Society” programme, making sure to list your preferred projects, and uploading a CV of no more than two pages.

Studentships are available from September 2018 and will remain open until filled, early application is encouraged.

For any enquiries please email: [Email Address Removed]