EPSRC CDT Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (Research)

This iteration of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment (FIBE3 CDT) aims to develop the next generation of PhD graduates to champion the urgent, complex, inter-connected and cross-disciplinary transition to net zero infrastructure.

Through conducting world-class, cutting-edge and user-need-focused cohort-based training and research, we transformatively equip our graduates with the knowledge, skills and qualities they need to lead the design and implementation of the infrastructure net zero agenda in the UK.

This four-year course comprises an initial MRes year, followed by a three-year PhD programme. Continuation on to the PhD is conditional on satisfactory performance in the MRes year.

The course aims to:

provide the core theoretical, experimental and computational research training necessary to lead innovation and change in the area of net zero infrastructure;
equip its graduates with a deep insight into system complexities, resources constraints, barriers to change, and the identification of user needs and stakeholder priorities, enabling them to translate their PhD research into real-world impact, and to work collaboratively with others in order to create and implement viable net zero infrastructure solutions throughout their subsequent professional careers;
provide extensive opportunities for students to collaborate with industry and with the wider academic community, including experiencing industrial input into training, and producing ‘year 1’ outcomes of collaborative implementable actions to address specific short-term user needs;
deliver high relevant inspirational training on RRI, Trusted Research, Environmental Sustainability and EDI;
promote advanced transferable skills through a dedicated programme of training including innovation, entrepreneurship, idea generation, industry engagement and impact, as well as giving students opportunities to engage in outreach to inspire the next generation of net zero champions.
By the end of the MRes course, the students will have a strong foundation of broad research skills and have developed a proposal for a PhD project. PhD topics will be centred around four thematic enablers: (1) existing and disruptive/new technologies, (2) radical circularity and whole life approach, (3) AI-driven digitalisation and data, and (4) risk-based systems thinking and connectivity.

Full funding is available for eligible applicants.