EPSRC FIBE3 CDT PhD studentship with AtkinsRealis: Enabling a natural capital approach to infrastructure transitions

This is a four-year (1+3 MRes/PhD) studentship funded through the Cambridge EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero (FIBE3 CDT). The FIBE3 CDT aims to lead a transformation to net zero infrastructure through industry partner co-creation and co-delivery of an inspirational doctoral training programme for cohorts of emerging talents from diverse academic and social backgrounds. We will transform their potential by equipping them with the understanding, skills and qualities to collaboratively engineer the infrastructure that will unlock net zero through conducting world-class, cutting-edge and user-need focused cohort-based training and research to lead the design and implementation of the infrastructure net zero agenda in the UK. 

The project is funded in collaboration with AtkinsRealis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization who connects people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems.

This project develops a methodology to incorporate services from natural capital in infrastructure delivery strategies. The project identifies infrastructure services (e.g., climate resilience, mobility, carbon storage) and the potential for natural capital to provide these services alongside built infrastructure. The project will bridge existing approaches to identify and value services from natural capital with methodologies for national infrastructure assessment and delivery. The project combines a focus on systems thinking with a data-driven approach to quantify natural capital services and integrate them in infrastructure modelling platforms. These can support actions by stakeholders in the infrastructure systems to effect change and improved outcomes.

Project objectives are:

-Develop a quantitative methodology to incorporate natural capital services in infrastructure delivery strategies

-Apply methodology to capture the potential for natural capital to contribute to net-zero and resilient infrastructure services as well as economic growth in the UK

  • Relate that to the needs and motivations of stakeholders to coordinate action for interventions that change their infrastructure systems to deliver better outcomes

  • Undertake case studies in how individuals and communities can be engaged in the process of transforming the built and natural capital that provides services to them, wider society and natural partners.

For project-specific enquiries please e-mail Dr Edoardo Borgomeo eb973@cam.ac.uk For general enquiries, please email cdtcivil-courseadmin@eng.cam.ac.uk.

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a high 2.1 degree in a Bachelors or Masters in engineering, physics, mathematics or related field. Experience with computer programming languages (e.g., MatLab, Phyton), familiarity with geographic information systems and systems thinking methodologies and an interest in environmental management, infrastructure and biodiversity conservation is preferable.

Fully-funded studentships (fees and maintenance) are only available for eligible home students in the first instance. A limited number of international students can be considered for funding at a later stage in the recruitment process. Further details about eligibility and funding can be found at: https://www.ukri.org/councils/esrc/career-and-skills-development/funding-for-postgraduate-training/eligibility-for-studentship-funding/https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/feeshttps://www.cambridgetrust.org/scholarships/

Please note there is a £20 application fee. Applications should be made online on https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdfib stating course code EGEGR3 with Project: Enabling a natural capital approach to infrastructure transitions with Dr Edoardo Borgomeo.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.