Award Summary
100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate).
Overview
Advancing the sustainability of electric machines, even incrementally, can significantly reduce carbon emissions and bolster global efforts to achieve net-zero targets. Despite considerable advancement in their operational performance, their life cycle impacts, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, and recycling, are underexplored. This project aims to enhance sustainable machine design through life cycle assessment (LCA), focusing on environmentally friendly materials and machine structures, together with AI-driven optimization frameworks for diverse applications while considering LCA metrics. The success of this project could serve as a model for other energy-related devices, promoting sustainability across sectors through a holistic LCA-based design philosophy. These could empower industry, academia, and policymakers to make informed decisions, accelerating progress toward net-zero emissions.
Number Of Awards: 1
Start Date: 1st October 2025
Award Duration: 4 years
Application Closing Date: 16th June 2025
Sponsor
EPSRC
Supervisors
Dr. Libing Cao
Prof. Barrie Mecrow
Eligibility Criteria
A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (such as mathematics or theoretical physics) is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification is not required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss.
For EPSRC DLA applications we are following theEDEPI competency-based framework. Please read and complete thisdocumentas your Personal statement, and upload this with your application. Applications which do not include this document will not be considered. Further details can be foundhere.
This studentship is for Home students only.
How To Apply
You must apply through the University’sApply to Newcastle Portal by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.
Once registered select‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.
Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:
- search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code:8060F.
- select'PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering (full time)'as the programme of study
You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:
- a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) –Use this template.
- the studentship codeDLA2511in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.
- when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.
You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.
Contact Details
For enquiries, please contact Dr. Libing atlibing.cao@ncl.ac.uk
You can also contact:doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.ukfor independent advice on your application.
100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate).
