About the Project
One full/ partial scholarship is available in the School of Civil Engineering in 2026/27. This scholarship is open to international applicants and covers Home (UK) fees plus maintenance at the UKRI rate of £21,805 for 3.5 years.
This fully funded PhD place provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in a range of fields relating to materials science and engineering.
The School of Civil Engineering invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27 for the EPSRC DLA/School Scholarship.
There are significant advancements in low-carbon concrete technologies incorporating novel binders, supplementary cementitious materials and beneficiated waste. Existing life cycle inventory (LCI) databases often lack the detailed performance parameters required to evaluate their sustainability potential and optimise the concrete mix design accordingly.
This PhD project will develop the next generation of data-driven LCA tools for concrete by expanding two existing research databases (Pre-BCC and Opt-BCC) with new mix designs, materials and environmental datasets. The project will incorporate detailed mineralogical and chemical compositions of low-carbon and recycled cementitious materials alongside aggregate characterisation parameters and admixture properties, creating one of the most comprehensive datasets of its kind.
The student will combine concrete technology, data science and life cycle assessment to develop robust methods for predicting the environmental performance of novel concrete mixtures and explore machine learning techniques to optimise the concrete mix design accordingly. The successful candidate will gain expertise in sustainable construction materials, environmental assessment, database development and computational modelling, contributing to the development of digital tools that support the transition towards net-zero construction.
The successful candidate will join the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds, one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities and home to a vibrant community of postgraduate researchers. The School has an international reputation for delivering world-leading research that addresses major societal challenges, including climate change, sustainable infrastructure and the circular economy. The project will be based within the School's Materials and Structures research theme, which undertakes internationally recognised research in low-carbon cement and concrete technologies, infrastructure durability, structural health monitoring and life-cycle assessment of infrastructure.
In addition to specialist research training, the successful candidate will become part of the Leeds Doctoral College, benefiting from a comprehensive programme of professional development, interdisciplinary training, career support and networking opportunities throughout their PhD.
Funding Notes
A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided. This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.
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