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). Further details can be found at https://www.net-zero-fibe-cdt.eng.cam.ac.uk/
The project is funded in collaboration with Network Rail, the entity responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Great Britain's railway infrastructure, with an extensive network spanning thousands of miles and its complex web of tracks, stations, signalling systems and more, and is fully committed to advancing research and innovation in the field of infrastructure and built environment to enhance efficiency, safety and sustainability.
Climate change and shifting patterns of extreme weather are impacting risk profiles of transport assets, requiring re-evaluation of investment strategies to maintain reliable services. This research will investigate how environmental and operational thresholds for key rail assets can be scientifically defined, quantified and integrated into long-term climate adaptation planning. The main aim of the study is to develop methods to identify tipping points arising from climatic stressors such as extreme heat, high-intensity rainfall, soil moisture variation, and compound weather events. This will require an interdisciplinary systems approach and data analysis to explore historical asset/network performance. The insight will then be used as a starting point for evaluating future performance.
This project is not about advancing fundamental physics or engineering models of a specific asset type, but rather, understanding how the data available via Network Rail can be modelled to support identification of thresholds or tipping points for the railway infrastructure system. It is envisaged that the project will evaluate how threshold-based insights can enhance the timing, prioritisation and appraisal of adaptation options within existing decision frameworks used by Network Rail and national transport bodies.
For project-specific enquiries please e-mail Dr Kristen MacAskill at kam71@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 preferably at Masters level in a related discipline (such as civil engineering, construction management, climate science). An ideal candidate will have some form of quantitative undergraduate training, with an inclination to engage with systems thinking and analysis.
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.net-zero-fibe-cdt.eng.cam.ac.uk/Admissions/MResPlusPhD
Applications should be made online via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdfib stating project title and supervisor's name.
Please note there is a £20 application fee.
Early applications are strongly encouraged as an offer may be made before the stated deadline.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Key information
- Department/location: Department of Engineering
- Salary:
- Reference: NM51575
- Category: Studentships
- Date published: 2 November 2026
- Closing date: 14 April 2027