PhD Studentship - Centre for Doctoral Training in Process Industries: Net Zero - Lifecycle & Systems Modelling of Future Marine Fuels and Engine Systems

About the Project

The transition to low‑carbon marine propulsion demands new ways of integrating emerging fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and advanced biofuels into vessel operations while maintaining performance, safety and reliability. This PhD project will develop lifecycle and systems‑level models that track these fuels from production through storage, onboard use and energy conversion. Using advanced simulation and analysis, the research will assess how different fuel pathways affect engine behaviour, hybrid power systems, energy flows and emissions, identifying opportunities for improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This project will suit applicants interested in energy systems, modelling and the decarbonisation of marine transport.

The project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Process Industries: Net Zero (PINZ), and is sponsored by the Maritime Research and Innovation consortium (MarRI-UK) and Babcock International.

The successful applicant will be supervised by Dr Ben Wetenhall, Dr Greg Mutch and Dr Kayvan Pazouki.

Number of awards: 1

Award duration: 4 years

Start date: 1 October 2026

Sponsor: EPSRC

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually chemical engineering or chemistry, but please get in touch if you think your qualification may be relevant). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

This studentship is open to Home Students only, and if successful will receive a full studentship.

How to apply

You must apply through the University's Apply to Newcastle Portal. 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: 8856F
• Leave the 'Research Area' field blank
• Select 'PhD in Process Industries; Net Zero (PINZ)' 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) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
• The studentship code PINZ05-26 in the 'Studentship/Partnership Reference' field
• 'Research Proposal' - 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.

Funding Notes

100% fees (UK home only), a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate), and a research training support grant of £20,000.