Steel recycling in a circular economy: modelling future scrap flows, quality, and technologies for improving electric arc furnace steelmaking (UK/US/EU)

About the Project

Context and project summary

The global steel industry accounts for more than 7% of global GHG emissions. Reducing emissions from steel production is one of the key engineering challenges of the 21st century. Steel recycling via Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology is a key lever: by melting recycled scrap rather than reducing virgin iron ore, EAFs can cut the carbon intensity of steelmaking by up to 75%. Yet realising this potential at scale requires overcoming significant technical, logistical, and systemic barriers.

This PhD project offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of industrial ecology, materials science, and industrial policy to address one of the key questions in sustainable manufacturing: how can we maximise high-quality steel recycling to accelerate emissions mitigation?

The project focuses on scrap availability, quality, and recycling infrastructure across the UK, US, and EU as three regions with distinct industrial profiles, regulatory environments, and material flow dynamics. You will develop novel quantitative models and generate evidence with direct relevance to research and practice. The PhD project could be structured around three interconnected research streams:

1. Technical analysis of recycling technologies and scrap classification.A systematic assessment of current and emerging EAF recycling technologies, scrap classification standards and research trends to identify gaps, innovation opportunities, and barriers to scaling high-quality recycling.
2. Dynamic Stock-Flow modelling of end-of-life steel.Mapping and modelling future end-of-life (EOL) steel availability using dynamic material flow analysis (MFA) based on previous studies. This stream will develop scenarios for secondary steel supply, recycled content targets, and quality maintenance under different assumptions.
3. Sectoral material flow models.Evaluation and extension of existing material flow models for steel in infrastructure, construction, automotive, and other key sectors to improve the understanding of where steel scrap originates, how it circulates, and where quality losses occur.

The research directly contributes to the global transition toward a low-carbon economy and sustainable industrial infrastructure (in line with SDGs 9 and 12). A range of quantitative research methods may be used to address the research questions identified in the first year of the PhD. The candidate will be based at the Department for Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (Bloomsbury Campus) at University College London (UCL).

Studentship description

Fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship covering international fees, with a £23,466 per annum tax free stipend in Year 1, rising with inflation.

Candidate specification

We are looking for an ambitious and curious researcher with:

• a strong first degree (or equivalent) in engineering, environmental science, industrial ecology, materials science, or a related quantitative discipline
• experience or strong interest in material flow analysis, life cycle assessment, or systems modelling and proficiency in quantitative methods and programming (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or GIS tools)
• excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Prior industry experience in material production or recycling technologies is not required but will be considered an asset.

Eligibility

To apply, please submit your application directly via UCL’s application portal (preferred): https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/civil-environmental-and-geomatic-engineering-mphil-phd – The research proposal (no more than 1,000 words) should clearly define your research questions and objectives, outline the proposed methodology, and include a concise review of the most relevant literature.

If you have any questions before the application, please send an email to Dr Gast with a one-page motivation letter, a curriculum vitae (maximum four pages), and a short research proposal.

Contact name

Dr Lukas Gast

Closing date

19 June 2026