Fully-funded net-zero robotics PhD opportunities available at RAINZ CDT
Published: 27 January 2025
The University of Glasgow is encouraging applications from UK candidates to help create the next generation of multi-disciplinary robotic systems engineers and revolutionise how robotics supports the UK's Net Zero Strategy.
The University of Glasgow is encouraging applications from UK candidates to help create the next generation of multi-disciplinary robotic systems engineers and revolutionise how robotics supports the UK's Net Zero Strategy.
Six fully-funded PhD positions are available at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero (RAINZ CDT), starting in Autumn 2025. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 11th February.
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The four-year RAINZ CDT programme will drive significant advancements across each stage of the lifecycle of Net Zero energy generation assets, focusing on critical infrastructure like wind turbines, solar arrays, and nuclear reactors.
Research projects range from AI-empowered zero touch wireless network management for robot fleets to human-AI collaboration for enhanced delicate object handling in remote teleoperation.
The programme is supported by more than 20 companies from across the net zero and robotics sectors, providing studentship funding, training, secondments, access to facilities and equipment, as well as providing vital input to help steer the training and research programmes.
The RAINZ CDT brings together three leading UK research institutions:
- The University of Glasgow's Autonomous Systems and Connectivity division offers a vibrant and creative environment for robotics and artificial intelligence (RAI) research, with an internationally recognised critical mass in communications, control, and sensing research relating to RAI technologies. During their time at Glasgow, students will have access to a world leading RAI test environment and equipment base, which has delivered world-first research in multi-robot fleets, self-certification of autonomy systems, and international teleoperation trials.
- The University of Manchester's Robotics and AI Centre, as one of the UK's premier robotics centres, renowned for pioneering research combining robotics and artificial intelligence. The centre fosters interdisciplinary partnerships across engineering, computer science, materials, health, business, and ethics.
- The Oxford Robotics Institute brings together a multidisciplinary team dedicated to expanding the boundaries of what robots can achieve, with expertise spanning machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision, fabrication, multispectral sensing, perception, and systems engineering.
Professor David Flynn, from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, said: “The RAINZ CDT offers a unique and exciting opportunity for UK applicants to develop new knowledge and skills and create real impact in the net zero transition.
“Aligned to the UKs ambitions for Accelerating Net Zero, the RAINZ CDT offers students the opportunity to deliver world leading research, expand their skillset, and to work within an international multidisciplinary environment with industrial stakeholders.”
The programme begins with a taught MSc year at Manchester, followed by three years of PhD research at Glasgow. Students must achieve an average of 65% or higher in MSc taught assessments to progress to PhD studies. The programme includes annual residential research sprints where students demonstrate their work on industry-defined demonstration rigs.
Successful applicants will receive full tuition fee coverage at Home student rates and a maintenance grant starting at £19,237 annually. The studentship includes a research training support grant for conference attendance, fieldwork, and secondments.
Candidates should have a First or strong Upper Second-class honours degree (2:1 with 65% average) in Engineering with evidence of previous study in communication and signal processing engineering fundamentals. International applicants are welcome, although only Home student rates will be funded.
To apply, visit the findaphd.com web pages. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors before applying and include details of their current level of study, academic background, relevant experience, and motivation to study their chosen PhD project.
First published: 27 January 2025