Transitions to sustainability, net-zero and a circular economy: socio-technical systems in construction and infrastructure projects

Sustainability, net-zero and the circular economy are now priorities for the construction industry and those commissioning, designing and delivering projects. The transition to sustainable construction embraces multiple actors and stakeholders, including government, technology providers, project organisations, employees and clients. Socio-technical systems theory provides a potentially rich and valuable perspective from which to examine and understand the processes at play in the UK construction industry regarding sustainability, net-zero and the drive to circular economy solutions. <br /> <br /> This research project provides an opportunity for an in-depth study of construction industry work around sustainability, net-zero and the circular economy using socio-technical systems theory, concepts and methodologies. The study will be open to the applicant`s proposed directions (e.g. technologies; people management; organisational change). <br /> <br /> Applicants are welcome to apply from a variety of relevant backgrounds, such as project management, construction management, civil engineering, social sciences and environmental engineering.<br />

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering &amp; Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply under this programme code, you application will not be considered) and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Transitions to sustainability, net-zero and a circular economy: socio-technical systems in construction and infrastructure projects</strong></em> as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/13844/dr-william-collinge">Dr William Collinge</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership 2024/25: Civil Engineering.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered after the closing date. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 29 April 2024:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) from a variety of relevant backgrounds, such as project management, construction management, civil engineering, social sciences and environmental engineering. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship offering the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of &pound;19,237 for 3.5 years.&nbsp; An additional Top-Up of &pound;3,000 per year for 3.5 years is available to previous University of Leeds graduates. Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.&nbsp; All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a>&nbsp;website for&nbsp;information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr William Collinge by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:W.H.Collinge@leeds.ac.uk">W.H.Collinge@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>