Developing sustainable surgical practices to meet NHS Net-Zero targets through equipment rationalisation

This PhD is an exciting opportunity to develop sustainable surgical practice, working with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and industry partner B Braun to target NHS ‘carbon net-Zero’ goals.<br /> <br /> Background: The NHS contributes 5% of UK carbon-equivalent emissions but must achieve ‘net-Zero’ by 2045. Currently a major carbon (and cost) burden is sterilisation of surgical instrument sets. Our prior work has demonstrated the potential to significantly cut emissions by optimising surgical equipment sets to dramatically reduce this burden [1,2], but this is currently time-consuming and difficult to translate between types of surgery. <br /> <br /> The PhD: will develop, evaluate and disseminate systematic methods to optimise surgical equipment sets and thus reduce the carbon footprint of surgery in the NHS. The approach will use a mixed-methods approach; data-analytics on sterilisation-services data-streams (B Braun) will identify focal points and options for rationalisation for exploration in human-factors studies conducted in ‘SUSTAIN’ (a new DHSC-funded facility for sustainable-surgery simulation) to evaluate their cost, environmental and clinical impact.<br /> <br /> Aim: to develop systematic mixed-methods for surgical equipment rationalisation and evaluate their real-world impact.<br /> <br /> Objectives are to: <br /> 1) Produce and publish a detailed literature review on surgical rationalisation methods<br /> 2) Develop systematic data-analysis methods to identify a) high-impact procedures and b) rationalise associated surgical equipment using data from sterilisation services<br /> 4) Evaluate the human factors, cost and environmental impact of interventions using SUSTAIN as a real-world test facility with healthcare professionals and industry <br /> 6) Disseminate work across stakeholders (see below)<br /> <br /> Impact/Outcomes: <br /> The PhD will develop publications and case-studies for DHSC and international surgical associations. Research will be translated into CPD-accredited training for NHS healthcare professionals through Leeds HealthTech Research Centre. Longer term, NHS policy will be developed with DHSC and B Braun on sustainable surgical practice to facilitate broader adoption of the methodology and wider impact across the NHS.<br />

<p style="margin-top:8px">References:</p> <ol> <li>Introducing green innovation into clinical practice, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1308/rcsbull.2022.47">doi.org/10.1308/rcsbull.2022.4</a></li> <li>“Surgical instrument set rationalisation”, NHS England Innovation Report, 2022</li> </ol>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the University’s website. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply under this programme code, your application will not be considered), in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Developing sustainable surgical practices to meet NHS Net-Zero targets through equipment rationalisation</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/279/professor-peter-culmer">Professor Peter Culmer</a> as your proposed supervisor<em><strong> </strong></em>and that the funding you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Mechanical Engineering</strong></em>.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Friday 27 February 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. 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 Friday 27 February 2026:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University'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>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. 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>A highly competitive EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award, in collaboration with B Braun and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 in academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is 1 funded place available.  If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJ.S.Hewer%40leeds.ac.uk%7C07632c93c06a442dca3d08ddfc172939%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C638943898649349324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nylGSov8jOc7hr6X%2FmfnfQPecbVUnGqgoSqVgPGy5K0%3D&reserved=0">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals</p>

<p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Peter Culmer by email to <a href="mailto:P.R.Culmer@leeds.ac.uk">P.R.Culmer@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>