Adaptive approaches to achieve long-term process stability and continuous biohydrogen recovery from food waste

The UK government recognises hydrogen as a critical energy vector to decarbonise the most challenging areas of the economy and open new global markets for Net Zero carbon fuels. Biological hydrogen (bioH2) production allows for hydrogen production using less energy intensive processes that are more environmentally friendly, as they help to minimise the “parasitic” CO2 load associated with the conventional hydrogen production processes. In addition, bioH2 systems can use waste biomass such as food waste as the feedstock, hence, enabling a circular bioeconomy as well as reduced material cost. Around the world food waste and losses accounts for over a third of local solid waste generation, which can serve as a sustainable resource for bioH2 production. However, food waste as a bioH2 feedstock has some challenges. In particular, the heterogeneity and acidic characteristics of food waste affects the process stability for long-term application, limiting continuous bioH2 production. Therefore, it is relatively underexplored for large-scale bioH2 production. This project will explore the use of low-cost natural resources combined with multi-level process optimisation approaches to enable long-term process stability and continuous bioH2 production from food waste for industrial scale applications. The project will focus of the dark fermentation technology for biohydrogen recovery and feasible approaches to integrate the process into existing anaerobic digestion facilities.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Adaptive approaches to achieve long-term process stability and continuous biohydrogen recovery from food waste</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/6694/dr-cynthia-kusin-okoro-shekwaga">Dr Cynthia Kusin Okoro-Shekwaga</a> as your proposed supervisor.  P<em><strong>lease state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Civil Engineering.</strong></em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Friday 30 January 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the 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 30 January 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 class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 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 Doctoral Landscape Award and School of Mathematics Scholarship competitions. Selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there are up to 2 funded places 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://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Cynthia Kusin Okoro-Shekwaga by email to <a href="mailto:C.K.OkoroShekwaga@leeds.ac.uk">C.K.OkoroShekwaga@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="http://phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk/">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>