PhD in Renewable Energy Foundations

The rapid growth of offshore wind and large scale solar energy depends on securely anchoring very large structures in ground conditions that are often poorly understood and highly variable. Research in this theme focuses on the geotechnical challenges involved in founding renewable energy infrastructure, particularly offshore wind turbines and their supporting structures, in seabed environments that are subject to complex and dynamic natural processes. This includes the design and performance of foundations under cyclic loading, the prediction and management of scour around structures, and the influence of variable soil conditions on long term stability. Offshore environments present particular difficulties, since seabed conditions can change over time due to currents, waves and sediment transport, and are rarely as well characterised as onshore sites. I am interested in supervising research that improves the reliability and performance of renewable energy foundations, helping to reduce failure rates and support the continued expansion of low carbon energy infrastructure.

<h3 dir="ltr">Detailed description</h3> <p dir="ltr">Renewable energy foundations research addresses the geotechnical and structural engineering challenges involved in anchoring offshore wind turbines and other large renewable energy structures to the seabed or ground. These foundations must support very large structures subjected to complex and continuously varying loading from wind, waves and currents, often over design lives extending several decades. Unlike many onshore structures, offshore foundations are frequently installed in soils that are poorly mapped, spatially variable and difficult to characterise, increasing the uncertainty associated with their design.</p> <p dir="ltr">A significant challenge within this theme is the cyclic and dynamic loading experienced by offshore foundations, which can alter soil behaviour over time in ways that are not fully captured by conventional design approaches. Scour, the erosion of seabed material around a foundation caused by local changes in flow, presents a further risk, potentially undermining structural stability if not properly predicted and managed. Understanding the interaction between foundation, soil and the surrounding marine environment is therefore essential for ensuring long term structural performance.</p> <p dir="ltr">This theme also considers how foundation design can be improved through better characterisation of seabed conditions, more accurate modelling of soil structure interaction, and the development of monitoring approaches capable of detecting early signs of foundation instability or excessive scour development.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">Why this research is important</h3> <p dir="ltr">Offshore wind and large scale solar energy are central to global efforts to decarbonise electricity generation, but their expansion depends on the reliability and cost effectiveness of the structures that support them. Foundation failures, whether through excessive movement, scour related instability or unexpected soil behaviour, can lead to costly repairs, reduced structural lifespan and delays to renewable energy deployment. Given the scale of investment involved in offshore wind and solar infrastructure, even small improvements in foundation reliability can have significant economic and environmental benefits.</p> <p dir="ltr">Seabed and ground conditions in many renewable energy development areas remain relatively poorly understood compared to more established onshore construction environments, increasing the risk of unexpected performance issues. Improving the prediction of soil behaviour, scour development and foundation response under long term cyclic loading is essential for reducing these risks. Research in this theme aims to generate the engineering knowledge needed to design more reliable and efficient foundations, supporting the safe and cost effective growth of renewable energy infrastructure worldwide.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">Example PhD research topics</h3> <ol dir="ltr"> <li>Behaviour of offshore wind turbine foundations under long term cyclic loading</li> <li>Prediction and mitigation of scour around offshore foundation structures</li> <li>Characterisation of variable and unmapped seabed conditions for foundation design</li> <li>Soil structure interaction for monopile and jacket foundation systems</li> <li>Influence of wave and current induced loading on foundation stability</li> <li>Long term settlement and performance monitoring of offshore foundations</li> <li>Foundation design approaches for floating offshore wind structures</li> <li>Ground anchoring solutions for large scale solar array structures</li> </ol> <h3 dir="ltr">Methods and techniques</h3> <ol dir="ltr"> <li>Numerical modelling of soil structure interaction using finite element methods</li> <li>Computational fluid dynamics modelling of scour development around structures</li> <li>Field monitoring using seabed sensors and remote survey techniques</li> <li>Laboratory testing of soil behaviour under cyclic loading conditions</li> <li>Probabilistic and reliability based approaches to foundation design</li> <li>Machine learning applied to seabed characterisation and performance prediction</li> </ol> <h3 dir="ltr">Suitable academic backgrounds</h3> <p dir="ltr">I welcome applicants from civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, ocean engineering, structural engineering and applied mathematics. Backgrounds in soil mechanics, offshore engineering or numerical modelling are particularly relevant, though I am equally interested in hearing from candidates with strong analytical or computational skills who are keen to apply them to the challenges of renewable energy infrastructure.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">FAQ</h3> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Can I propose my own PhD topic?</strong><br /> Yes, the themes above are a guide only.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Can I bring my own funding?</strong><br /> Yes, I welcome applicants who are funded through government scholarships, employers or self funding.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Do I need funding before contacting you?</strong><br /> You should have at least identified your planned funder and commenced your application.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Can I study interdisciplinary topics?</strong><br /> Yes. Many of my current research interests combine multiple disciplines.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>When can I start?</strong><br /> Start dates are in spring and autumn. Full details dates are available elsewhere on the University website.</p> <h3 dir="ltr">Join an International Research Group</h3> <p dir="ltr">My research group includes PhD students and researchers from a range of countries working across Artificial Intelligence, climate resilience, satellite monitoring, railway engineering and geotechnical engineering. Although every student develops their own specialist project, many topics overlap, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, collaborate and learn from one another. You will also become part of the wider Civil Engineering postgraduate research community at the University of Leeds.</p> <p data-path-to-node="14"><strong data-index-in-node="0" data-path-to-node="14">Useful links</strong></p> <ul data-path-to-node="15"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,0,0"><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/prof-david-p-connolly">University Profile</a></p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,1,0"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidconnolly/">LinkedIn</a></p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,2,0"><a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jzkpu9IAAAAJ&hl=en">Google Scholar</a></p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,3,0"><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Connolly-7">ResearchGate</a></p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,4,0"><a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3950-8704">ORCID</a></p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,5,0"><a href="https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35098220800">Scopus</a></p> </li> </ul>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>‘Appli</strong><strong>cation type’</strong> please select <strong>‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’</strong>. <br /> •    The <strong>admission year</strong> for this project is <strong>2027/28 Academic Year</strong>. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>‘Planned Course of Study’</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select ‘<strong>PhD Civil Engineering FT</strong>’. <br /> •    The <strong>project start date</strong> for this project is<strong> </strong>from<strong> 1 October 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>PhD in Renewable Energy Foundations</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1204/dr-david-p-connolly">Professor David Connolly</a><strong> </strong>as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early. </p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application at the point you submit your application:</strong></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>CV</li> <li>A personal statement outlining your interest in the project, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</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>This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.</p> <p>You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">Postgraduate Research Opportunities</a> website.</p> <p><strong>Important</strong>: Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source.</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 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 David Connolly by email to <a href="mailto:D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk">D.Connolly@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>