Industrialised economies face three major energy challenges: climate change, energy affordability and security of supply. Over 40% of the UK’s energy demand, and carbon emissions, is associated with buildings, yet there is much we can do to improve our built stock and how we interact with it.
Energy demand and buildings is a complex socio-technical problem and must be understood better if we are deliver UK targets. However, the sector faces a skills shortage: we need more highly qualified graduates to work in government, industry, NGOs and academia.
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Energy Demand (LoLo CDT) is the premier centre for energy demand research in the built environment in the UK, bringing together two leading energy research universities, UCL and Loughborough University. LoLo is funded to train a large student cohort to address our skills shortage. Our graduates are expected to take senior roles throughout the economy.
We provide world-class PhD training, including opportunities to work with leading researchers, placements with industry and a comprehensive skills and development programme. Applicants are welcomed with good degrees from diverse backgrounds, reflecting our multidisciplinary research. Many of the challenges that we address are technical at their core, sitting within a wider social and economic context; applicants are particularly welcomed from physics, engineering and other physical science backgrounds; previous experience of energy and buildings is not required.
Applications are now open for 2017/18. We are offering up to 15 fully funded studentships for entry into the 2017/18 academic year. Deadline Friday 21 April 2017 5pm
Please see our join us section for further details and how to apply.
Why apply
- You will join active research groups, supporting a wide range of projects, in a unique student-focused environment with ample opportunities to engage with leading researchers, industry and policy makers.
- Our four-year funded PhD programme combines a one year Master of Research (MRes) and a three year doctorate (PhD). This structure builds a firm foundation of skills, knowledge and research experience, steadily progressing into world-leading research.
- The MRes covers thermodynamics, energy systems in the built environment, energy modelling and analysis, social sciences, policy, and energy economics.
- PhDs will be individually tailored and matched to our core strengths.
- As part of your studies, you will gain business and innovation skills; project and programme management skills; teamwork, communication and leadership skills; and the ability to seek solutions to complex, multi-faceted problems.
- You will receive a tax free highly competitive stipend plus UK/EU fees for four years (conditions apply) and have access to a generous research budget.
“The LoLo CDT has been a challenging and engaging experience thus far. It has been particularly rewarding applying my knowledge of physical laws to situations which are far from ideal laboratory conditions. Understanding the counterintuitive nature of data which result from systems which sit at the boundary of human behaviour and physics is highly enjoyable. The fact that the research takes place in the context of the necessity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions only serves to underscore its importance. Very few disciplines can boast such a fascinating mix of intellectual engagement and global importance.”
Harry Kennard, UCL Energy Institute
“I really like how the CDT programme is structured. The MRes is an excellent way to prepare students for the PhD, giving them all the necessary information on how carry out research and allowing them to start the PhD with confidence. This is particularly helpful for students coming from abroad, who studied in a different university system.”
Matej Gustin, Loughborough University
“Being part of the LoLo CDT, I was able to draw upon training and support provided through the collaboration with Loughborough University, as well as a wide range of more general events hosted by UCL Energy Institute. Moreover, being surrounded by fellow PhD students at similar stages and working in varied but related fields means there is always someone to share experiences with..”
Mike Fell, UCL Energy Institute
