Novel approaches to design and building of digital infrastructures for energy transition (Orkney campus)

This project will be based at Heriot Watt Orkney campus.

This research project asks the question: “How can the Transition Engineering Lab work with stakeholders to design and build the digital infrastructure needed for a local just and resilient transition to net zero, regenerative and sustainable cultures? The research will develop expertise in Transition Engineering and the Transition Lab process, and will make a significant contribution in designing and developing innovative Data Exchange, Modellization and Observatory (DEMO) infrastructure.

The research will be carried out in partnership with the Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ)[1]  at the Orkney Campus, but with Transition Labs across the Scottish Highlands and Islands and in Edinburgh.

M1- Background Research into the existing data for a system (market, regulation, social capacities)

M2-  Carry out the Transition Lab InTIME Design for the wicked problem

M3-   Design the DEMO Infrastructure concept

M4-   Implement the concept with a commercial partner and test functionality.

M5-   Analyse the data and improve the DEMO

M6-   Critical examination of the results and developing conclusions.

M7-   Conduct business and council workshops for the Scottish Highlands and Islands

M8 – Publish and disseminate the findings

 

The supervisory team brings the following skill sets to the project:

Susan Krumdieck: Energy Transition Engineering, Transport systems, Transport as an energy system, Urban form and energy, Community activity systems. MACS academic colleagues at HWU bring expertise in data systems, modelling and visualisation.

Funding
The project is funded for 3.5 years and covers the PhD fees and provides a stipend (currently £18,662 per annum). The project will be carried out as part of the Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ) Transition Lab activities based in the Scottish Islands, and located at the HWU Orkney ICIT campus, and with future collaboration with the HWU Net Zero GRI. The project will be part of the Entrepreneurial effort of the ICNZ and will be aimed at commercialisation of the developed IP.

Eligibility
This project is available to UK and International students. The successful candidate will have a B.Sc. (2:1 or higher) and M.Sc. (distinction) or equivalent, and ideally additional experience in computer science, engineering, ideally with some experience of applying these skills to other disciplines (e.g. in social sciences, transport, urban form, buildings and built environment, community activities). You will have good programming skills, preferably in Python, ArcGIS, game development or other advanced programming languages. Knowledge of transportation engineering, building energy science, or freight supply chain would be beneficial. You will be highly self-motivated and confident enough to seek out solutions beyond the current team if required. You must be able to describe complex issues to the range of stakeholders.

 

How to apply

To apply you must complete our online application form. Please select PhD programme Environment include the full project title, reference number and supervisor (Prof SP Krumdieck) on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.

You must complete the section marked project proposal; upload a supporting statement documenting your reasons for applying to this particular PhD project, and why you are an ideal candidate for the position.  You will also need to provide a CV, a copy of your degree certificate/s and relevant transcripts. You will be asked to enter details of an academic referee who will be able to provide a technical reference.

You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than two years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

 

Please contact Prof Susan Krumdieck (S.Krumdieck@hw.ac.uk) for further information or an informal discussion.

 

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Time-lines
The closing date for applications is 30 April 2024, with interviews held in early May. Applicants must be available to start the PhD by September 2024, but may start in May.