The Water Infrastructure and Resilience Centre for Doctoral Training (WIRe CDT) is a collaboration between three top universities for water science and engineering research: Cranfield University, Newcastle University and the University of Sheffield. Funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), as well as a wide range of industry and end-user partners, we aim to deliver transformational and world-leading research by supporting our researchers on an enhanced training programme.
What is WIRe?
Our vision
The WIRe CDT trains PhD students to deliver a resilient water future.
Globally, one in four cities is facing water stress, and the projected demand for water in 2050 is set to increase by 55%. We recognise that secure, resilient and sustainable water sources are essential to a thriving society and economy. Recent water infrastructure failures caused by climate change highlight our need for resilient and sustainable water systems.
The water sector is facing a period of rapid change and ever-increasing demand, requiring employees to have increasingly interdisciplinary skillsets to deliver on challenging regulatory and societal demands. To achieve the ambitious and world-leading plans to become an operationally carbon neutral industry by 2030, the sector must adapt. The pursuit of green circular solutions and sustainable ecosystem services requires future leaders in the field who are technically skilled and proficient in change management.
We foster a high-quality training environment, which places an inspirational student experience at the centre of our model, developing a new generation of research and industry leaders who will bring interdisciplinary, disruptive thinking to improve the resilience of new and existing water systems. The WIRe CDT seeks to improve the resilience of infrastructure that conveys and treats water and wastewater, as well as the impact of water on other infrastructure systems that provide vital public services.
What we offer
Being a PhD student in the WIRe programme is a unique experience, offering opportunities beyond most doctoral training. The WIRe CDT will produce scientists and engineers to deliver innovative and disruptive thinking for a resilient water infrastructure future, achieved through an innovative end user-led training programme for researchers.
Students receive an enhanced stipend of £24,000 per year with fees paid for eligible students, to read more about the typical WIRe student experience click here.
Our current PhD opportunities can be found here.