About the Project
The current COVID-19 pandemic showed us that safely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene services are critical to prevent and protect human health (WHO, 2020). According to Otto et al. (2020), about 3 billion people, 40% of the world’s population, lack access to basic hand-washing facilities in their homes, that can cause dramatic effects during pandemic. Health organizations advise washing hands more frequently and at least 20 seconds to prevent outbreaks (WHO, 2020; The World Bank, 2020).
The main goal of this project is to develop a portable hand-washing facility using bio-based materials for sustainable water treatment. This cost-effective facility will increase access to hand-washing water, provide possibility to treat & reuse used water on site and will help to increase pandemic preparedness.
This project is aligned with the mission of GCRF supporting cutting-edge research addressing the challenges faced by low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Also, this project is closely aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals: 6. Clean Water and Sanitation and 3. Good Health and Well-being.
Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.
All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities. A personal development budget of £1,500 is available from CAWR for the successful candidate to attend national and international conferences.
Entry criteria for applicants to PHD
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area such as Environmental engineering, chemistry, materials science with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/
• MSc/BSc in Environmental engineering, chemistry, materials science
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research
• Experience in laboratory and experimental work
• Some knowledge of statistics and data analysis
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Effective time management and organisation skills
[How to apply]]
To find out more about the project please contact Dr Anna Bogush ([email protected])
To apply on line please visit:
https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/studentships/eec-portable-hand-washing-facility-using-bio-based-materials-for-sustainable-water-treatment-increase-pandemic-preparedness
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
Funding Notes
Stipend rates set by UKRI with an annual projected average increase of 1.25% per year.
Additional allowances of £5,000 will be funded by the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR). The successful candidate will receive an additional allowance of £500 per annum for professional expenses and conference attendance.
