- UK Water Sector Using the CVORR Framework – EPSRC IDLA STUDENTSHIP
This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to co-develop and pilot a systems-based, interdisciplinary framework for circularity assessment in the water sector.
Working closely with Anglian Water, the student will use the Complex Value Optimisation for Resource Recovery (CVORR) methodology to design a practical decision-support tool for identifying, quantifying, and advancing circular interventions across wastewater treatment operations. CVORR incorporates environmental, economic, technical, infrastructural, policy, and social dimensions to enable systemic and context-sensitive decision-making, offering a consistent, objective, and transparent framework for evaluating circularity performance. Most crucially, it facilitates the identification and evaluation of resource recovery opportunities throughout the water/wastewater value chain, allowing for more informed and robust strategies toward sustainability and circularity.
This project is co funded by EPSRC and Anglian Water
Eligibility
| Skills/Experience Required: | Process systems engineering, wastewater treatment, material and energy flow analysis, integrated data modelling, systems dynamics modelling, circular economy, sustainability assessment performance, decision-support tool design |
How to apply
- Applicants are expected to hold first or upper-second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. A Postgraduate Masters degree is not required but may be an advantage; (Engineering (any) and or Physical sciences)
- If appropriate, applicants must demonstrate English language skills to an overall score of IELTS 6.5 (minimum score of 6.0 in all sections) or equivalent;
- All applicants are asked to submit their up-to-date CV, personal statement (300 to 500 words), degree certificates and transcripts, evidence of English language skills (if appropriate) and contact details for two referees, one of which must be academic but not from the Principal Supervisor.
Please send all documents combined as one pdf with the title of the project included by 15th August 2025 to studentships@brunel.ac.uk
