Road gully design for environmental performance and infrastructure resilience in a changing climate, PhD in Engineering (Funded)

About the award

Supervisors

Lead Supervisor:  Prof Albert Chen

Co-supervisor:  Dr Chris Sweetapple

Location:  Streatham Campus (Exeter)

The University of Exeter’s Department of Engineering is inviting applications for a PhD studentship co-funded by the partner Hydro International and University of Exeter Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, to commence on 5 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

This PhD project aims to develop advanced, climate change resilient road gully grating designs that enhance efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability, while addressing cost constraints and net zero objectives. It will include an in-depth review of shortcomings in current design, based on literature review and field studies, and innovative design strategies will be developed that incorporate corrosion-resistant materials, optimised configurations, and embedded Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to monitor environmental conditions such as water levels, discharge, temperature, and pollution levels. Prototypes of the new designs will be constructed and validated through both laboratory and field experiments, and computational fluid dynamics and numerical modelling will be used to simulate performance under varying runoff scenarios, pollution loads and climate conditions.

By developing advanced road gully designs with improved hydraulic performance and pollution capture and reduced blockage risk, the research will enhance the efficiency of urban drainage systems and help mitigate flooding and pollution impacts. Improvements made will also reduce maintenance demands and extend asset lifespans, contributing to environmental and financial benefits. Integration of smart sensors will also transform gullies into IoT-enabled assets, enabling real-time monitoring and supporting development of digital twins for proactive infrastructure management. These innovations will not only improve flood response and traffic safety but also aid in environmental monitoring and pollution control.

The outcomes will shape into practical guidelines and recommendations for policymakers and engineers to support adoption of the new designs in urban planning and infrastructure projects, thus leading the transition to next-generation gully systems that provide enhanced environmental performance and infrastructure resilience in a changing climate.

For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  The student would be based in Centre for Water Systems in Engineering Department in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy and spend most of their time at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.

Research on this project will be desk-based and will require programming skills. It will suit those who are creative and open to new ideas. Occasional visit to a case study area may be needed, though no field work is planned.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit.

Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for UK fees and UKRI equivalent Stipend. International students must be able to demonstrate they are able pay the difference between UK and overseas fees.

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.  

The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding [and other material support to the project], this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter.  The collaboration with the named project partner is subject to contract.  Please note full details of the project partner’s contribution and involvement with the project is still to be confirmed and may change during the course of contract negotiations.  Full details will be confirmed at offer stage.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of civil or environmental engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, geography or related subjects. Applicants will need to have programming skills and experience.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents

•            CV

•            Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing
             to undertake the project).

•            Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim 
              transcript if you are still studying)

•            Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. You are not required to obtain references yourself. 
             We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted.

•            If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your 
             proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 19th November 2025.  Interviews will be held on 26th November 2025.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5728 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

For general information about this studentship and the application process, please contact PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk. Project specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor.

Summary