N0MES PhD projects for 2024

With the support of the University of Liverpool (UoL), Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and 33 maritime energy sector partners, N0MES PGRs are pursuing new, engineering-centred, interdisciplinary research to address four vital net zero challenges currently facing the North West, the UK and beyond:

Theme A: Energy generation using maritime-based renewable energy (e.g. offshore wind, tidal, wave, floating solar, hydrogen, CCS)

 

Optimising Trenching Techniques for Subsea Cable Installation - University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Xue Zhang, Yan Zhou and Dr Hui Yan (SMD)

 

Improved structural integrity assessments for wrinkling defects in composite turbines – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Will Christian 

 

Process-based model tools for prediction of scour around offshore structural foundations – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Ming Li, John Harris (HR Wallingford), Nick Tavouktsoglou (HR Wallingford) 

 

Resilient design of floating wind turbines exposed to climate change effects based on sustainable structural health monitoring and early warning systems – University of Liverpool

Supervisors:  Luigi di Sarno, John Bridgeman 

 

Bio-Guard: Innovative Biofouling Solutions for Buoyancy Materials

Supervisors: Dr Evrim Celik Madenli, Prof Rasmita Raval

 

 

Resilient design of floating wind turbines exposed to climate change effects based on sustainable structural health monitoring and early warning systems

Supervisors: Dr Luigi di Sarno, Professor John Bridgeman

 

 

Pure-Flow: Innovative Forward Osmosis Membranes for Sustainable Desalination

Supervisors: Dr Evrim Celik Madenli, Dr William Sharratt, Prof John Bridgeman

 

Theme B: Distributing energy from offshore to onshore, including port- and hinterland-side impacts and opportunities 

 

Maritime autonomy for safe, fuel efficient port operations (Robust functional allocation for effective human-machine operation of autonomous vessels) – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Jonny Higham, Andy Plater and Jake Rigby (BMT) 

 

Assessing how climate change will impact Cumbrian Coastal Lines (low value of service, but strategically important routes), with a focus on critical infrastructure for freight and energy material transport – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Neil Macdonald, Charlotte Lyddon, Luigi Di Sarno 

 

Vulnerability of Coastal Energy Infrastructure to Climate and Environmental Change – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Andy Plater, Rachel Smedley, Charlotte Lyddon, Andrew Bellamy (Tarmac Marine) 

 

Planning for climate resilient energy infrastructure in the coastal zone – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Charlotte Lyddon, Andy Plater, Cai Bird (CoastSense Ltd.) 

 

Resilient and Sustainable Modular Steel Platform for Critical Components Exposed to Extreme Loadings in Maritime Sector (RESIST-2-EXTREMESTS).

Supervisors: TBC

 

Theme C: Addressing the short- and long-term environmental impacts of offshore and maritime environment renewable energy generation, distribution and storage 

 

Digging into anthropogenic vibrations: investigating the impacts of noise on the physiology and behaviour of benthic and infaunal invertebrates - University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Jack Thomson, Louise Roberts, Ben Edwards, Carl Hopkins.  Also Krysia Mazik (University of Hull), Thomas Breithaupt (University of Hull), Kathryn Arnold (University of York) 

 

3D modelling of subsea jet trenching and its sediment plume impacts – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Yan Zhou, Xue Zhang, Roger White (SMD)

Process-based modelling of long-term morphological impacts from offshore marine renewable energy installations – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Ming Li, Wendi Liu (Daresbury Laboratory), Charles Moulinec (Daresbury Laboratory) 

 

Two-phase modelling of flocculation process due to offshore installations in coastal waters – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: John Bridgeman, Yan Zhou 

 

Micro-PIV Investigation of Seabed Reactions to Hydrodynamic Conditions and Energy Changes

Supervisors: Prof Mohad Nezhad, Prof John Bridgeman, Dr Allison Schaap

 

Theme D: Decommissioning and lifetime extension of existing energy and facilities.

 

Environmentally friendly antibiofouling coatings for marine applications – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Raechelle D’Sa, Jenny Hanson 

 

Antifouling membranes for sustainable water purification and desalination - University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Raechelle D’Sa, Henry Ng 

 

Impact of flooding and erosion from extreme rainfall on EDF’s fleet of nuclear power stations – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: Charlotte Lyddon, James Cooper, Andy Plater, Dafni Sifnioti (EDF) 

 

Real-time risk assessment of meteorological hazards to coastal energy infrastructure – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: James Cooper, Jonathan Higham

 

Asset-scale nowcasting of the impact of scour on coastal electricity transmission infrastructure – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: James Cooper, Kasey Clark, Andrew Pledger (Previsico Ltd) 

 

Nature-based protection of coastal electricity assets: Optimal design of Coir in combating coastal erosion through habitat restoration – University of Liverpool

Supervisors: James Cooper, Nicoletta Leonardi, Andy Plater 

 

How to Apply

All N0MES PGRs will, in the first instance, undertake a 1-year PGDip based at the University of Liverpool.  Once completed successfully, they will progress onto their PhD project based at either the University of Liverpool or Liverpool John Moores University.  To apply for a N0MES PhD project, please complete the postgraduate application process at the relevant institution (listed after the project title).

For projects based at the University of Liverpool, please apply by following the UoL online postgraduate research application procedure outlined here: How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool  

For projects based at Liverpool John Moores University, please apply by following the LJMU postgraduate research application procedure outlined here: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-students/how-to-apply/applying-for-a-phd

Please ensure you quote the project title on your application and indicate that it is a PhD funded through the N0MES CDT.

Please ensure you include a personal statement that addresses the 5 points given in the N0MES Personal Statement pro forma.  This information will be used in the selection and shortlisting process for potential interview.

Once completed, please email a copy of your application to the N0MES CDT at N0MESCDT@liverpool.ac.uk

Good luck with your application!  We look forward to receiving it.

 

 

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