The next generation of leading water scientists and engineers are set to be trained at Cranfield University.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), today announced the University’s participation in two Centres for Doctoral Training (CDT).
Cranfield is the lead institution in the Water Infrastructure and Resilience CDT led by Professor Peter Jarvis, with partner universities Sheffield and Newcastle, and will also feature in the Water and Waste Infrastructure Systems Engineered for Resilience (Water-WISER) CDT led by the University of Leeds.
Announced by Universities and Science minister Chris Skidmore, as part of a package of 75 centres across the country, the centres represent a £446m investment by Government in research.
Professor Paul Jeffrey, Director of Water at Cranfield University, said: “This investment in doctoral training centres at Cranfield demonstrates the strength of our water science research and educational offering.
“Our lives and livelihoods are dependent on the natural and engineered water cycles. Research and skills development in water treatment and management has never been more vital. These CDTs will enable the brightest junior research minds to expand their thinking and seek to out the innovative solutions to global challenges.”
Announcing the investment in over 70 CDT’s, including Water Infrastructure and Resilience, Science and Innovation Minister Chris Skidmore said: “As we explore new research to boost our economy with an increase of over £7 billion invested in R&D over five years to 2021/22 – the highest increase for over 40 years – we will need skilled people to turn ideas into inventions that can have a positive impact on our daily lives.
“The Centres for Doctoral Training at universities across the country will offer the next generation of PHD students the ability to get ahead of the curve. In addition, this has resulted in nearly £400 million being leveraged from industry partners. This is our modern Industrial Strategy in action, ensuring all corners of the UK thrive with the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.
“As Science Minister, I’m delighted we’re making this massive investment in postgraduate students as part of our increased investment in R&D.”
UKRI’s Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport said: “Highly talented people are required to tackle key global challenges such as sustainable energy and cyber security, and provide leadership across industries and our public services.
“Centres for Doctoral Training provide them with the support, tools and training they need to succeed, and the involvement of 1,400 project partners underlines how much industry and the charity sector value this approach.”
