EPSRC adopts two new Centres for Doctoral Training

Two new Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), based at Queen's University Belfast and the University of Bath, have joined the 113 previously announced centres under the auspices of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The total number of CDTs is now 115 which have total combined governmental and partner funding of £962 million, including £31 million for capital investments.

EPSRC's Chief Executive, Professor Philip Nelson, said: "I am pleased to welcome these new centres. The areas they will be working in are very important, addressing how we manage the ever-increasing quantities of data our society generates and cutting the equally vast amounts of carbon we emit into atmosphere from our towns and cities."

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonic Integration for Advanced Data Storage at Queen's University Belfast will be led by Professor Robert Bowman. It will be funded with £8.1 million from the university and partners including the Department for Education and Learning in Northern Ireland (DELNI).

Expressing his support for the new Queen's-led Centre, the Northern Ireland Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, said: "I have been pleased to help facilitate this Centre for Doctoral Training, led by Queen's and involving significant industry partners, including Seagate Technology. It is a strategically important development for Northern Ireland.

"The Centre will support a significant cohort of 50 future scientists and engineers, who will benefit greatly from being part of an exciting and supportive learning experience while developing key skills that are crucial not only for themselves but also for the wider economy."

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Decarbonisation of the Built Environment will be based at the University of Bath and will be led by Professor David Coley. The CDT will be funded with £3 million from the university and industry partners.

Commenting Professor Coley said: "In order to meet the UK's stated aim of an 80 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050 we need to reduce emissions from the built environment, which is the largest single emitter of CO2. This programme seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial and societal needs to meet this aim."

The Centres will benefit from all opportunities open to the full CDT portfolio, including information exchanges with other EPSRC Centres.

Provided by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council