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Adaptive approaches to achieve long-term process stability and continuous biohydrogen recovery from food waste

This PhD research project focuses on developing adaptive approaches to enable long-term process stability and continuous biohydrogen production from food waste. The UK government recognises hydrogen as a critical energy vector to decarbonise the most challenging areas of the economy. Biological hydrogen production allows for hydrogen production using less energy intensive processes that are more environmentally friendly. The project addresses challenges associated with using food waste as a bioH2 feedstock, particularly its heterogeneity and acidic characteristics that affect process stability. The research will explore the use of low-cost natural resources combined with multi-level process optimisation approaches to enable long-term process stability and continuous bioH2 production from food waste for industrial scale applications. The project will focus on dark fermentation technology for biohydrogen recovery and feasible approaches to integrate the process into existing anaerobic digestion facilities.

EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Civil Engineering

The EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award for Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds offers a highly competitive studentship for talented researchers to join the thriving research community within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. The award provides comprehensive funding including full tuition fees and a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £20,780 per year for 2025/26 academic session) for 3.5 years. An additional top-up of £3,000 per year for 3.5 years is available to previous University of Leeds graduates. The studentship is part of the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership and provides training and support throughout the doctoral program. The opportunity is open exclusively to UK applicants and selection is based on academic merit through a competitive process. Applicants must apply through specific linked project opportunities, and while candidates may receive an academic offer for a project, funding is awarded separately on a competitive basis. The School of Civil Engineering at Leeds is part of a university where 97% of research is world-leading (REF 2021), offering students access to UK-leading facilities, close industry links, professional skills development, and a global research community. Successful candidates will benefit from studying in an active research environment alongside leading researchers, receiving support from the Leeds Doctoral College, and gaining access to networking opportunities at industry talks, seminars, and conferences. The university provides comprehensive personal and wellbeing services and welcomes students from over 140 countries, fostering a diverse and inclusive research community.