PhD Studentship: Funded Vice Chancellors Scholarship in Inclusive Engineering; Belonging Built-In Engineering

Tackling engineering skills shortages is the most important business imperative work on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) for the future of engineering identified by the Royal Academy of Engineering. With the Royal Academy of Engineering, Professional Engineering Institutions, Charities and Global Engineering Companies recognising these issues, many initiatives have begun to deliver greater recognition of challenges surrounding under-representation.

The Belonging Built-In Engineering Project ambitiously aims to develop the culture of belonging and improve inclusion in engineering for diverse under-represented groups. Improving inclusion can increase performance, growth and innovation, and improve health, safety and wellbeing across engineering disciplines and engineered products. 

Presently, there is only one Society for under-represented engineers embedded across Higher Education Institutions and industry nationally: the Women’s Engineering Society (WES). WES at Loughborough University aims to drive a dynamic programme of activities for undergraduate and postgraduate national and international students.

This Interdisciplinary PhD applying Social Sciences to Engineering Education, aims to embed nationally recognised Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) organisations into Higher Education engineering, representing the wider diversity of under-represented engineers and wider society to which engineering industry serves. 

The PhD will take a data driven approach towards embedding inclusivity in engineering, by expanding a programme of student-led societies and industry-focussed inclusion activities and evaluating their impact in providing students with a sense of belonging during their degree and future career.

The Loughborough University Vice Chancellors Research Cluster in Inclusive Engineering is led by Dr Elizabeth Ratcliffe and aims to develop Future Leaders in Inclusive Engineering. The successful candidate will join a team of six doctoral researchers working on Inclusive Engineering projects that aim to deliver change in how we develop inclusive engineering products and services across a wide range of engineering disciplines and Higher Education.

Entry requirements:

We welcome applications from graduates who hold or are expecting to achieve a first or upper second degree (or equivalent) in relevant social sciences / sociology, data analytics or engineering disciplines. 

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years full time or 6 years part time and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum (full time) for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees. 

How to apply:

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select AACME/Chemical Engineering. Please quote the advertised reference number: AACME25/ER in your application. 

Research proposals relating to the project are encouraged in which applicants could describe (i) how they would initially approach the research; or (ii) how their relevant experience is applicable to the project.

Funding Details

Funding Comment

This 3-year studentship provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 a year (full-time) plus tuition fees.

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