PhD Studentship - Quantifying the Impact of Strategies to Achieve Net-Zero Aviation by 2050

No of positions: 1

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded at UK rates; the successful candidate will receive a tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. UK students and those with settled status are eligible to apply.

The outcomes of this research are expected to contribute to both technological advancements and evidence-based policymaking within the aviation and energy sectors.

The impacts of aviation arises from both CO₂ and non-CO₂ emissions, including soot, aerosols, water vapor, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and contrail-induced cirrus cloud formation. Aviation currently accounts for approximately 3.5% of total anthropogenic radiative forcing, with non-CO₂ effects responsible for around two-thirds of this contribution. Despite the temporary slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, global air travel demand is forecast to double between 2024 and 2043, potentially leading to a significant increase in the sector’s climate impact. Moreover, emissions from aircraft significantly degrade air quality, resulting in approximately 16,000 premature deaths each year.

Given the anticipated increase in air traffic, the aviation industry projects that emissions reductions will be achieved through a combination of low-carbon alternative fuels and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) scheme (contributing approximately 50%), advancements in aircraft technology (30%), and operational improvements (20%) – together supporting the industry's 2050 carbon-neutral growth objectives.

Broadly, this project covers the full spectrum of aviation emissions mitigation strategies and their associated reduction potentials. The PhD student will explore and quantitatively assess the emissions reduction potential – both CO₂ and non-CO₂ (including contrails) – of various technologies, including electric aircraft (battery- and fuel cell-powered), hybrid-electric aircraft, next-generation propulsion systems, advanced and unconventional airframes, sustainable aviation fuels, and hydrogen-powered combustion aircraft, along with operational improvements. These impacts will be assessed during the use phase as well as across the full life cycle. 

Expected Outcomes

1. Development of aircraft energy consumption model(s)
2. Adaptation and application of the model for different fuels and/or propulsion systems, and for different airframes and aviation technologies
3. Evaluation of aircraft operational level (energy/emissions) improvements at both aircraft and fleet level
4. Evaluation of the life-cycle effects for different alternative aircraft versions at aircraft and fleet level

Please contact Dr Eastwood - david.eastwood@manchester.ac.uk for full details of the training opportunities.

Applicants should hold, or be expected to achieve, preferably a First Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) in their undergraduate studies (at least a 2.1 honours). Candidates with a First Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) at the master’s level (at least a 2.1 honours) in a relevant science, mathematics, or engineering discipline are especially encouraged to apply.

Additional requirements:

• Demonstrated determination and resilience to conduct impactful research and pursue excellence
• High levels of enthusiasm, passion, and self-motivation for sustainable aviation
• Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn through literature review, training, and collaboration
• Preferably a strong background in aircraft design and propulsion systems
• Preferably Proficient in programming (MATLAB preferred; Python is also acceptable)
• Prior experience with life-cycle analysis, GasTurb/PyCycle/NPSS, and CoCip is preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills[AR1] is preferred.

To apply, please contact Dr Eastwood - david.eastwood@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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