National Subsea Centre Launches Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Technologies

In collaboration with Robert Gordon University (RGU), the University of Strathclyde (UoS) and the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), the National Subsea Centre (NSC) has established the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Net Zero Technologies, designed for those who wish to undertake research to aid in the global transition to net zero whilst continuing a career in industry.

The CDT will teach and mentor a cohort of students, allowing them the opportunity to spend approximately 75% of their time developing invaluable skills working directly with a company and the remaining time carrying out PhD-level research projects with taught modules. Students will be based full-time within their respective companies for the duration of the programme, with occasional off-site workshops and training sessions.

Upon successful completion of the four-year programme, students will achieve an Engineering Doctorate (EngD), equivalent in academic standing to a conventional PhD, but achieved through research and innovation that is much more industrially focused.

The CDT, which has been formed as part of a five-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between UoS and RGU to collaborate in research and technology development, is open to students with expertise across a range of disciplines, including Engineering, Computing and IT, Science and Technology, Physics and Mathematics.

Funding contributions will be split between NZTC (30%), RGU and UoS (18%) and the sponsoring company (52%).

Professor John McCall, NSC Director, said:
“Launching the CDT is a brilliant advancement for our academic community and will play a crucial role in fostering research, innovation and expertise in advanced technologies that will support the global transition to a sustainable blue economy.

Having a strong consortium in place enables the CDT to build on the research strengths at RGU and UoS while supporting the NSC’s four strategic research programmes. Propelled by the challenges identified by industry and steered by an industry partners’ group, we’re excited to forge the next generation of technology innovators.”

Willie Reid, Director of the University of Strathclyde’s Offshore Energy Transition Programme, said:
“Strathclyde has a long history of working closely with the Offshore Industry and we are delighted to extend our partnership with RGU in the National Subsea Centre with the launch of a new Centre for Doctoral Training. The valuable support of NZTC will enable both universities to develop further collaboration for the benefit of technical pioneers working in the fast-growing Offshore Energy Transition.”

Myrtle Dawes, CEO of the Net Zero Technology Centre, added:
“The Centre for Doctoral Training exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and technology development. By providing a platform for talented individuals to contribute to the global transition to net zero while advancing their careers in industry, the CDT stands as a testament to the power of collaborative research and the pursuit of impactful, industry-focused solutions.”

Professor Nick Fyfe, Vice Principal for Research and Community Engagement, said:
“This Centre is a really exciting development and will make a major contribution to RGU’s commitment to grow and diversify its doctoral community.  The quality of our doctoral education has been recognised by our students in both internal and external feedback. In the 2023 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey, RGU secured top 10 places within seven of the nine key sections, including Research Skills, Research Culture and Professional Development.”

If you would like to find out more, please contact Dr Andrei Petrovski, NSC Research Degrees Coordinator at [email protected].