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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/S023666/1
Title: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience
Principal Investigator: Jarvis, Professor P
Other Investigators:
Jeffrey, Professor P Shucksmith, Dr JD Kilsby, Professor C
Speight, Professor V Amezaga, Professor JM Tait, Professor S
Jefferson, Professor B Boxall, Professor J Walsh, Dr C
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Anglian Water Atkins Bradford Council
Dalhousie University Datatecnics EMS Environmental Monitoring Solutions
Hydro International Plc J Murphy & Sons Limited Morrison Utility Services
Network Rail Newcastle City Council Northumbrian Water Group plc
Queen's University Canada Scottish Water Severn Trent Plc Group
Stantec UK Ltd Thames Water Plc Typhon Treatment Systems Ltd
UK Coll for Res in Infra & Cities UKCRIC UK Water Industry Research Ltd (UKWIR) UK Water Partnership
United Utilities University of Oxford Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru)
Wetsus WSP Group plc UK Yorkshire Water
Department: School of Water, Energy and Environment
Organisation: Cranfield University
Scheme: Centre for Doctoral Training
Starts: 01 April 2019 Ends: 30 September 2027 Value (£): 6,905,141
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Coastal & Waterway Engineering Urban & Land Management
Water Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Transport Systems and Vehicles Water
Technical Consultancy
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
07 Nov 2018 EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training Interview Panel Q – November 2018 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
Globally, one in four cities is facing water stress, and the projected demand for water in 2050 is set to increase by 55%. These are significant and difficult problems to overcome, however this also provides huge opportunity for us to reconsider how our water systems are built, operated and governed. Placing an inspirational student experience at the centre of our delivery model, the Water Resilience for Infrastructure and Cities (WRIC) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) will nurture a new generation of research leaders to provide the multi-disciplinary, disruptive thinking to enhance the resilience of new and existing water infrastructure. In this context the WRIC CDT will seek to improve the resilience of water infrastructure which conveys and treats water and wastewater as well as the impacts of water on other infrastructure systems which provide vital public services in urban environments.

The need for the CDT is simple: Water infrastructure is fundamental to our society and economy in providing benefit from water as a vital resource and in managing risks from water hazards, such as wastewater, floods, droughts, and environmental pollution. Recent water infrastructure failures caused by climate change have provided strong reminders of our need to manage these assets against the forces of nature. The need for resilient water systems has never been greater and more recognised in the context of our industrial infrastructure networks and facilities for water supply, wastewater treatment and urban drainage. Similarly, safeguarding critical infrastructure in key sectors such as transport, energy and waste from the impacts of water has never been more important. Combined, resilience in these systems is vitally important for public health and safety. Industry, regulators and government all recognise the huge skills gap. Therefore there is an imperative need for highly skilled graduates who can transcend disciplines and deliver innovative solutions to contemporary water infrastructure challenges.

Centred around unique and world leading water infrastructure facilities, and building on an internationally renowned research consortium (Cranfield University, The University of Sheffield and Newcastle University), this CDT will produce scientists and engineers to deliver the innovative and disruptive thinking for a resilient water infrastructure future. This will be achieved through delivery of an inspirational and relevant and end user-led training programme for researchers. The CDT will be delivered in cohorts, with deeply embedded horizontal and vertical training and integration within, and between, cohorts to provide a common learning and skills development environment. Enhanced training will be spread across the consortium, using integrated delivery, bespoke training and giving students a set of unique experiences and skills.

Our partners are drawn from a range of leading sector and professional organisations and have been selected to provide targeted contributions and added value to the CDT. Together we have worked with our project partners to co-create the strategic vision for WRIC, particularly with respect to the training needs and challenges to be addressed for development of resilience engineers. Their commitment is evidenced by significant financial backing with direct (>£2.4million) and indirect (>£1.6million) monetary contributions, agreement to sit on advisory boards, access to facilities and data, and contributions on our taught programme.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Summary
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk