This PhD studentship is part of the Strathclyde Centre for Doctoral Training (SCDT) in Energy-efficient Indoor Climate Control for Optimised Health (EICCOH). The centre addresses the critical skills gap in designing net-zero buildings that are human-centric and optimise health. This exciting opportunity

Research Focus

Despite advancements in indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring, existing technologies often lack actionable, personalised insights, limiting their effectiveness in driving meaningful behavioural change. This exciting multidisciplinary PhD programme seeks to bridge this gap by developing smart IAQ platforms with integrated feedback loops and adaptive advice systems, tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable groups. The research will leverage advanced sensor technologies and big data analytics to tackle key challenges, such as:

1. Advancing behavioural data capture techniques and methodologies for indoor environmental and energy studies.
2. Develop adaptive algorithms and/or AI-driven feedback loops to interpret sensor data in real-time, providing actionable and personalised advice.
3. Develop tailored recommendations to specific user needs, including behavioural adjustments, simple design changes and maintenance alerts.
4. Conduct workshops and interviews with vulnerable groups (e.g. people with asthma, COPD) to understand their needs and preferences.
5. Prototype and test feedback mechanisms in real-world settings, such as homes, schools and/or care facilities, to evaluate effectiveness, usability and acceptance.

Why Join This Programme?

The SCDT provides a world-class research and training environment, offering interdisciplinary expertise in indoor air quality, human behaviour, data analytics, and machine learning. The programme is designed to train future innovators and leaders capable of driving the transition to a sustainable, healthy, and energy-efficient built environment.

Key features of this studentship include:

• Co-supervision by experts across Architecture, Psychology, and Computer & Information Sciences.
• Close collaboration with industry partners to ensure the research addresses real-world challenges.
• Opportunities to engage with stakeholders, including clinicians, industry specialists, and the public, through placements, training, and networking.

Professional Development

Successful candidates will benefit from:

• Training in scientific writing and publication.
• Support in applying for external funding opportunities, such as travel grants.
• Enrollment in the PGCert in Researcher Development, a 60-credit qualification designed to enhance skills in governance, engagement, intellectual abilities, and personal effectiveness.

Candidate Expectations

We are seeking highly motivated individuals who are eager to take ownership of their projects and contribute creatively to shaping their research. Candidates should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary approaches and a passion for addressing the challenges of energy-efficient, health-optimised indoor environments.

Benefits

As part of the SCDT, students will join a vibrant and inclusive postgraduate research cohort, benefiting from peer-to-peer learning and a collaborative research culture. This scholarship offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation, bridging academic research with industry needs to deliver impactful solutions for the built environment.

Further information

As part of this new initiative, you will have the opportunity to contribute to setting the agenda of the SCDT, to address the challenge of delivering net-zero buildings without compromising health and wellbeing. Membership of this SCDT will enable you to engage with a vibrant community of PhD students, academics and industry specialists, providing the specialist knowledge and skills needed to design and manage healthy, human-centric indoor environments.

Expected outputs for this studentship would include 3-4* articles in the relevant fields, public engagement and outreach activities, and co-development of future grant applications to support signature research in this area.