This funded PhD studentship (Home UK applicants) is part of the Strathclyde Centre for Doctoral Training (SCDT) in Energy-efficient Indoor Climate Control for Optimised Health (EICCOH). This interdisciplinary training centre is dedicated to addressing the net-zero skills gap by equipping researchers with expertise in human-centric, smart building design and optimisation.

Research Focus

Indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort are critical to the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, but existing approaches often fail to provide personalised, actionable advice that can drive meaningful behavioural change. This PhD programme focuses on applying behavioural science to optimise IAQ and thermal comfort for vulnerable groups, such as individuals with asthma or COPD, through the co-development of tailored advice and feedback mechanisms.

The research will focus on capturing behavioural and contextual data to better understand how vulnerable individuals interact with their indoor environments and use this information to develop interventions that reduce pollution exposure and improve thermal comfort. The key research areas include:

1. review of behavioural data capture techniques: conduct a systematic review of behavioural data capture methods, such as occupant diaries and sensor-based tracking, in indoor environmental studies
2. review of behavioural nudging strategies: examine existing behavioural nudging strategies employed by IAQ sensor technologies to encourage positive behavioural change
3. engagement with vulnerable groups: conduct workshops and interviews with vulnerable groups (such as individuals with asthma, COPD) to identify their needs and preferences
4. tailored recommendations development: develop personalised recommendations for vulnerable individuals, including behavioural adjustments, design changes, and maintenance alerts
5.  prototyping and testing: prototype and test data capture techniques and feedback mechanisms in real-world settings (such as homes, schools, care facilities) to assess effectiveness, usability, and acceptance

This research will provide valuable insights into how behavioural interventions and sensor technologies can work together to optimise indoor environments, improving IAQ and thermal comfort for vulnerable groups.

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.