Project title: Community-based co-design of small-scale wastewater systems

Primary supervisor: Dr Heather Smith (Cranfield University)

Second supervisor: Prof. Bruce Jefferson (Cranfield University)

University: Cranfield University, Cranfield Water Science Institute

SENSS Theme: Sustainability and Climate Emergency

Collaborative partner: Scottish Water

Collaborative partner supervisor: Tamsyn Kennedy

Degree structure: The structure of the studentship offered will depend on your personal training needs. However, the minimum duration of a SENSS-funded studentship will be 3.5 years: this covers a PhD and a mandatory placement of approximately 3 months. The maximum duration of a studentship will be 4.5 years: this covers a Masters degree followed by a PhD, as well as the mandatory 3-month placement.

Project background

As the water environment become more strained from the effects of climate change and other human pressures, significant effort is being invested in developing novel technologies and management approaches to deliver more sustainable water and wastewater services. This challenge can be particularly difficult for rural communities, where low population densities and dispersed infrastructure make it hard for providers to deliver cost-effective services. Rural communities can experience a range of challenges related to water and wastewater, including difficulties with drinking water quality, sewage treatment, and maintenance of treatment works and distribution/collection systems.  We need to explore innovative solutions for services in these areas. However, along with the technical challenges, there are key social questions that need exploration, including community expectations towards water and wastewater services, and whether/how community members might adopt a greater role in the management of small-scale systems.

Project aims and objectives

Working closely with Scottish Water, and building on their cutting-edge research into small-scale and nature-based treatment systems, this project will explore the following:

  1. Can a community-based co-design approach effectively support the design and delivery of small-scale, rural wastewater systems, and if so, how?

  2. How might community members be involved in the ongoing management of small-scale, rural wastewater systems, and what arrangements are required for this?

  3. How might Scottish Water (and other similar utilities) use a co-design approach in the future? 

The project will involve spending large amounts of time in Scotland for field work in rural communities and for working collaboratively with Scottish Water.

Training opportunities

A comprehensive package of training will be agreed in consultation with the supervisors. Elements of training will be provided by the supervisors, Cranfield University, and by other providers. Depending on the background of the applicant, training can be provided on topics such as social research methods, small-scale nature-based treatment (e.g. wetlands), rural development, and the structure and operation of the water sector.

Essential and/or desirable attributes/skills

Applicants should have at least an upper second-class UK honours degree or equivalent. A masters qualification is desirable, we can consider applicants who have yet to secure a Masters but given the timelines of Scottish Water, priority will be given to those who can begin at doctorate level.

Experience with qualitative social research methods is highly desirable (although additional training can be provided for this). However, the project is interdisciplinary, and we will consider applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including STEM subjects. This project would particularly suit applicants with a strong interest and/or previous experience in water and wastewater services, as well as living and working in rural Scotland.

Studentship details

This studentship will be taken as between a 3.5 and 4.5 years duration depending on personal training needs.

 Residential eligibility

Home or international students are eligible for a fully-funded award (fees will be paid, and they receive a stipend/salary).

How to apply for this studentship

To be considered for this funding, you must first apply to SENSS for this collaborative studentship. Please read the SENSS Collaborative Studentship Application Guidance Notes before completing our online application form. The Guidance Notes are available here.

If your application is accepted by SENSS you will need to make a separate application for a place to study at Cranfield University as your host University. You will be provided with a link with information on how to make your application to Cranfield University once the SENSS proposal has been accepted. 

Deadline:

The deadline for submitting your application for SENSS funding on HEIApply is 12:00 GMT on 11 March 2024. No extensions to this deadline will be permitted.

For further enquiries:

For enquiries about this research project, please email Dr Heather Smith at h.m.smith@cranfield.ac.uk

For enquiries related to your eligibility for this studentship, and/or the application process, please email Michelle Starkey (michelle.starkey@cranfield.ac.uk)