Freeport and Net Zero transport Thematic Doctoral Pathways doctoral training programme

It is essential to decarbonise transport and logistics, one of the largest sources of greenhouse-gases emission, to save the planet. The big question to researchers, and indeed to humanity, is how to decarbonise transport and logistics effectively, while embedding good and fair practice for the long term.

LJMU’s Freeport and Net Zero transport Thematic Doctoral Pathways doctoral training programme is established to train thought leaders to help to answer this question. As part of the programme, we are offering six full PhD scholarships (UK or international) to develop two cohorts of researchers who can apply their core skills in AI/ computational intelligence/ operational research/ IoT sensors/ engineering and science to tackle transport/logistics decarbonisation, with a special focus on UK freeports. These will be the first cohorts of their kind.

Successful candidates will work together as a team and will be supported by a supervision team of 19 LJMU academics from all five faculties at LJMU, 9 industry/public authority partners and 9 overseas universities.

In addition to the opportunities to work with a multi-disciplinary team of supervisors comprising some world-leading researchers, the PhD candidates will be hosted in the LOOM research institute, sharing offices and exchanging ideas with over 40 other PhD researchers and postdocs. Last but not least, they will enjoy the unique opportunity to have funded secondments to industry and overseas universities. This activity will enhance the cohorts’ experience/network, and significantly increase their access to real-world applications, new research/working environments and future career opportunities.

In a wider context, FTDP also hopes to contribute to addressing some other critical issues in transport, climate change, decarbonisation, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion. By supporting two exceptional cohorts of researchers and providing them with a diverse support network, advanced resources, and international exposure, this programme aims to play a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for the transport and logistics sector. The programme represents also an exceptional opportunity for all program's participants to augment their knowledge, broaden their professional connections, and gain practical experience in the industry.

The six PhD themes

Six areas have been identified together with industry/external partners:

Second cohort (to start in February 2025)

1. Optimisation and AI for a modal shift to freight rail.
2. Optimisation for the planning of alternative energy in shipping.
3. Benchmarking freeport/transport optimisation/decarbonisation using apps and digital platforms.

First cohort (started in February 2024)

1. Optimisation and AI for the planning and operations of alternative-fuel vehicles.
2. AI on sensor data for freeport transport/logistics.
3. Digitalisation and cyber security for freeports.

Apply for a full PhD scholarship with us

Please note:
The deadline for the second cohort is 6 January 2025.

Our research quality

About LOOM research institute where candidates will be hosted

LOOM is a leading research institute specialising in transport/logistics and marine engineering. All LOOM’s research outputs were ranked world-leading (4*) or international-excellence (3*) in UoA12 in the Research Excellence Framework REF2021, putting LJMU equal 13th out of 89 in proportion of 4* and 3* outputs, the best in North West in UoA12. LOOM’s research impact was also ranked 4* or 3* in REF UoA12 (equal first in UK in proportion of 4* and 3*).

LOOM has three researchers named in the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists list by Stanford University. Two LOOM researchers were ranked in the top by Web of Science and Scival in terms of SCI publication volumes and/or citations in the areas of “maritime risk”, “maritime safety” and “decision-making and risk assessment”, respectively. Over the past four years LOOM have received over 40 prestigious awards, including 3 LJMU Vice Chancellor’s Awards and awards from world-leading organisations such as IMechE, Lloyd’s Register, RINA, IMarES and IEEE societies.

About School of Engineering where the LOOM institute resides

The School of Engineering  has its origins from England’s first Mechanics’ Institute (1825) and England’s first Nautical College (1892). Today it is one of the UK’s leading centres for mechanical, electrical and maritime engineering education.

In terms of research, 98% of the research submitted by the School in REF 2021 was considered world leading or international excellence (see LOOM research above). In terms of overall ranking, both subjects covered by the School were ranked highly in the Guardian league table 2023 (6th in Mechanical Engineering and 25th in Electrical/Electronic Engineering).

About LJMU research

We have world-leading research across every part of our university, according to REF 2021 (and ranked 49th in the UK in research power according to REF 2021). In terms of ranking, we are ranked 100-150th in the Times Higher Education World Young University Rankings 2023. From students’ perspectives, we are ranked 4th in the UK in Uni Compare Top 100 Universities rankings, based on ratings and reviews from current and former UK students.

Potential academic supervisors at LJMU