MSc by Research: Sustainable Material Innovation for the Farming Sector Using Design Thinking

Award type: MSc by Research

Start date: 01/02/2025

Studentship funding: 

Sponsored by Silostop and Cranfield University. This studentship will provide a bursary up to £12000 to cover your study fees for 1 year. 

Sponsored by Silostop and Cranfield University

Type of opportunity

1. Fully-funded studentship - Opportunities which are fully funded (e.g. covers all fees)

Eligibility & Related Project Details  

Type of studentship: Sponsor and Centre 

Fee status of eligible applicants: UK only 

Duration of Award if full time preferred*: 1 year 

1^st Supervisor: Paul Lighterness

Working with one of the UK and Europe’s largest suppliers of materials to the UK Farming Sector we are recruiting for an MSc by Research to undertake an extensive literature review and leading market research into new and alternative materials to identify product opportunity to make a significant sustainable impact to the UK and potential global farming sector. The aim is to drastically improve the environmental impact of core chosen products within the sector, in order to meet the United Nations Sustainability Development goals.

Key role of the research will be to undertake a literature review and liaise with new market producers of product to identify solutions to a central farming challenge. Engagement with industries and data gathering exercise for 1 year in line with Industry partner and Cranfield University, will identify leading product solution or solutions to the sector.

You will have the opportunity to work with experts and individuals across the sector to better understand product requirements and demands, as well as spending some time working closely with the sponsors agents across the UK.

There may be opportunity to visit tradeshows, manufacturers and suppliers both in the UK and abroad, and therefore you should be prepared to undertake some travel.

Reporting back to the industry partner you will communicate and liaise your research and findings in order to arrange industrial engagement and discussion to identify potential suppliers or experts to assist in identifying the ideal solution.

The ideal candidate will have previous knowledge and experience of material research and knowledge of Design for Sustainability. The individual should be able to undertake independent research whilst contributing to team and Industrial development.

Preferred:

• Project management skills
• Excellent Research skills
• Good Industry engagement
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Independent working
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means
• Effective Group Working
• Explorative free thinking
• Materials knowledge within the plastics and alternative plastics sector, including New Product Development.
• Prepared to travel (UK or Internationally)

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a First or Second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. The ideal candidate will have previous knowledge and experience of material research and knowledge of Design for Sustainability. The individual should be able to undertake independent research whilst contributing to team and Industrial development.

Funding

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.

How to apply  

For further information please contact:      
Name: Paul Lighterness
Email: paul.lighterness@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: 01234 754285

For information about applications please contact: Study@cranfield.ac.uk

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