PhD in Water Resources: Next-Generation Flood Models: Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Urban Resilience

Award summary

Newcastle University, School of Engineering Funded Studentship: UKRI annual living allowance of £24,000, research grant + UKRI fees paid.

Overview

This PhD project introduces a ground breaking approach to real-time urban flood modelling through physics-informed neural networks (PINNs). The framework embeds fundamental physics laws, such as the Shallow Water Equations, into the neural network’s loss function. This ensures physically consistent predictions, even when historical data is limited, and addresses the limitations of traditional data-driven methods, which often fail to generalise to unfamiliar scenarios.

A major strength of this approach is its ability to deliver reliable forecasts under extreme or novel conditions. Another key feature is the integration of real-time data assimilation, where sensor readings, such as rainfall and water levels, update the model continuously. This enables rapid recalibration and highly adaptive predictions during dynamic flood events, providing crucial support for decision-making in rapidly changing situations.

The research enhances urban resilience by offering stakeholders, including city planners and water utilities, an interactive tool to evaluate mitigation strategies such as green infrastructure and improved drainage systems. Its predictive capabilities, combined with uncertainty quantification, guide the prioritisation of interventions to reduce flood impacts and protect critical infrastructure.

Overall, the proposed PINN-based methodology advances AI in flood modelling by merging domain-specific physics with data-driven adaptability. The outcome of this research will enhance our understanding of urban flood processes, promote more reliable planning, and contribute to the development of sustainable, climate-resilient cities.

This PhD studentship is part of the Water Infrastructure & Resilience (WIRe) CDT funded by Newcastle University (School of Engineering)

Number of awards: 1

Start date: September 2025

Award duration: 4 years

Sponsor: Newcastle University (School of Engineering)

Supervisors: Dr Manuel Herrera and Dr Vassilis Glenis

Eligibility criteria: This PhD studentship is open to UK/Home candidates only.

A First Meng/MSc in a relevant subject or First or upper second class UG degree (2:1). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code:8209F
• Select ‘PhD Water Infrastructure & Resilience (WIRe)' as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Questions’ section:

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
• The studentship code WRII2506 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
• When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

Contact details: justine.easten@ncl.ac.uk

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