Sustainable Material Innovation for the farming sector using Design Thinking – MSc by research

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.

We are seeking a UK student to undertake the activity and exercise to assist in the development of new areas of innovation within the Farming Sector.

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)

At a glance

• Application deadline: 13 Nov 2024
• Award type(s): MSc by Research
• Start date: 27 Jan 2025
• Duration of award: One year full-time
• Eligibility: UK

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Paul Lighterness   

2nd Supervisor: Adriana Encinas-Oropesa

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.

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)

Funding

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

Sponsored by Silostop and Cranfield University.

How to apply

For further information please contact:    

Name: Paul Lighterness

Email: paul.lighterness@cranfield.ac.uk  

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.