500,000 new ‘low carbon jobs’ are expected in the next decade in the UK alone, creating a significant skills gap that needs to be filled. The North East has a rich manufacturing and process heritage and there are more than 1,400 companies directly involved, or in the supply chain of the process sector, contributing significantly to the UK economy.
The newly established Process Industries: Net Zero Centre for Doctoral Training (PINZ CDT) aims to train the next generation of exceptional scientists and engineers who will play a vital role in transitioning the process industries to Net Zero. The target is to produce more than 55 PhD graduates over the next nine years, each equipped with the skills to impact industry, academia, and government.
PINZ is a strategic partnership between the world-class Process Intensification Group at Newcastle University and the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York, drawing on their expertise in three key areas of research:
- energy
- raw materials used in manufacturing (feedstocks)
- data
Every project within the PINZ CDT will be co-created with industry to directly address the challenges they face in their transition to Net Zero. Current partners include Northumbrian Water, Procter & Gamble, Croda and Nestlé and we are keen to expand our industrial network.
How businesses can work with PINZ
Define a PhD project and get four years of dedicated research
Define a PhD project in collaboration with our academics and receive four years of dedicated research in one of your challenge areas, at a subsidised rate. We can match a student to your project, or you can upskill a member of staff from within your own company.
Industry collaboration
Industry partners can help develop short project ideas and co-supervise projects to test ideas and develop collaborations. We also welcome guest lectures and offer site visits or training from industry collaborators.
Help shape our projects and direction
Join our industrial advisory board to help ensure the training and research is relevant.
Explore and network at our events
Our programme of events will enable cross-fertilisation of ideas, ‘blue skies’ exploration, and the opportunity to meet others working towards a Net Zero future.
Please get in touch with me by email to discuss collaborating with PINZ on your Net Zero research project and take advantage of the expertise within our centre.
Dr. Ryan Siddall
Innovation & Partnerships Manager
PINZ, Newcastle University
