Economics, macroeconomic modelling .
IGASH sits at the frontier of hydrogen transitions and social-science modelling. The project involves the analysis of a thermal plasma electrolysis gas splitting process as a technology that co-produces low-carbon hydrogen and quality-differentiated solid carbon. The novelty is conceptual and empirical: it embeds engineering yields and grade formation into a computable general equilibrium (CGE) framework to quantify market formation, policy-mix effectiveness, and distributional/regional impacts. The project includes a placement supported by HiiROC, communicating the latest research and policy initiatives and providing valuable work experience and contacts within the sector. Moreover,.
The aim of this project is to develop a co-product-constrained CGE model of gas splitting process that integrates engineering yields and expert-elicited parameters. You will evaluate relevant UK policies to quantify macro, sectoral, and regional distributional impacts under uncertainty, and analyse their implications for future policies on hydrogen and solid carbon markets
The South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) is a consortium formed of eight leading UK universities, all of which are engaged in cutting-edge social science research and training. The SENSS consortium members are:
• City St George’s, University of London
• Cranfield University
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• Middlesex University
• University of East Anglia
• University of Essex (the co-ordinating institution)
• University of Lincoln
• University of Roehampton
SENSS offers a world-class inter-disciplinary PhD research and training environment. It is committed to supporting its internationally recognised researchers and to producing the next generation of talented social scientists. SENSS has been accredited as a prestigious Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the national body which funds research and training in economic and social issues.
We pride ourselves on our rigorous doctoral training programme, making the most of our members’ diverse specialisms and offering our students a wide array of subject specific as well as advanced training opportunities. SENSS offers high-calibre supervision, driven by our members’ emphasis on formal training and research culture.
For further information about SENSS, please visit the SENSS website
About CAM-DTP
The CAM Doctoral Training Partnership [DTP] is a consortium between Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the University of Bedfordshire (UoB) and the University of Cambridge (UoC).
Its collective environment of excellent research and impact is an ideal complement for the interdisciplinary training of diverse social scientists. CAM-DTP PhD students will join a hub for regional change addressing key societal challenges and the DTP is keen to attract talented doctoral researchers from a wide range of backgrounds. www.cam-dtp.ac.uk
HiiROC Ltd.
HiiROC has developed a new, proprietary process for generating affordable, zero-emission hydrogen: Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE). Using a fraction of the electricity and cost of water electrolysis, TPE produces valuable, high-energy hydrogen and inert, solid carbon, without the creation of CO2. The technology can also be used to mitigate flare and waste gases, as well as support removal of atmospheric CO2 using biomethane.
The development of solid carbon markets may influence the viability and deployment of gas splitting technologies as well as the development of hydrogen economy. HiiROC with its novel thermal plasma electrolysis process is interested in understanding what carbon and economic impacts the deployment of their technology may generate at macroeconomic level. This project, consequently, requires core social science expertise on the development of a conceptual framework (co-product equilibrium) and a mixed-methods research plan (structured expert workshop or interviews on market formation and economic modelling) along with technical understanding of different types of solid carbons. By providing robust evidence on the economic and carbon implications of gas splitting processes by considering inter-industry flows, IGASH will inform the design and development of an integrated UK hydrogen and economic policy.
You will join the Global Hydrogen Production Technologies (HyPT) Center, comprising around 50 researchers from 18 institutions across the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK, with opportunities for international research exchanges. The project includes a placement supported by HiiROC, communicating the latest research and policy initiatives and providing valuable work experience and contacts within the sector.
Alongside joining the Global HyPT Center, you will have the opportunity to undertake a 6-week placement towards the end of year one with HiiROC. This will enable you to apply and contextualise your academic learning within industrial practice on gas splitting. This placement will provide direct exposure to the issues HiiROC is facing in the development of solid carbon market and relative competitiveness of thermal plasma electrolysis against electrolysis technologies. Another 6-week placement will take place towards the end of year three for the student to share their findings and discuss their implications with HiiROC.
Supervisor
2nd Supervisor: Prof Stuart Scott (University of Cambridge)
Funding
The studentship award covers your university fees and provides you with a stipend of £20,780 per year. You will also be able to apply for additional funding via the SENSS Research Training Support Grant to support your training needs.
This studentship is funded by ESRC via the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) and CAM Doctoral Training Partnerships. Cranfield is a member of the SENSS consortium. The studentship involves co-supervision between Cranfield and Cambridge Universities and HiiROC Ltd., a leading developer of gas splitting technology company, sponsoring the project. You will be based at Cranfield University.
Studentships are advertised as being between +3.5 and +4.5-year (1+3.5, 2+2.5, +4.5) awards. The standard length of an ESRC-funded studentship is +3.5. This includes the standard +3 PhD, plus an +0.25 (one term) for the integrated placement which you must take as part of your studentship, and a further additional +0.25 (one term) to enable you to undertake training relevant to your research project (including career progression). All studentships are offered on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
To be considered for this funding, you must first for this collaborative studentship. Please read the SENSS Collaborative Studentship Application Guidance Notes before completing our online application form. The Guidance Notes are available .
If your application is successful, you will need to make a separate application for a place to study at Cranfield University, your host University. You will be provided with a link with information on how to make your application to Cranfield once you have been offered a SENSS studentship.
The deadline for submitting your application for SENSS funding on HEIApply is 12:00 GMT on Monday 16 February 2026. No extensions to this deadline will be permitted.
For further information please contact:
Name: Prof Nazmiye Ozkan
Email: n.ozkan@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: 01234 75 4296