British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

Please note: The deadline for applications for the year 2023/4 has now passed.

Coventry University, supported by the British Council is delighted to announce six fully funded Masters by Research scholarships within the Centre for Computer Science and Mathematical Modelling (CSMM) and Centre for e-Mobility and Clean Growth (CEMCG) for female candidates from South East Asia interested in pursuing master’s studies in the fields of: Climate Change, Environment and Risk Reduction; Energy Transition; and Industry 4.0 / Digital Transformation. 

We are looking for women with a background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), who wish to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM by undertaking a research project at Coventry University.

The scholarship covers: 

• Tuition fees.
• A monthly stipend (for up to 12 months) to cover living costs, including accommodation.
• Where applicable, accompanying child allowance for scholars consistent with UK visa requirements.
• IELTS exam fee (for scholars without a valid test of English).
• Return economy-class travel from home country to the UK.
• Visa and insurance/NHS surcharge costs.

Deadline

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2023.

Masters by Research in Computer Science

• Curbing Poverty through Sustainable Energy: Smart Heating and Cooling Systems

  Supervisors

  Prof James Brusey, Prof Elena Gaura, Dr Alison Halford.

  Broad challenge

  Heating and cooling energy consumption for homes and offices contributes to climate change and is costly meaning that the poorest in our society are sometimes unable to afford to make their homes comfortable. This has a knock-on effect on their ability to perform well at academic or intellectual tasks and in the worst cases, can be life threatening. However, heating and cooling costs can be reduced by more intelligent control by making better use of natural ventilation and by considering weather predictions to preheat or precool more intelligently.

  Research question

  Can an optimal controller for home or office heating and cooling be derived that incorporates natural cooling and heating mechanisms along with consideration of weather patterns and predictions and consideration of modern human thermal comfort models? 

  Methodology

  This project will progress through feasibility study through to demonstration of a heating and cooling system. The work will begin by forming a simulation model of the target building and then progress to using reinforcement learning or model predictive control methods to derive an optimal controller. The final work should demonstrate the approach in-situ.

  Impact

  The potential for this work is to dramatically improve the intelligence of control systems for air conditioning and heat pump systems so that they make the most efficient use of energy while still providing comfortable living conditions. Since this technology could work with existing systems, the long term impact of this work could both reduce the climate change effect of home heating and cooling as well as reduce the energy cost burden on society. 

  Training and development

  The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

  All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

  For more information, please contact Prof James Brusey or apply online.

• Curbing Poverty through Sustainable Energy: Humanitarian Energy through the Gender lens 

  Supervisors

  Prof James Brusey, Prof Elena Gaura, Dr Alison Halford, Dr Saurav Sthapit.

  Broad challenge

  In line with Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) aims and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 7, this research will bring to the fore gender inequality and access to energy in the displaced setting. By challenging inequitable energy access and practices the findings will increase the resilience of energy infrastructures to support fair, sustainable, and affordable energy for all. 

  Research question

  What methodological approaches, including sensors and sensing, system design frameworks, and feminist theories, can underpin the development of interventions that challenge longstanding gender inequalities in access and use of energy?   

  Methodology 

  The project will use triangulation, a practice that uses quantitative and qualitative methodologies to mitigate data bias and epistemic hierarchy by the inclusion of more than one method of data collection from across disciplines. Adopting a research design that is informed by gender theories and energy system design frameworks (including sensors and sensing) will offer new alternative methodical approaches to computer scientists, engineers, and social scientists when working in difficult and complex settings.

  Impact

  The outcome of this research will be a new interdisciplinary understanding of inclusive energy interventions that are transferable to any fragile political and economic setting. Amplifying women’s voices as both designers and end users of energy interventions will open up greater possibilities for innovative equitable energy systems in the displaced setting.

  The long-term impact of the research will be fair and just energy transitions that meet SDGs and UNHCR clean energy plans for refugees and support more female involvement in energy decision-making.  

  Training and development

  The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

  All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

  For more information, please contact Dr Alison Halford or apply online.

• Curbing Poverty through Sustainable Smart Communities Transitions

  Supervisors

  Dr Matthew England, Dr Jonathan Nixon, Prof James Brusey, Prof Elena Gaura. 

  Broad challenge

  Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems offer a source of clean and affordable energy, and thus a means to tackle climate change and energy poverty.  However, systems can fail without careful maintenance and management,  

  with overconsumption of energy from the batteries drastically reducing their lifespan.  Such failure is more common amongst the most disadvantaged communities:  studies have shown that at least one in every two solar PV systems deployed in rural settings fails within the first few years.  This project will build upon research at Coventry University to develop automated energy management systems to increase battery longevity in such scenarios.  

  Research question

  Do recently developed meta-heuristic algorithms for PV EMSs generalise to a wider range of scenarios; and can such generalisation be aided through the use of data science in optimising algorithm parameters? 

  Methodology

  This project will work with real energy-use data from refugee camps collected as part of Coventry University's recent HEED project, and build on recent EMS development at Coventry which has focussed on genetic algorithms.  The project seeks to build on this prior work with the use of data science techniques to optimise and/or supplement the existing system.  Programming and algorithm development skills are essential for the project; and prior machine learning and data science skills would be beneficial. 

  Impact

  The project outputs have the potential to improve the access to energy of some of the most disadvantaged groups in society, and contribute to tackling the grand challenge of climate change.  They project also seeks to demonstrate and push forward the recent synergies between data science and more traditional optimisation techniques.

  Training and development

  The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.  

  All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.  

  For more information, please contact Dr Matthew England or apply online.

Masters by Research in Engineering

• Curbing Poverty through Sustainable Energy: Renewable Energy Storage

  Supervisors

  Prof Rohit Bhagat, Dr Chongming Wang. 

  Broad challenge

  This master project aims to design and numerically validate a battery thermal management system (BTMS) by thinking out of the box from traditional approaches (i.e., air and liquid cooling). Lithium-ion batteries are key enablers for achieving ‘net zero’ emissions in stationary energy storage and transportation sectors. To achieve the goals of high performance, longevity and safe operation of batteries, it is essential to design an effective BTMS, especially when the battery packs are used in harsh thermal environments or they are working in high-power modes. The existing commercial BTMSs have already reached the target of (1) maintaining battery temperature in the range of 15°C - 40 °C, regardless of the environment temperature; (2) controlling the maximum temperature difference within the battery pack less than 5 °C. 

  Research question

  In this project, the candidate is challenged to achieve extra goals, including but not limited to:  (1) preventing fire triggered by thermal runaway of a single-cell or multi-cells; (2) optimising the weight and volume efficiency of the BTMS. 

  Methodology

  The candidate is expected to conduct a comprehensive literature review, and then propose a novel BTMS design. The candidate will use STAR-CCM+, a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based simulation software, as a research tool to numerically validate the design. Experimental facilities, such as battery cyclers, thermal chambers, thermal cameras and industrial cooling units, are also available if the candidate is also interested in developing hands-on skills. 

  Impact

  The impact of this project is to: (1) improve the candidate’s employability by learning and practising a CFD software widely used in industries; (2) improve the safety of battery systems; (3) indirectly reduce the carbon footprint of batteries during their whole life cycle. 

  Training and development

  The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

  All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

  For more information, please contact Dr Chongming Wang or apply online.

• Mechanical Characterisation of Batteries during their Ageing Process

  Supervisors

  Prof Rohit Bhagat, Dr Chongming Wang.

  Broad challenges

  This master project aims to explore the mechanical characteristics of lithium-ion batteries during their ageing process. Lithium-ion batteries with the advantages of high energy density and low self-discharge are key enabling technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in stationary energy storage systems and electric vehicles. Various research and development are undergoing to further improve their performance and service life, for example, discovering novel electrode chemistries. In this project, a multi-disciplinary approach is taken to uncover a complete understanding of the interaction between battery electrochemical performance and mechanics (i.e., external pressure acting on batteries).

  Research question

  There is an empirical understanding that external mechanical pressure affects battery performance. For example, pressure prevents cell components contact loss and prevents electrodes from delamination. In turn, battery operation leads to cyclic external pressure variation via the expansion and contraction of electrode materials; therefore, a coupling effect exists between batteries’ electrochemical performance and mechanical pressure. However, there is a lack of methodology and model to quantitatively describe this coupling effect.

  Methodology

  Laboratory battery testing will be conducted to collect cell electrochemical performance data throughout their service life under various mechanical pressure. The battery performance data and pressure data will be used to develop a model for quantitatively describing this coupling effect, which lays a theoretical foundation for prolonging battery lifespan via actively managing its external pressure throughout its service life. The knowledge/methodology developed in this project can be applied to any battery chemistries.

  Impact

  The impact of this project is to: (1) improve the candidate’s employability by learning future-relevant lithium-ion battery energy storage systems; (2) improve the performance and lifespan of batteries from the perspective of pressure management; (3) help save energy and battery raw materials and thereby reduce greenhouse gases.

  Training and development

  The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

  All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

  For more information, please contact Dr Chongming Wang or apply online.

• Recycling of cathode materials from Lithium-ion batteries

  Supervisors

  Dr Rong Lan, Prof Rohit Bhagat, Prof Alexander Roberts.

  Broad challenge

  With the transition to zero emission being highest priority in the automotive and other industries, lithium-ion batteries are expected to continue to deliver a critical role in this transition. With the anticipated huge jump in number of lithium ion batteries necessary to achieve the net zero goal, a urgent emphasis has emerged on developing industrially significant processes for their recycling and reuse to enable the recovery of critical materials and value, whilst also minimising environmental impact.  

  Whilst recycling routes exist for recovery of critical materials such as lithium, cobalt, copper and nickel exist, their application to battery recycling at scale is still in its early stages. Current focus looks to combine methods for safe deconstruction of battery modules and cells with current hydro and pyromettalurgical recovery. If cathode active materials can be recycled to their original structure rather than taking them to their precursor form, a higher value material, both in terms of environmental impact and economics, can be obtained and fed back into the battery manufacturing process. 

  This project will look at methods of achieving the recovery of cathode materials in their original structural form, with minimal post treatment and subsequent processing into new batteries for assessment of their performance. 

  Research question

  Can recovery and post processing methods which maintain structure in cathode materials present a high value, lower environmental impact route in a closed loop battery manufacture/ lifecycle? 

  Methodology

  This project will investigate the recycling of cathode active materials through new methods to enable their immediate reuse (as opposed to recycling to lower precursors). Black mass from end-of-life batteries will be provided through Industrial collaborators. The cathode materials will be collected and separated from black mass, with extensive testing to analyse composition, impurities, and elemental composition. The cathode active materials will then undergo chemical and thermal treatment under various conditions to restore their electrochemical performance. After full characterisation, the restored materials will be processed into electrodes and assembled into battery test cells to evaluate their energy storage capabilities and assess the impact and efficiency of the recycling process. 

  Impact

  Climate change and environmental sustainability is widely regarded as the most significant challenge of our generation. With the transition from fossil fuels to a sustainable electrified future, battery energy storage will play a critical role. With the increased utilisation of such technologies, an additional challenge presents in materials availability and recycling. This project will present a new route to a more sustainable battery manufacturing industry, with benefit in both social and environmental aspects, as reflected in the regulatory and policy principles regarding the recycle of EV batteries. Through efficient battery recycling it will help contribute to ensure our quality of life does not compromise the future of generations to come, through effective waste minimisation, reduced overall carbon footprint, and re-utilisation of materials.    

  Training and development

  The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.  

  All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.  

  For more information, please contact Dr Rong Lan or apply online.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM, you must: 

• Be a woman. 
• Be a passport holder and permanent resident of one of the eligible countries – Pakistan, India, Nepal. 
• Have submitted an application to study at Coventry University, for one of the six research projects, before your application for the British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM can be considered. 
• Have completed all components of an undergraduate degree that will enable you to gain entry onto a postgraduate programme at Coventry University by the time you submit your application and be able to start your postgraduate programme in September 2023. 
• Demonstrate a need for financial support.
• Have not previously studied at degree level or higher in the UK or lived recently in the UK. 
• You must not be in receipt of financial support or funding towards your study programme in the UK from any other source. 
• Meet the English language requirement of Coventry University for research degrees.
• Indicate their preference for course and institution in the case of applying to multiple institutions. 
• You are required to show in your application that you are active in the field with work experience or with a proven interest in the programme area you are applying for. 
  You are willing to demonstrate future contribution to capacity-building and socio-economic advancement through the benefits achieved after graduating from UK higher education and returning your home country. Note: Students in receipt of British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM will not be eligible to apply to remain in the UK under the Graduate Immigration Route (GIR) visa scheme upon completion of their Master’s degree. 
• You must demonstrate in your application a plan and passion to engage other women and girls in STEM from your home country. 
• You agree that your personal data being shared with the British Council as a condition of applying for the bursary. 
• If you are awarded a scholarship, you agree to maintain contact with the British Council and act as an ambassador for the UK and engage with activities as part of a British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM alumnus during and after your study in the UK. Any involvement in these activities during your study in the UK will take up no more than five hours per term. 

You are NOT eligible for a British Council Scholarship if you: 

• Hold dual British citizenship. 
• Have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK Government-funded scholarship or a UK institutional scholarship/financial bursary. 
• Are an employee, a former employee, or relative (*) of an employee of Her Majesty’s Government (including British Embassies/High Commissions; the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; Department for International Trade; the Ministry of Defence; and the Home Office). 
• Are an employee, a former employee, or relative (*) of an employee of the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM – eligible countries. 

(*): Relatives are defined as parents or step-parents, siblings or step-siblings, children or step-children, spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner (where the couple have been in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years). 

Entry criteria

Entry criteria for applicants to MSc/MA by Research

• Minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average 
• An adequate proficiency in English must be demonstrated by applicants whose first language is not English.  The general requirement is a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four sections, or the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in each of the four sections. 

For further details please visit:  https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/research-entry-criteria/ 

More information

To find out more information, you can visit the British Council's page on these scholarships.

Alternatively, you can contact Katie Choudhry via email for administrative questions.