Digital Twin-enabled Monitoring and Assessment of Hydro-environmental Risks in Heritage Masonry Buildings Loughborough University in United Kingdom

This PhD project at Loughborough University aims to develop a digital twin framework for monitoring and assessing hydro-environmental risks in heritage masonry buildings across the UK. The research integrates point cloud and image data, building information models, and environmental exposure data to create a novel system for identifying structural deformation, understanding deterioration, and forecasting vulnerability in heritage assets. The outcomes will provide practical tools for inspection planning, maintenance prioritisation, and resilience-informed decision-making, supporting climate adaptation, conservation, and disaster risk reduction for environmentally vulnerable buildings.

Supervised by Dr. Zhiqi Hu and Prof. Qiuhua Liang in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, the project is part of the Informatics for Multi-hazard Risk and Resilience (i-Risk) NERC Doctoral Focal Awards (DFA) in Environmental Sciences. The UKRI studentship offers a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate for 3.5 years. Outstanding international candidates may receive a full international fee waiver, though only up to 30% of studentships can be awarded to international applicants due to funding rules. No bench fees are required.

Applicants must hold, or expect to soon graduate with, a very good undergraduate or Master’s degree (minimum UK 2:1 honours or equivalent) in a relevant subject. EU and international applicants must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each component). Certified academic transcripts, degree certificates, and an English language certificate (if applicable) are required. The application process includes uploading a two-page personal statement (covering research interests and responses to specific questions), a CV, and evidence of academic qualifications. Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams in late June 2026.

Applications should be submitted online, selecting ‘Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering’ as the programme and quoting reference IRISK-26-LU-07. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact supervisors by email to discuss project-specific aspects before applying. For general queries, contact [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 9 June 2026, with the project starting in October 2026. Both UK and international candidates are eligible to apply.

Key research areas include built environment, climate science, data analysis, digital twin technology, and disaster risk reduction. The project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the resilience and conservation of heritage buildings under changing environmental conditions.