The University of Manchester
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PhD in AI-Enabled Digital Twins for Circular Retrofit of Public Buildings The University of Manchester in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
This is a 3.5-year PhD project advertised under the Africa Futures Doctoral Scholarship Awards 2027/28 and is competitively funded. Successful scholarship recipients will receive an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (£21,805 for 2026/27). Self-funded students are also welcome to apply. The start date is October 2027.
Deadline
Dec 4, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
The University of Manchester

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About this position
REVALUE-BUILD: AI-Enabled Digital Twins for Circular Retrofit of Public Buildings is a PhD opportunity at The University of Manchester, Department of Civil Engineering and Management.
The project focuses on civil engineering, artificial intelligence, digital twins, machine learning, data science, circular construction, building retrofit, asset management, lifecycle assessment, and sustainable built-environment decision-making. It aims to develop and test an AI-enabled digital twin framework for public buildings such as schools, healthcare facilities, municipal buildings, and community assets.
Research will examine how building condition data, asset records, material inventories, and lifecycle information can be integrated to support evidence-based retrofit decisions, identify opportunities for retaining and reusing components, and reduce avoidable waste during refurbishment. The project also explores how AI can help estimate remaining service potential and prioritize circular interventions.
The successful candidate will work with a supervisory team consisting of Dr Rashid Maqbool, Dr Obuks Ejohwomu, and Dr Saeed Reza Mohandes. The research will be validated through public-building case studies and is expected to contribute broader lessons for circular construction and sustainable asset management.
Funding: This is a competitively funded 3.5-year PhD under the Africa Futures Doctoral Scholarship Awards 2027/28. Scholarship recipients receive an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (£21,805 for 2026/27). Self-funded applicants may also apply.
Eligibility: Applicants should hold or expect a First/Upper Second-Class Honours degree or a Master's degree in a relevant built-environment discipline. Interest or experience in circular construction, digital construction, retrofit, lifecycle assessment, AI, or digital twins is advantageous. Applicants must meet the scholarship programme requirements.
Application deadline: 4 December 2026. Applicants should contact the supervisory team before applying and submit a complete online application with CV, transcripts, supporting statement, referees, and any English language certificate if applicable.
Funding details
This is a 3.5-year PhD project advertised under the Africa Futures Doctoral Scholarship Awards 2027/28 and is competitively funded. Successful scholarship recipients will receive an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (£21,805 for 2026/27). Self-funded students are also welcome to apply. The start date is October 2027.
What's required
Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, at least a First or Upper Second-Class Honours degree, or a Master's degree (or international equivalent), in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Building Engineering, Project Management, Facilities Management, Asset Management, Sustainable Built Environment or a closely related discipline. The project particularly suits candidates with interest in circular construction, sustainable built environments, digital construction, building retrofit, lifecycle assessment, asset management, artificial intelligence or digital twins. Applicants must also satisfy the eligibility requirements of the Africa Futures Doctoral Scholarship programme. Previous research experience, professional practice or industry engagement is advantageous but not essential.
How to apply
Apply online via the University of Manchester portal and state the full project title. If you want funding consideration, indicate that you wish to be considered under the Africa Futures Doctoral Scholarship Awards 2027/28. Contact the supervisory team first with your CV, transcripts, and a brief statement, then submit all required documents by 4 December 2026.
More information can be found here
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