Safe and Decision Focused Learning for Smart Grid Flexibility Services (Dual PhD: University of Liverpool & NTHU) University of Liverpool in United Kingdom

This Dual PhD project, 'Safe and Decision Focused Learning for Smart Grid Flexibility Services,' is a unique opportunity offered jointly by the University of Liverpool (UK) and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU, Taiwan). Successful candidates will earn two PhD degrees, spending two years at each institution, and benefit from access to large-scale national facilities and a global academic network across two continents.

The research addresses the urgent challenges facing modern power systems as they transition to high levels of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Traditional grid flexibility, once provided by centralised generators, is now increasingly supported by distributed energy resources and smart technologies, enabling residential consumers to actively participate in balancing supply and demand. Demand-side flexibility can reduce peak demand, improve grid efficiency, lower reliance on carbon-intensive generators, and accelerate renewable integration and decarbonisation.

However, reliable residential flexibility is complex due to uncertain human behaviour, comfort and privacy constraints, and the limitations of current models that often treat end-users as passive components. Existing methods rely heavily on forecasting and optimisation, which can result in unsafe or suboptimal control decisions and hinder large-scale adoption.

This project proposes a novel machine learning framework that integrates safe reinforcement learning, game theory, and graph-based learning to ensure user comfort, system reliability, and scalable residential participation. The research will embed these techniques within realistic power system models, aiming to produce trustworthy, human-aware algorithms that bridge technical efficiency, user acceptance, and environmental sustainability.

The first two years of the PhD will be spent at the University of Liverpool under the supervision of Dr Chao Long, followed by two years at NTHU with Prof Wing-Kai Hon. The collaboration leverages complementary expertise in power systems, smart grid technologies, computer science, and AI algorithms.

Funding is comprehensive: both universities waive tuition fees for the full four years, and students receive a maintenance stipend—TWD 15,233/month in Taiwan and the UKRI Studentship rate (£20,780/year for 2025-26, rising with inflation) in Liverpool. Additional support is available through a Research Training Support Grant for consumables and conference attendance. Scholarships are available for outstanding international students, and reasonable project adaptations are offered for those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.

Applicants should have a strong academic background in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields. The project welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and personal circumstances, reflecting the University of Liverpool's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The application deadline is March 15, 2026. Interested candidates should complete the University of Liverpool's online postgraduate research application form, including the project title and reference number NTHU004. For further details, visit the project page linked below.