David Bek

This PhD studentship at Coventry University Group explores the intersection of sustainable floristry, environmental responsibility, and data-driven generative design. The project investigates how bouquet design, traditionally rooted in artisanal production and aesthetics, is increasingly shaped by environmental footprints and consumer feedback. The research will partner with a leading European online florist committed to social and environmental responsibility, leveraging technological advances to address challenges such as carbon emissions, pesticide residues, biodiversity loss, land use, labour exploitation, and climate change. Floristry is evolving, with environmental factors like carbon, water, and biodiversity footprints now influencing product design alongside traditional considerations of aesthetics and economic value. The project aims to deconstruct and translate the relationships between people and flowers, ultimately informing the development of a data-augmented generative design system for floristry. This system will integrate insights from growers, designers, and life cycle assessments to generate bouquet concepts that embody contemporary expressions of care and sustainability. The successful candidate will benefit from comprehensive research training, including technical, personal, and professional skills development. All researchers at Coventry University are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which offers high-quality training and career development activities. Applicants must hold a minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline, with at least 60% in the project element or equivalent and a minimum 60% overall module average. Candidates should demonstrate the potential for innovative research and the ability to complete the PhD within 3.5 years. English language proficiency is required, with an IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 and at least 6.5 in each component. To apply, submit your application via the online portal, including full supporting documentation, a covering letter, and a 2000-word supporting statement outlining your expertise and relevance to the project. For further information, contact Professor David Bek. The application deadline is 27 May 2026.

Coventry University is advertising a fully funded PhD project in sustainable floristry , data-augmented generative design , and the philosophical implications of design technologies . The project explores how bouquet design is changing as data from customer feedback, flower availability, and environmental footprints increasingly shape floral products. The research sits at the intersection of Environmental Science , Art , Computer Science , Philosophy , and related areas. It will examine the cut-flower industry, sustainability challenges, and the role of technology in generating bouquet concepts that reflect care, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. The project is partnered with a leading European online florist/retailer, which will be fully involved in supervision. Funding: The project is funded through the Createch Frontiers programme and includes tuition fees and a bursary. The post also mentions comprehensive research training and doctoral development support through Coventry University. Eligibility: Applicants should have at least a 2:1 first degree in a relevant subject, with a minimum 60% in the project element or equivalent and 60% overall module average . Candidates must demonstrate the potential to complete the PhD within 3.5 years . English language proficiency is required; the post specifies IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component . Deadline: 27 May 2026. The start date is September 2026. How to apply: Contact Professor David Bek for project details if needed. Submit full supporting documentation, a covering letter, and a 2000-word supporting statement explaining how your expertise and interests match the project. Apply via Coventry University.