University of Exeter
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PhD Studentship: Digital twinning for post-mining environmental transitions University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 8, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
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About this position
University of Exeter is offering a PhD studentship on Digital twinning for post-mining environmental transitions. This project addresses the challenge of what happens to mines, quarries, and other extractive landscapes when ore bodies become exhausted or uneconomic, with a focus on building more sustainable and resilient post-mining futures.
The research explores how former mine sites can be reused for a range of purposes, including resource recovery, environmental restoration, tourism, cultural heritage, and innovative manufacturing or research uses. A major feature of the project is the creation of digital twins of two UK case study landscapes: one overland site in South Wales and one underland site on the Isle of Portland. These virtual replicas will be used to test alternative future land uses and assess their sustainability before real-world decisions are made.
The project is supported by the Deep Digital Cornwall lab facility at the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. The work will combine desk-based review, field survey, remote sensing, laser scanning, and digital modelling to replicate the landscapes and evaluate possible reuse scenarios. It also includes local consultation and wider comparison with other post-extractive contexts such as South West England and the Peak District.
Research themes include post-mining transitions, landscape reuse, environmental protection, community resilience, sustainability assessment, and decision-support tools for industrial and post-industrial land management. The successful candidate will contribute to an optimization toolkit that can support mine transition planning and help steer future decisions toward positive environmental and social outcomes.
This is an EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award studentship. The funding information states that the award provides fees plus a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/7.
Deadline: 8 December 2026. Institution: University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should be prepared for doctoral-level research in environmental transitions, landscape reuse, and digital modelling. The project calls for desk-based research, field survey work, remote sensing, laser scanning, local consultation, and analysis using sustainability criteria. Relevant experience or interest in geology, environmental science, geography, digital twins, geospatial methods, or optimization would be advantageous; no specific degree classification or language test is stated in the advert.
How to apply
Apply via the University of Exeter funding page using the application link provided. Submit the required materials before the deadline of 8 December 2026. Review the advert and funding page carefully for any supporting documents or eligibility details.
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