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Michael Shaver
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PhD Studentship – FSE PhD President's Doctoral Scholarship: You Don't Bring Me Flowers Anymore The University of Manchester in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 18, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
The University of Manchester
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Keywords
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About this position
This PhD studentship at The University of Manchester explores how emerging autonomous systems could reshape the international flower trade, with a particular focus on road haulage and cold-chain delivery. The project looks at the move from traditional refrigerated trucks to future autonomous long-haul provisions, asking how these changes may affect both the social perception of the delivery process and its wider material footprint.
The research combines social and technical perspectives. On the social side, the student will engage with wholesalers, truckers, grocery stores, and high street florists to understand the unintended consequences of proposed efficiencies and the human dimensions of technological transition. On the technical and environmental side, the project will assess the material composition of cold-chain long-haul systems and compare incumbent and emerging technologies to identify breakeven points and likely impacts on flower delivery footprints.
Methodologically, the work will draw on life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis to quantify environmental and system-level implications, while also framing risk and reward for an emerging industry that may overlook socio-environmental consequences. The project is intended to inform future material design and policy thinking around autonomous haulage transitions.
The studentship sits within an interdisciplinary sustainability research environment at Manchester and is supervised by Prof Michael Shaver.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should hold, or be about to obtain, a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in engineering, materials science, or social sciences. Research experience in the qualitative or quantitative assessment of sustainability is desirable. The studentship is open to both Home (UK) and international applicants.
How to apply
Contact Prof Michael Shaver to discuss the project before applying. Submit a formal application through the online application portal and select the FSE PhD President’s Doctoral Scholarship programme. Include the project title, supervisor name(s), previous study details, two referees, a supporting statement, CV, and transcripts. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Professors
Prof at The University of Manchester
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Polymer Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Sustainable Materials
Polymer Processing
Conjugated Polymer
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