Applications are invited for the above PhD studentship within the Design School at Loughborough University.
The rapid turnover in consumer electronics, fuelled by increased consumption, has resulted in negative global environmental and social consequences. Consumer electronics are typically disposed of into UK landfills or to developing countries, incinerated, or otherwise ‘lost’ – very few are recycled. As a result, the metals they contain are not effectively recovered and new materials must be extracted to produce more goods. To use materials more efficiently and reduce mounting electronic waste (e-waste), consumers must be encouraged to retain their devices for longer.
The PhD research will focus on exploring and implementing design strategies for creating and sustaining emotionally durable relationships between users and consumer electronics to extend product lifespans and reduce premature disposal. The exact topic can be defined according to the skills and interest of the applicant.
The PhD research will feed into, and be informed by, CLEVER: Closed Loop Emotionally Valuable E-Waste Recovery, a multi-disciplinary project funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). For more information on this project see: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2012/Pages/greenengineering.aspx
Applicants must have a first or upper second class academic qualification in a design-related subject, or a relevant Masters qualification.
The studentship provides a tax free stipend of £13,726 per annum for a period of three years plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Due to funding restrictions this studentship is open to UK and EU applicants only. Non UK applicants must the minimum English language requirements, details available here: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/englang/index.htm
Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Debra Lilley d.lilley@lboro.ac.uk or 01509 222660Â
Information about Loughborough Design School can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/lds/
Details about the application process can be found by clicking the Apply link belo. Please note that we require all online applications to be accompanied by a 2 page research proposal as described in this link. This proposal should be emailed to dslearning@lboro.ac.uk at the same time as submitting an online application.
Please quote the following reference when applying: LDS13CLEVER
The PhD studentship will commence on 1st October 2013.
Deadline for applications: 1st May 2013 but early applications are encouraged.
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