Energy flexibility and social inequalities PhD

This PhD opportunity at Cranfield University explores energy flexibility, energy policy and social inequalities in the energy transition. Applicants are invited to develop their own research proposals, with possible directions including flexibility poverty, community energy and local energy sharing. Working with Dr Pegah Mirzania, applicants will refine their ideas and explore fully funded studentship opportunities through Cranfield's research networks.

Energy flexibility — the ability to change when electricity is used, generated or stored — is central to the UK's net-zero transition. The 2025 Clean Flexibility Roadmap recognises that some households face barriers to participation. Understanding how financial resources, digital capabilities, technology ownership and everyday needs affect access to flexibility benefits is therefore important for a fair energy transition.

Applicants are invited to develop their own PhD proposals exploring how flexibility value is created, allocated and distributed within decentralised energy systems, and how access to benefits could reduce social inequalities. Proposals could draw on 'flexibility poverty' to examine participation and exclusion, or explore whether community energy, local energy sharing and energy credit allocation can extend benefits beyond households that own energy assets. Research could compare cases in the UK and one or more EU countries. Applicants will shape their questions, case studies and methods according to their interests and data availability, potentially combining comparative policy analysis with modelling of household outcomes.

Cranfield's involvement in European community energy research provides links with academic, industry and community partners. Applicants will work with Dr Pegah Mirzania to develop a proposal for the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) student-led competition, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Successful studentships cover tuition fees and a tax-free living-cost stipend.

The research aims to identify who benefits from energy flexibility, who faces exclusion and which arrangements could support more inclusive participation. Depending on the chosen focus, outputs could include comparisons of policy approaches, assessments of household outcomes and recommendations for distributing flexibility benefits more fairly. Findings would inform policymakers, energy organisations and community initiatives working towards a just energy transition.

The opportunity connects social science with energy systems research and offers scope to engage with practitioners. A SENSS award would provide tailored research training, access to a wider doctoral network and a three-month placement. Conference participation and UK or overseas fieldwork could also form part of the research, depending on the proposal and agreed funding.

The student will develop expertise in energy policy and social inequalities, alongside transferable skills in research design, data analysis, critical thinking, project management and communication. These skills would support careers in academic research, government, energy organisations, consultancy and the voluntary sector.

Entry Requirements: Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit applicants with an understanding of energy systems and policy, including those from engineering, renewable energy, energy economics or social science backgrounds. An interest in energy flexibility and social inequalities would be particularly relevant.

Funding: Applicants will work with Dr Pegah Mirzania to develop a proposal for the SENSS student-led competition, funded by the ESRC. Successful studentships cover tuition fees and a tax-free living-cost stipend. Funding is subject to eligibility and a successful competitive application. To be eligible, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student.

Duration: 3.5 years full time or 6 years part time.