125th Anniversary Scholarship in Environmental Health Sciences

About the project

DigiTUTO is a forward-thinking PhD aimed at leveraging digital twin (DT) technology to transform urban transportation systems. The project will initially focus on the West Midlands, a region with a diverse and complex urban environment, providing a place-based approach to improving mobility, reducing pollution, and increasing liveability.

Research Questions

1. How can DT technology be applied to optimise urban mobility and reduce congestion and pollution?
2. What strategies can DT technologies enable for efficient EV taxation and equitable urban policies?
3. How can these technologies be scaled to benefit other global regions and cities, promoting global impact?

Research Design

1. Reducing Pollution and Congestion

The approach will use real-world data from IoT sensors, air quality monitors, and GPS devices to model real-time traffic flows to feed into a prototype DT. Through advanced simulations, it will test congestion management strategies such as dynamic tolling, optimised traffic signal timings, and enhanced public transport schedules.
For pollution control, the DT will combine transportation data with air quality measurements to explore new solutions. For example, pollution-based tolling would charge drivers higher fees in heavily polluted areas. This approach is more efficient than the existing low-emission zone (LEZ) paradigm, which relies solely on static metrics like EURO class compliance. However, the public acceptability will need to be tested through stakeholder engagement.

2. Efficient EV Taxation

As EV adoption increases, traditional fuel taxes are becoming obsolete, with an estimated £35 billion shortfall in government revenue by 2035. The DT will explore usage-based taxation systems, incorporating real-time data on vehicle mileage, time on the road, and route choices.
This system could introduce tiered taxation, incentivising travel during off-peak hours and promoting public or non-motorised transport. Such a model ensures sustainable funding for infrastructure while encouraging environmentally friendly behaviours.

3. Technological Advancements and Long-Term Impact

The PhD will lead to the development of real-time data integration platforms, machine learning algorithms for predictive analytics, and tools to analyse behavioural science and political consequences. By incorporating diverse data streams—such as satellite data, road sensors, vehicle telemetry, and GPS data—the DT will provide a holistic view of urban mobility systems.

In the long term, this investment will create a scalable and replicable model for other cities and countries. By testing innovative strategies in the West Midlands, the DT will lay the groundwork for future urban transport solutions that improve liveability, reduce pollution, and foster global sustainability."

Entry Requirements

Applicants will be expected to have a good Honours degree (First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree) awarded by a recognised University in a relevant subject, or an alternative qualification, or experience of equal quality. In certain cases, a Masters degree or equivalent may be expected in a relevant subject.

Who can apply?

These scholarships are designed to create opportunities and address the underrepresentation of talented Black or Black mixed heritage students in academia. Applicants who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply:

1. Students classified as 'Home' for tuition fee payments
2. Members of one of the following ethnic groups:
   • Black African
   • Black Caribbean
   • Black Other
   • Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
   • Mixed – White and Black African
   • Other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other)
3. Not already enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Birmingham

What does the scholarship provide?

1. Financial Support: Recipients of these scholarships will receive substantial financial support, including a stipend at UKRI rates, which is set at £20,780 per year for the 2025/26 academic year, and will be paid to you in regular instalments. Successful awardees will also have their tuition fees covered at a minimum of £5,006 per year. This support is designed to alleviate the financial burden often associated with pursuing a doctoral degree, such as covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs.
2. Mentorship and Guidance: Scholarship recipients will benefit from mentorship opportunities and guidance from accomplished faculty members who are dedicated to helping them succeed in their academic and research endeavours.
3. Research Opportunities: We are committed to providing an exceptional research environment. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant scholarly community.
4. Community Building: A key component of the scholarship programme is the creation of a supportive community of Black British researchers pursuing PhDs. This network will foster collaboration and peer support among scholars.
5. Research Training Support Grant: In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients will receive a research training support grant at £2,250 across the duration of the PhD. This grant is intended to support conference attendance, fieldwork, and other essential activities that enhance their research and academic growth.
6. Commitment to Inclusivity: We are dedicated to building an inclusive academic environment that values diversity and ensures equitable access to education.

Contact the supervisory team

Once applicants have familiarised themselves with the above project details, they are encouraged to contact the lead PhD supervisor to discuss the project and the applicant's suitability for the project. This is recommended before you submit an application to the PhD project.

The lead supervisor for the PhD is Professor Francis Pope, a Professor of Atmospheric Science, who is a globally-recognised expert in air quality, transport emissions, and urban sustainability, making him exceptionally well-suited to supervise the DigiTUTO project. The co-supervisor for the PhD is Dr Leah-Nani Alconcel, a spacecraft engineer and Associate Professor in the School of Metallurgy and Materials, who brings extensive expertise in remote sensing, satellite data analysis, and atmospheric monitoring, making her an ideal secondary supervisor for DigiTUTO. 

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Find out more

For more information about the scholarship programme, including announcements of available projects and the application process, please register your interest using the form below.