Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)
WEC have a long and successful track record of leading UK Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), developing the next generation of researchers and industry leaders in wind and renewable energy. Since 2009, WEC have hosted four successive national CDTs related to wind energy. Collectively these CDTs have trained over 200 PhD researchers in close partnership with industry and universities across the UK.
Our track record
- EPSRC Doctoral Training Centre in Wind Energy (2009–2017). Led by Professor Bill Leithead.
- EPSRC CDT in Wind and Marine Energy Systems (2014–2022). Led by Professor Bill Leithead.
- EPSRC CDT in Wind and Marine Energy Systems and Structures (2019–2027). Led by Professor James Carroll.
- CDT in Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero (EnerHy) (2024–2032). Led by Professor James Carroll.
Together, these programmes demonstrate nearly 20 years of sustained national leadership in doctoral training, supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.
Wind and Marine Energy Systems and Structures (WAMSS) CDT (2019–2027)
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Wind and Marine Energy Systems and Structures (WAMSS) is one of the UK’s flagship doctoral training programmes in offshore renewable energy. 84 PhD researchers have been through the programme since 2019, with the final cohort of PhD students finishing in 2027.
Led by the University of Strathclyde in partnership with the Universities of Oxford and Edinburgh, WAMSS brings together internationally recognised expertise spanning wind energy, marine energy, structural engineering, digital technologies, electrical systems, materials, robotics and offshore operations.
The programme provides multidisciplinary doctoral training focused on the engineering challenges associated with future offshore renewable energy systems. The CDT combines world-leading academic research with extensive industrial engagement through project partnerships, placements and collaborative supervision, ensuring graduates are equipped to address the future needs of the offshore renewable energy sector.
Professor James Carroll serves as Director of the WAMSS CDT with major contributions from WEC, NAOME, Oxford and Edinburgh colleagues.
EnerHy (Wind and Hydrogen) CDT (2024–2032)
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero (EnerHy) is a national doctoral training programme focused on both Wind Energy and Green Hydrogen.
Research themes include:
- Wind turbine technology
- Offshore wind energy
- Marine energy
- Green hydrogen production
- Offshore hydrogen systems
- Hydrogen storage and transport
- Hydrogen infrastructure
EnerHy CDT is currently recruiting students. Two cohorts (2024 and 2025) have started, with 3 more upcoming cohorts (2026, 2027 and 2028).
Professor James Carroll serves as the University of Strathclyde Director for EnerHy, Olimpo Anaya-Lara as Co-I, with major contributions from WEC colleagues and partners Loughborough and Cranfield.
Meet some of our researchers
A look at a few of the PhD researchers who’ve come through CDT-WAMSS over the years — real projects, real people.
Aidan Napier
Life Extension Opportunities for Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy
Came to the CDT from a civil and structural engineering background — an MSc in Civil Engineering with Structural Engineering and Project Management from Strathclyde, and a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Cape Town — after a year in structural design consultancy on commercial and industrial buildings.
David Rowell
Advanced Data Analytics for Improved Wind Farm Accessibility, Safety and O&M Cost Savings
A Chartered Civil Engineer with 15+ years in large infrastructure and oil and gas projects before joining the CDT, now researching offshore wind O&M — spanning health and safety, farm accessibility, and project management.
Shanay Skellern
Challenges of integrating large capacities of offshore wind into the GB electricity system by 2050
Holds a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh and an MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering from Heriot-Watt University.
Source: CDT-WAMSS researcher profiles. EnerHy CDT researcher profiles are available at enerhy-cdt.ac.uk.
Interested in a CDT PhD?
Both WAMSS and EnerHy are actively developing the next generation of wind and hydrogen energy researchers, in close partnership with industry. Get in touch to find out more about current and upcoming studentship opportunities.
© The Wind Energy and Control (WEC) Group · University of Strathclyde