Applications for our undergraduate vacation studentship scheme at the University of York are now open!
Closing date: 17:00, Tuesday 5th May 2026
Scroll down for details of available projects at the University of York.
About the scheme
The scheme aims to encourage students to consider a career in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry. During the scheme, selected undergraduate students will be based at either Newcastle University or the University of York for the duration of 6 weeks over the summer to complete a short-term research project within the Chemical Engineering or Chemistry discipline.
Eligibility
Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the scheme:
• Be undertaking their first undergraduate degree studies (or integrated Masters)
• Be expected to obtain a first or upper second-class UK honours degree
• Be eligible for subsequent EPSRC PhD funding within PINZ CDT (i.e., UK or right to remain in the UK)
• Be in their penultimate year of studies
Applications for Projects at the University of York
To be considered for the projects below at the University of York please complete the application form below by the closing date of 17:00 on Tuesday 5 May 2026
PINZ Summer 2026 Summer Internship – University of York – Application Form
Projects available at Newcastle University and how to apply for them can be found here. Please note there is a different application process for applying for projects at Newcastle University.
Selection process and timescales
Applications will be screened for suitability and nominated candidates will be shared with the PINZ CDT panel.
Successful candidates will be notified no later than Friday 5 June 2026 with an indicative start date for the project of Monday 15 June 2026.
Payment
Students will be paid for their placement via their host institution. Both partner universities pay hourly rates which are based on the national living wage. At York this is £12.60 per hour plus holiday pay.
Reporting
Following the placement, students will be required to prepare a summary report based on the outcome of their placement. You will also be asked to deliver a short talk on your project to staff and fellow students in Newcastle University’s Process Intensification Group (PIG) or the University of York Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE)
Available Projects at the University of York
Details of available projects at the University of York are listed below; details of available projects at the Newcastle University and how to apply for them can be found here.
Placement Title: Green chemistry: Valorisation of chestnut trees residues
Location: University of York, Green Chemistry Centre for Excellence (GCCE)
Industry Partner: Torry Hill Farm
Supervisors: Professor Avtar Matharu
Placement Description: The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) is a world-leading academic facility for pioneering pure and applied green and sustainable chemical research, providing innovative solutions for a circular, sustainable 21st century economy, specialising in renewable feedstocks, green synthesis, sustainable technologies and design for sustainable reuse/degradation/recovery. We are driven by a commitment to green chemistry education and training the next generation of researchers and citizens to have a better understanding of the environmental impact of chemistry. We are signatories of the Green Chemistry Commitment, ensuring Green Chemistry education is woven throughout our undergraduate curriculum for all students, not just those taking our Chemistry, Green Principles and Sustainable Processes degrees, or our specific Green Chemistry module.
Working in collaboration with Torry Hill Farm, the placement will focus on exploitation of chestnut tree residues for high value chemicals and materials. In weeks 1- 4 the proposed research will use conventional benign solvent extraction processes to isolate extractives from chestnut tree residues and then analyse and characterise extracts and residues using ir, nmr, gc, gc-ms, hplc, lc-ms, to produce specification and functionality profiles based on feedstock. In weeks 5 to 6 the project will develop a ‘first pass’ techno-economic assessment based on results during the first 4 weeks of the project.
Although training will be provided, this placement requires a student proficient in bench chemistry, setting up reflux, monitoring reactions by TLC, using a separating flask, using rotary evaporators and analysing IR and NMR data.
Placement Title: Chemical Characterisation of Barley Steeping Effluent Organics
Location: University of York, Green Chemistry Centre for Excellence (GCCE)
Industry Partner: Simpsons Malt
Supervisor: Professor Helen Sneddon
Placement Description: This project explores whether useful natural materials can be obtained from wastewater produced during the steeping (water‑washing) of barley. This effluent has already passed through biological treatment and membrane filtration, meaning it mainly contains small, stable organic molecules (around 100–1000 Daltons). These molecules are thought to originate from the natural waxy and polyphenolic compounds that coat barley grains and help protect them from rotting in soil. Such compounds may have potential uses, for example as water‑repellent coatings for natural fibres.
The student will work on isolating these organic compounds from the effluent, separating them into individual components, and identifying their chemical nature using standard analytical techniques. Once characterised, the project will explore possible applications for these compounds by reviewing scientific literature and considering simple chemical modifications that could improve their usefulness, such as making them suitable for polymer or coating applications.
Applications for our undergraduate vacation studentship scheme at Newcastle University are now open!
Closing date: 17:00, Friday 24 April 2026
Scroll down for details of available projects. New projects added!
About the scheme
The scheme aims to encourage students to consider a career in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry. During the scheme, selected undergraduate students will be based at either Newcastle University or the University of York for the duration of 6 weeks over the summer to complete a short-term research project within the Chemical Engineering or Chemistry discipline.
Eligibility
Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the scheme:
• Be undertaking their first undergraduate degree studies (or integrated Masters)
• Be expected to obtain a first or upper second-class UK honours degree
• Be eligible for subsequent EPSRC PhD funding within PINZ CDT (i.e., UK or right to remain in the UK)
• Be in their penultimate year of studies
Applications for Projects at Newcastle University
To be considered for the projects below at Newcastle University, please apply to pinz.cdt@newcastle.ac.uk by the closing date of Friday 24 April 2026. You should provide the following:
• A cover letter with details of the project you would like to be considered for and reasons for applying
• A CV
• A reference from your personal tutor
• A copy of your latest transcript
You can find information on the projects available at the University of York and how to apply for them here. Please note there is a different application process for for projects at the University of York.
Selection process and timescales
Applications will be screened for suitability and nominated candidates will be shared with the PINZ CDT panel.
Successful candidates will be notified no later than Friday 5 June 2026 with an indicative start date for the project of Monday 15 June 2026.
Payment
Students will be paid for their placement via their host institution. Both partner universities pay hourly rates which are based on the national living wage (£15.51 per hour).
Reporting
Following the placement, students will be required to prepare a summary report based on the outcome of their placement. You will also be asked to deliver a short talk on your project to staff and fellow students in Newcastle University’s Process Intensification Group (PIG) or the University of York Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE)
Available Projects at Newcastle University
Details of available projects at Newcastle University are listed below. Details of available projects at the University of York are listed here. This page will be updated with details of further projects at Newcastle University as they are finalised.
Placement Title: Biorenewable Detergents
Location: School of Engineering, Newcastle University
Industry Partner: Procter & Gamble
Supervisors: Dr Fernando Russo Abegão and Professor Kamelia Boodhoo
Placement Description: Fast-moving consumer goods, such as fabric and home care products, have a high market volume and can contribute positively for industrial and consumer sustainability. This summer internship is co-sponsored by Procter and Gamble and will be focused on testing the viability of making a novel detergent building block through a circular economy approach. You will learn about catalyst preparation and test a green reaction to convert a biomass-based molecule into a biorenewable monomer. There will be opportunities to learn about analytical techniques to characterise the catalyst and/or reaction products.
Placement Title: Using particle simulations to predict milling performance
Location: School of Engineering, Newcastle University
Industry Partner: Johnson Matthey
Supervisor: Dr Colin Hare
Placement Description: Particle size reduction is a critical and energy intensive step in powder processing, in diverse sectors such as mining, catalysts, pharmaceuticals, foods and other fast moving consumer goods. Product performance is highly dependent on the particle size distribution, which should be controlled by the milling step. However, the dynamics of a mill are complex, meaning the influence of material properties and processing conditions on the resulting particle size distribution is not well understood in most applications. Therefore, this proof-of-concept project will use particle simulations (using the Discrete Element Method – DEM) to determine the influence of particle loading, impeller rotational speed and milling time on the resulting particle size distribution.
The DEM software we use is called EDEM, which is licensed by Altair. The software has a graphical user interface (GUI), meaning that coding is not required. If you scroll down to “Workflow examples” on the above link, and view the video for the first example, it shows what the software looks like.
The project would involve setting up and running simulations under different conditions, then analysing the results of the simulation output.
Placement Title: Clearing the Air: Optimising Filtration Performance in Industrial Waste-to-Energy Systems
Location: School of Engineering, Newcastle University
Industry Partner: Durham Filtration
Supervisor: Dr Jonathan McDonough
Placement Description: Waste-to-energy plants typically use baghouse filtration systems to prevent the emission of harmful particulate matter into the atmosphere. While the build-up of particulate matter on the bags over time increases the filtration efficiency, the pressure drop also increases which eventually negatively impacts the overall energy efficiency of the plant. To maintain a desirable pressure drop, the bags must therefore be routinely cleaned. This is typically achieved using pulsed air jets, where compressed air is released in short bursts into the bags from a series of header pipes fitted with nozzles positioned above the bags.
The wider goal of this project is to investigate the trade-off between filtration performance and operational cost, with a particular focus on compressed air usage and cleaning/scheduling strategies.
Some key objectives are as follows:
• Develop a dynamic model of a typical baghouse
• Conduct a lifecycle cost analysis of compressed air use during filtration and normal operation
• Evaluate the impacts of different pulse-cleaning schedules on overall system efficiency
• Contribute to identifying optimal cleaning strategies for real industrial systems
This project is sponsored by Durham Filtration. Given the proximity of their site to the university, there will be opportunities to engage directly with Durham Filtration throughout the project, including potential site visits. Additionally, this project also aligns with an ongoing PhD project also sponsored by Durham Filtration, and so you will also work alongside this PhD researcher to inform on the development of CFD models of the pulse-jet behaviour.
This placement is ideal for students interested in energy systems, process optimisation/modelling, and industrially relevant research.
Placement Title: Food waste conversion via anaerobic digestion: improving the separation units
Location: School of Engineering, Newcastle University
Industry Partner: Suez
Supervisor: Dr Sharon Velasquez Orta
Placement Description: Anaerobic digestion is an attractive technology to convert organic wastes into a valuable biogas product. One of the challenges within the anaerobic digestion processes is separating the inorganic from the organic waste fractions. This becomes more relevant towards the end of the processing. Final separation refinements require the removal of small inert particles from the resulting digestate sludge. The student internship will evaluate the distribution of particles inside fermenters and stabilisation units, and their optimal removal via screening. This includes the characterisation of particles at different tank depths to propose possible changes in fluid/unit operation, and the modelling and testing of screening ranges to provide the procedures required for optimum segregation.
Placement Title: Promoting circular economy in filtration systems
Location: School of Engineering, Newcastle University
Industry Partner: PPT Filter Cycle Ltd
Supervisor: Dr Shayan Seyedin
Placement Description: Air filters are often utilised within industrial air pollution control systems that capture particulates from exhaust gases using fabric filter media, commonly made of materials such as polyester. These are often on the exhaust side of the system.
Exhaust filters are widely used in automotive paint processes to collect overspray during coating operations.
This summer internship project aims to promote the circular economy within filtration. This internship is co-sponsored by PPT Filtercycle Ltd. The main focus will be on the high calorific value of end-of-life paint exhaust filters, where polyester media is coated with dry paint overspray. The key area of investigation is the combustion behaviour of this material, for instance, whether it can be safely incinerated as a standalone fuel or requires blending and whether any explosive or other risks arise during combustion.
This project will also explore opportunities for the reuse or repurposing of filters to support circular economy approaches and reduce reliance on incineration or landfill.
Key objectives of the project include:
• Assess the explosive (or non-explosive) nature of dry paint-soaked filters
• Evaluate the feasibility of classifying the waste as a fuel
• Investigate reuse or repurposing routes for baghouse filters
• Review regulatory and compliance considerations
This placement is ideal for students interested in circular economy and sustainable chemical processing.
Placement Title: Optimisation of the acid esterification reaction of FFA for biodiesel production
Location: School of Engineering, Newcastle University
Industry Partner: Greenergy
Supervisor: Professor Adam Harvey and Dr Marija Vicevic
Placement Description: Studying the reaction of a high percentage FFA feed with sulphuric acid and methanol at different ratios, temperatures, residence times etc to determine the optimum operating conditions.
PINZ CDT has recently published its new Directory of Expertise, highlighting the extensive research strengths and capabilities across the Centre.
Bringing together two world-leading groups: Newcastle University’s Process Intensification Group and the University of York’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE), PINZ CDT represents a powerful collaboration at the forefront of sustainable chemical innovation.
The Directory showcases the wide range of research undertaken by academics across both institutions. It also provides an overview of the specialist facilities and equipment available at Newcastle University of University of York, supporting collaborative research and industry engagement.
We are delighted to share that Louise Amor-Seabrooke, one of our Cohort 1 students, recently joined a panel discussion at Newcastle University to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
During the event, Louise spoke about the diverse career pathways women take in science, sharing insights from her own journey and experiences working in industry and as an early-career researcher.
Louise’s PhD is delivered in partnership with Biofuel Evolution and Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and with academic supervision from Dr Sharon Velasquez Orta and Professor Adam Harvey. Her research explores the biological conversion of captured carbon dioxide and waste-derived feedstocks into renewable products, contributing to the development of more sustainable, circular approaches to resource use.
Are you a UK-based 3rd year MEng student interested in research and considering a future PhD? This summer you could gain hands-on research experience through the PINZ CDT Summer Vacation Studentships at Newcastle University.
We are offering six paid studentships, each lasting six weeks and starting on 15 June 2026.
What you will gain:
Paid experience working in chemical engineering research
The opportunity to contribute to a real research project linked to an industry partner
Valuable skills and insight into PhD study and academic research
The studentships are funded by the EPSRC Process Industries: Net Zero Centre for Doctoral Training (PINZ CDT), which aims to encourage students to pursue doctoral research careers in the process industries.
The centre is a collaboration between two world-leading research groups: the Process Intensification Group at Newcastle University and the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at University of York. Together, they will train 55 PhD students in annual cohorts through to 2028, helping develop the expertise needed to support the transition to net-zero process industries.
Interested?
Get in touch with us at pinz.cdt@newcastle.ac.uk by 17:00 on Friday 20 March.
On 21 and 22 January, the PINZ CDT Team from Newcastle University and University of York came together to hold our 2026 Conference. The event, held at Newcastle University’s Stephenson Building, was well attended, welcoming around 100 delegates from industry and academia.
Day One opened with technical overviews from PINZ CDT Co-Directors, Professor Adam Harvey and Professor Helen Sneddon. These talks showcased the work of the Newcastle University Process Intensification Group and of the University of York Green Chemistry Centre for Excellence. Following the technical overview presentations, there was an interactive session led by Dr Ryan Siddall, Innovation & Partnerships Manager. The session encouraged open discussion around net zero challenges and future plans within the process sector.
Day Two featured a keynote talk by Dr Mark Corbett, Director of the Biorenewables Development Centre, focussing on the BB-REG-NET project. This was followed by an industry perspective talk on the CarbonNation project, delivered by Joel Caragay, Senior Scientist at Procter & Gamble and Dr James Hendry, Researcher at Newcastle University.
Delegates also heard from EPSRC Portfolio Manager, Karen Davies, who provided valuable insight into the funder perspective.
Students from PINZ CDT Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 presented updates on their projects, sharing progress to date, early impacts and planned future work.
Thanks to everyone who attended the conference, delivered talks and contributed to discussions to make it an informative and vibrant event.
We were pleased to welcome Agilent, Asynt, Huber, Netzsch and Scientific Labs and as exhibitors on Day Two, helping to create a buzzing atmosphere in the foyer of the Stephenson Building throughout the day.
PINZ CDT staff and students visited the University of York’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence and the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) on 5 December.
The visit to the BDC included insightful presentations from Mark Gronnow and Debs Rathbone, who shared updates on recent projects, followed by a guided tour of the centre’s impressive facilities.
We are very grateful to Mark and Debs for hosting us at the BDC, and to Linda for organising such a valuable and enjoyable visit.
Wednesday 21 January 2026, 12:30 – 15:30 and
Thursday 22 January 2026, 09:00 – 15:30
Newcastle University, Stephenson Building, NE1 7RU
Event summary
Join us at the second EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training Process Industries: Net Zero (PINZ) 2026 Conference for an engaging day and a half of connection, discovery, and innovation. This event brings together researchers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to explore the latest progress in student-led research within the EPSRC PINZ Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT).
Expect insightful presentations, valuable networking opportunities, and fresh perspectives from across the process industries as we work towards a net zero future.
Day 1 will include a collaborative session uniting academics and industry to explore future industry challenges and co-develop project opportunities.
Day 2 will highlight the real-world research of Cohorts 1 and 2 as they address the net-zero challenges of their industrial partners, alongside direct insights from industry leaders on their current hurdles, offering valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Day 1 Agenda
12:30 – 13:15 Registration and Lunch
13:15 – 13:30 Introduction: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training Process Industries: Net Zero
13:30 – 14:00 Technical overview: Newcastle University Process Intensification Group (PIG) and University of York Green Chemistry Centre for Excellence (GCCE)
14:00 – 15:30 Interactive session
This interactive session brings together industry professionals and academic experts to spark collaboration around shared challenges and innovation opportunities. In the session, academics will deliver concise elevator pitches showcasing their expertise, while facilitators help each group uncover barriers, explore potential solutions, and identify areas ripe for partnership. It’s a dynamic way for industry to tap into the specialist knowledge at Newcastle and York, and for academics to gain insight into real-world priorities.
16:00-17:30 Industrial Advisory Board Meeting
Day 2 Agenda
09:00 – 09:30 Registration and Refreshments
09:30 – 09:45 Welcome and Opening Remarks
09:45 – 10:15 Keynote Speaker
Further details to follow
10:15-10:30 Funder perspective
Karen Davies, EPSRC Portfolio Manager
10:30 – 10:45 Morning Break
10:45 – 12:15 PINZ CDT Cohort 2 Students: Flash presentations
12:15 – 13:15 Networking lunch and poster display
13:15 – 14:00 Industry perspective
Further details to follow
14:00 – 15:00 PINZ CDT Cohort 1 Students: Industry research project updates
15:00 – 15:15 Summer placements overview
15:15 – 15:30 Closing remarks
15:30 Close
If you have issues accessing the Registration form, please contact us at pinz.cdt@newcastle.ac.uk.
PINZ CDT students attend this year’s event at Newcastle University
On Friday 10 October, we were delighted to host the students from both Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 for our 2025 PINZ CDT Welcome Event at the School of Engineering, Newcastle University.
Over lunchtime, students joined a meeting of the Process Intensification Research Group (PIG), to hear presentations by Salome Usakuhyel Raymond and Ben Chapman, two Cohort 1 students from the University of York. Salome and Ben shared updates on their ongoing research projects in collaboration with industry partners, highlighting the real-world impact of their work.
Following the research session, students took part in the Welcome Event itself, offering an introduction to the CDT programme and an opportunity to connect with their peers and staff.
The day concluded with a relaxed early evening social – the perfect way to foster new connections and celebrate the collaborative spirit that defines our CDT community.
PINZ CDT Cohort 1 – Left to right: Louise Amor-Seabrooke, Salome Usakuhyel Raymond, Abubakar Kuburi, Vaishnavi Jambhorkar, Ben Chapman, Zuhair Ali, Abdul Samad
PINZ CDT Cohort 2 – Left to right: Aditya Tiwari, Kyle McLean, Max Atkinson, Alex Bradley, Kudzaishe Chiwara, Annabel Bowkett, Kypros Iakovou, Aarcha Kudzaishe Chiwara, Sam Bury, Robyn Haley, Amy Lumsdon, Dominic Gardiner
Cohort 1 students present to the Process Intensification Research Group
On Friday 10 October, had the pleasure of seeing two of our students, Salome Usakuhyel Raymond and Ben Chapman, present their ongoing research to the Process Intensification Group (PIG) at Newcastle University. Their work, developed with industry sponsors Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. and Johnson Matthey, sparked insightful discussions.
