NERC Doctoral Landscape Award in Exascale Computing for Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability Solutions (ExaGEO DLA)

Applications for 2027/2028 will open at the end of October

 

Humanity faces urgent challenges from global environmental change, and exascale computing offers powerful new tools to tackle them. 

ExaGEO’s mission is to harness this potential by linking advanced models of Earth systems such as the atmosphere, oceans, ice, ecosystems, and solid Earth with human impacts including economic and political decisions. Meeting these challenges requires both cutting edge computing and innovative approaches across physical, ecological and social sciences. 

ExaGEO will train around 80 PhD students in GPU accelerated environmental modelling, large scale Earth observation analysis and Earth system applications. By combining advanced computing with multidisciplinary expertise, the programme will equip the next generation of researchers to deliver innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. 

Funded by UKRI’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), ExaGEO is a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, the EPCC at the University of Edinburgh and CEEDS at Lancaster University, working with over 200 experts from academia and industry. 

Mission & Vision
Governance
PhD Projects
PG researchers from Extreme Light Group within the Mazumdar-Shaw ARC Building looking at quantum imaging techniques.

Study at one of three leading UK institutions

Join the ExaGEO PhD programme to gain cutting-edge expertise in exascale computing, an emerging field revolutionising environmental science. Work with leading academics and industry experts, gaining access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources while contributing to solutions for critical global challenges such as climate change and resource management. 

Our PhD programme offers the opportunity to develop highly sought-after skills in GPU-accelerated modelling and big data analysis, opening doors to impactful careers in research, industry, or government. 

Students with a UK first-class or upper second-class (2:1) honours undergraduate degree, or equivalent, are eligible to apply (see the Apply page for details).

Students can undertake their PhD at one of three partner institutions: the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, or Lancaster University.

  • Lancaster University

    Lancaster University brings environmental science and computing expertise to ExaGEO through CEEDS. Students join a collaborative research environment focused on using data and advanced computing to address environmental challenges.

  • University of Edinburgh
    Old College courtyard at the University of Edinburgh

    Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities. The university’s entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture attracts students and staff from across the globe, and provides a stimulating working, learning and teaching environment with access to excellent facilities. Edinburgh attracts the world’s best, from Nobel Prize winning laureates to future explorers, pioneers and inventors.

  • University of Glasgow
    Interior of the Advanced Research Centre at the University of Glasgow

    Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is a major research-led university operating in an international context. It is a Top 100 university, one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom, and the largest science based university in the UK outside of London.