PhD Study : Air-Dis Development of novel air disinfection systems

Summary

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a key parameter for general health and wellbeing, with the impact of airborne transfer of respiratory pathogens highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Poor IAQ is a global issue, but in particular the WHO report that 40% of 3.2 million annual IAQ related deaths are linked to respiratory infections and chronic obstructive (COPD) [1]. Recently the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published the ‘Indoor air quality at home’ report, including key facts [2]:

*Generally, we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors

*Indoor environments are 10x more polluted than outdoor

*The UK has the highest asthma rate in the world

*Energy-efficient building construction significantly reduces fresh air exchange

In the US, acknowledgement of the importance of airborne transmission of pathogens has resulted in the announcement of the ‘Clean Air in Buildings Challenge’, a $350 billion programme to improve ventilation, air filtration, and air sterilisation, designed to help keep building occupants safe [3].  Europe and the UK are expected to follow and propose the development of IAQ legislation in 2023. Whilst filtration-based air cleaning system are perceived to be effective, removing typically 99.9% of pathogens, Ulster research confirms a 1000 fold increase in pathogen removal using Ilimex patented UV systems (99.9999% disinfection) [4] – critically the Ilimex systems rendered pathogens inactive and the air sterilised to medical grade quality.  UVC energy (254 nm) is widely known to be effective for disinfection of a plethora of pathogens, but careful system design is required to ensure safety of users and effective air treatment.  The need to reduce energy consumption, and reach net-zero emissions, requires additional research to reduce the power requirement of air disinfection systems, yet maintain high fluence.

This PhD project will work in collaboration with Ilimex R&D engineers (via a CAST Award) to focus on the implementation of novel UVC sources (LEDs and 222 nm systems) to drive a development of innovate small footprint, energy efficient, yet effective air disinfection systems.  Users and building managers no longer wish to have a noisy, large ‘box’ in the corner of each room, but through understanding of the UV output of novel sources, coupled with innovative design, computer modelling, and pathogen removal assessment, a range of localised air treatment systems can be developed to treat the problem of respiratory pathogens at source (close to the infected subject), and prevent transmission through the building via air conditioning systems. The Supervisor Team at Ulster have significant experience in the development of disinfection technologies, and through collaborations with leading industries, have developed products and verified the scientific efficacy of a wide range of disinfection technologies.

Applications from graduates with mechanical, electrical or biomedical engineering qualifications, and/or a strong science background would be particularly welcomed.  Due to the industry support, this CAST project will provide significant stipend enhancement and a generous equipment/consumables budget.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• DfE CAST and Ilimex ltd

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher. Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance. Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify). Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding. Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.