System design to tackle plastic pollution in the plastic-packaging value chain

The PhD project will be linked to the UKRI funded project called PISCES: 'A systems analysis approach to reduce plastic waste in Indonesian societies'. In particular, it will support the 'Design' Work Package of the project. The Design WP aims to develop and test interventions to prevent and reduce plastic pollution and propose new plastic-packaging value chains for the Indonesian context.

The PhD researcher will work with an interdisciplinary team of academics, research fellows and other PhD researchers. The PhD researcher will have the opportunity to interact with a range of Indonesian and UK industries and organisations which are involved in the project. The PhD researcher will conduct part of the research activities in Indonesia.

The PhD research is in the area of socio-technical system design and the main goal is to create a design approach/method to develop and test circular plastic-packaging value chains proposals for the Indonesian context. To this end, the PhD researcher will build upon the results of the PISCES project activities

.Key research activities include:

• Literature review on socio-technical system design and circular design (with a specific focus on the plastic-packaging sector).
• Supporting/facilitating codesign workshops with academics, industries and organisations;
• Developing a design approach/method to develop circular plastic-packaging value chains proposals;
• Testing the the design approach/method through a combination of expert interviews, design workshops and case studies with companies.

Background in design is required. Prior knowledge in circular economy, circular design, design for sustainability is required.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.