intelligent, innovative, integrative Water Systems
AI-driven solutions for intelligent, resilient and sustainable water systems
i3WaterS brings together universities, research centers, technology developers
and water utilities across Europe to support the digital transformation of
critical water infrastructures.
District Information Areas for Smart Water Systems (DIAS @ i3WaterS)
| Code | i3WaterSDC15 |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Newcastle University School of Engineering |
| Location | Newcastle upon Tyne Postcode NE1 7RU United Kingdom |
| Supervisor(s) | Main Supervisor: Dr Manuel Herrera (UNEW, UK) Co-supervisor: Dr Lucia Alexandra Popartan (UDG, Spain) & Dr David Ayala-Cabrera (UCD, Ireland) Industrial Mentor: Expert from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW, UK) |
| Research Field | Civil Engineering, Water or Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics or Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Another discipline directly relevant to the proposed research |
| Contract type | Fixed term contract |
| Application Deadline | September 30th, 2026 |
Description
The candidate will contribute with the following subobjectives:
Objectives:
1) Develop and implement a DIA framework that uses virtual subnetworks based on connectivity and shared data, enabling semi-autonomous local decision-making. This framework aims to enhance automation in WDSs by synchronizing and coordinating with existing DMAs to optimise network efficiency and resilience.
2) Incorporate sensors and smart meters within the DIAs to improve data collection and analysis. This integration seeks to enhance the ability to self-evaluate local network health and conditions, facilitating more efficient WDS management.
Expected Results:
1) Enhance DMA management by DIAs localised decisions informed by both local network evaluations and information from neighbouring areas, leading to improved operational efficiency and resilience.
2) Enhance the existing sensor network to achieve comprehensive coverage of the WDS, providing an accurate representation of the physical infrastructure and paving the way for the development of a large-scale digital twin.
Requirements
Education level
A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent
Skills / Qualifications
- Water engineering
- Asset management
- Infrastructure resilience
- Trustworthy AI
- Network science
- Decision support systems
- Python, R, Julia or related programming languages
- Data integration and interoperability
- Scientific writing in Latex
- Teamwork
Required languages
Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score, or equivalent, of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.
i3WaterS is a doctoral network project funded by the European Union under the HORIZON.1.2 – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) ( HORIZON_MSCA-101227354-i3WaterS).
For more information cordis.europa.eu.
i3WaterS contact: i3waters.management@upc.edu