Established in 2008, the CDT (Centre for Doctoral Training) in Sustainable Chemical Technologies: a systems approach (CSCT) brings together academic expertise from the University of Bath with international, industrial, academic and stakeholder partners to carry out research, training and outreach in sustainable and chemical technologies.
Are you passionate about solving the world’s most urgent sustainability challenges?
We equip researchers with the expertise, knowledge, and industry connections to drive real-world change. Through cutting-edge research, hands-on technical training, and impactful outreach, we prepare the next generation of innovators tackling global sustainability challenges.
Building Public Understanding of Microplastics at the Festival of Nature
Some of our students were flexing their Public Engagement muscles at this year’s Festival of Nature in Bath. In proud collaboration with the Centre of Excellence in Water-Based E
Applications Open for The Janet Scott Prize for Collaborative Research in Sustainability
The Janet Scott Prize for Collaborative Research in Sustainability will once again be awarded at this year’s Summer Showcase, hosted by the Institute of Sustainability and Climat
ISCC Students Win 3rd Prize at Bright SCIdea Poster Competition with Innovative Vaccine Delivery Concept
A team of interdisciplinary PhD students – two from the ISCC and two from the Department of Chemical Engineering – recently impressed at the Bright SCIdea Challenge, ho
From Tacos to Trailblazing Chemistry: Bath Researchers Share Sustainable Innovations at ACS Spring 2025
San Diego served up more than sunshine and street food this March – it became the global stage for world-leading chemical research at ACS Spring 2025, one of the world’s pr
From Research to Entrepreneurship: How iCAST Shaped a Startup in Digital Chemistry
Celebrating Innovation on Enterprise Day 2025 The University of Bath is hosting its fourth Enterprise Day, a key event showcasing ground-breaking research and innovation. This pres
Cohort 24 at the PhD Winter School in Padua: A Week of Green Chemistry and Collaboration
In February, our CDT students took part in the Winter School & Symposium in Padua, an immersive week of learning, discussion, and networking, centred on Green Chemical Synthesi
Festival of Tomorrow 2025 & Our Collaboration with iCAST
The Festival of Tomorrow 2025, held from February 10 to 22 in Swindon, stood as a beacon of innovation, drawing approximately 23,000 visitors from diverse backgrounds. This event u
Making Connections: Students Explore Art and Science Collaboration in Creative Workshops
At the heart of our CDT’s ethos lies the belief that science doesn’t exist in isolation. Our PhD students, trained in Public Engagement as part of their program, often step out
About Us
We train scientists and engineers to embrace a whole systems approach in the development and implementation of sustainable chemical technologies to solve important challenges such as replacement of fossil resources with sustainable alternatives, utilisation of CO₂, plastics pollution, valorisation of waste, reuse and recycle of molecules, materials and products, and elimination of waste from processes.
Our Focus
The CDT in Sustainable Chemical Technologies : A Systems Approach (CSCT) is an interdisciplinary research centre, including expertise from the Departments of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and the School of Management.
Your PhD Journey
75% Research
PhD research in Sustainable Chemical Technologies aims to explore innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges. Students engage in cutting-edge projects, developing sustainable methods, molecules and materials to address issues such as waste reduction, renewable energy, and resource efficiency. The programme fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing students to make impactful contributions to both academic knowledge and practical applications in industry.
15% Technical Training
Students receive specialist training in key areas such as green chemistry, circular economy, artificial intelligence & machine learning and catalysis and sustainability, ensuring they are equipped with cutting-edge scientific methodologies. Training modules, developed in collaboration with industry and policy partners, include practical workshops, case studies, and technical courses that enable students to integrate sustainability into real-world applications.
10% Transferable Skills
Beyond technical expertise, we prepare students for leadership in industry, policy, and academia. Training in public and policy engagement, responsible research and innovation, and entrepreneurship equips graduates with communication, critical thinking, and business development skills. These workshops ensure that our researchers can translate their findings into impactful, real-world solutions.
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students trained
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Graduates
Post PhD Careers
Alumni Destinations
Our graduates pursue diverse career paths, leveraging the skills and expertise developed during their PhDs. A significant 57% transition into industry roles, contributing to innovation and applied research. Another 29% remain in academia, advancing knowledge through teaching and research. About 9% of our alumni excel in research management, driving strategic initiatives, while 5% embrace teaching roles, inspiring the next generation. These outcomes highlight the versatility of our graduates, equipped to address complex challenges across sectors.
TotalEnergies Corbion are producers of polylactic acid, a biobased and industrially compostable polyester. Over the years we have co-funded several projects at the institute due to its focus and proven expertise in sustainable chemistries. We’ve been able to co-develop several technologies, not in the least focused on catalysis and recycling. Together we have not only published several papers on the fundamentals, but we recognized industrial applicability and did also apply for two patents.
I had a great time at the CSCT and made some lifelong friends. We were constantly provided with the support to take us to a higher level. This could be by means of attending conferences and workshops related to your research, doing an internship in your preferred company and obtaining resources necessary for your knowledge growth.
I've worked with the CSCT for many years. I've loved the work that the Centre has done. The whole idea of sustainable technologies and bringing together different capabilities are absolutely essential if we're going to build something that has impact.
Working for the CSCT has given me the opportunity, industrial links and resources to develop truly sustainable technologies to reduce our impact on the environment. For example we have developed a yeast substitute for palm oil, that we are now taking to the industrial pilot scale.
View our brochure
This brochure provides an overview of the CDT using case studies of our research projects and students.
Our Partners
