Integrated Simulation of Multi-modal Transport links in Port Operations – PhD (Engineering Department Funded) Ref: 5829

Supervisors

Dr Natalia Hartono, Department of Engineering, University of Exeter

Dr Martino Luis, Department of Engineering, University of Exeter 

Global ports are critical nodes in international supply chains, yet multi-modal integration remains a significant bottleneck affecting efficiency and environmental performance. Growing cargo volumes, decarbonisation targets, and infrastructure constraints require sophisticated decision-support tools to optimise the coordination between maritime, rail, and road transport modes.

Research Question: How can integrated discrete event simulation models improve strategic decision-making for multi-modal transport coordination, infrastructure planning, and operational policy design in port operations?

This PhD studentship will develop discrete event simulation models calibrated with real operational data from port partners. Day-to-day activities will include data collection and analysis, simulation model development and validation, scenario testing for different operational policies, and collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure practical applicability of research findings.

This funded PhD scholarship is suitable for students with a background in Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research and Computer Science. Students with strong quantitative and analytical skills, programming experience, and genuine interest in optimisation, complex systems modelling, and real-world problem-solving are encouraged to apply. Programming experience and analytical skills are desirable.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for Home fees and stipend.   

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.  

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.

•            CV

•            Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

•            Research proposal

•            Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•            Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•            If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on  31st March 2026.  Interviews will be held virtually / on the University of Exeter Streatham Campus in the week commencing 7th April 2026.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5829 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary