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DCU

Sustainable Aviation PhD Scholarship: Reducing Aviation’s Carbon Footprint

Dublin City University Business School
✓ Funded (Competition) ⏰ Closing Soon 🎓 Business 🎓 Finance 🎓 Management sustainability carbon capture environmental policy sustainable aviation fuels aviation finance operational efficiencies market-based measures aviation decarbonisation

Explore sustainable aviation by researching fuels, finance, and policies that reduce carbon emissions. Engage with stakeholders to develop impactful solutions advancing climate-friendly aviation practices.

AI-generated overview

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Why This Research Matters

This research addresses the urgent need for decarbonisation in the aviation sector, a significant global carbon emitter. By combining finance, policy, and technology, it aims to provide scalable solutions that can facilitate sustainable aviation practices, influencing industry standards and global environmental policies.

Sustainable finance energy finance corporate finance

Project Description

Project Overview

The Sustainable Aviation & Green Energy Scholars (SAGES) Programme is a pioneering initiative to advance sustainable aviation research and innovation. This PhD research will focus on reducing the carbon footprint of aviation by investigating sustainable aviation fuels, finance, operational efficiencies, carbon capture, market-based measures, and environmental policies.

What You Will Do

PhD scholars will employ rigorous scientific methodologies combined with financial modelling, stakeholder engagement, and policy evaluation to develop viable, high-impact outcomes. Scholars will actively engage with industry stakeholders, policymakers, and academic peers to craft innovative solutions addressing the challenges of aviation decarbonisation.

Expected Outcomes

The research is expected to produce novel, actionable insights that support sustainable aviation technologies and financing mechanisms, contributing toward lower carbon emissions in aviation and advancing environmental policies aligning with global climate goals.

Why This Matters

Aviation is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. This research program is crucial to developing sustainable strategies and technologies that can transform the aviation sector into a more eco-friendly industry, aiding in combating climate change.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet DCU PhD eligibility criteria, typically holding an honours master’s degree (taught or research). Final-year master’s students may apply. Academic record and research interests in management, economics, finance, aviation or related fields are required.

How to Apply

Applications invited for 2 scholarships; contact Prof Julie Byrne (julie.byrne@dcu.ie) and Prof Marina Efthymiou (marina.efthymiou@dcu.ie). Applicants must disclose any other funding. For further details, follow 'Find Out More – Guidelines for Applicants'.

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

PJ
Prof Julie Byrne
Dublin City University, Business School
555 Citations
11 h-index
Google Scholar

Prof Julie Byrne is a Full Professor of Finance at Dublin City University with expertise in sustainable finance, energy finance, and corporate finance. She leads research integrating financial models and stakeholder engagement focused on sustainability innovations. Prof Byrne has a strong academic record with notable contributions to renewable energy investments and governance in corporate finance.

Key Publications

2015 150 citations
Governance and the corporate life-cycle
2012 67 citations
Creditor rights and the outcome model of dividends
2017 61 citations
Creditor rights, culture and dividend payout policy
2016 45 citations
Assessing the system and investor value of utility-scale solar PV
2015 42 citations
When does corporate governance matter? Evidence from across the corporate life-cycle

Research Contributions

Explored the governance factors throughout the corporate life-cycle affecting firm performance.
Helps investors and managers understand when governance mechanisms are most critical.
Analyzed how creditor rights influence dividend policies and financial outcomes.
Provides insights for legal and financial frameworks impacting shareholder and creditor relations.
Assessed the value of utility-scale solar PV systems for investors and the energy system.
Supports renewable energy investment decisions and policy development.
Investigated the role of culture and legal rights in determining dividend payout policies.
Informs multinational companies and policymakers on financial decision-making across regions.

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