PhD in Sustainability Science and Technology
Hangzhou, China
PhD
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
CNY 40,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 1st round: november 17th 2025 | 2nd round: march 31st 2026
** all admitted students receive the westlake fellowship monthly stipend and a full or partial tuition waiver
Key Summary
About: The PhD in Sustainability Science and Technology at Westlake University integrates environmental science, chemical engineering and life sciences to address climate change, pollution and sustainable resource management. It blends interdisciplinary research, methods around renewable energy, environmental modeling, pollution mitigation and biomanufacturing, training students to develop solutions for environmental health, carbon neutrality and resilient, equitable systems.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work in academia, industry or policy as university researcher, environmental consultant, sustainability scientist, clean energy engineer or policy adviser. They'll apply skills in environmental modeling, pollution control, sustainable design, circular economy and technology translation across private, public and nonprofit sectors.
This Ph.D. program integrates environmental science, chemical engineering, and life sciences to tackle pressing global challenges—from climate change and pollution to sustainable resource management and development. Through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary training, the program enables students to pioneer transformative solutions in environmental health, carbon neutrality, and sustainable systems.
Core research themes include renewable energy, environmental modeling, pollution mitigation, and biomanufacturing. By merging diverse scientific perspectives with innovative thinking, we empower the next generation of academic and industrial leaders to drive systemic change for a resilient, equitable, and thriving planet.
The graduate curriculum in Sustainability Science and Technology is structured to equip students with the advanced expertise and interdisciplinary perspective needed to tackle pressing global challenges. The curriculum comprises two key components: core mandatory courses that establish a strong disciplinary foundation and introduce cutting-edge research methods, and specialized elective courses that allow for deeper exploration through thematic modules, including “Molecular & Material Science,” “Mathematical & Information Sciences,” and “Earth Systems & Ecological Environment”. This integrated approach ensures students graduate with both specialized expertise and a holistic, multi-faceted understanding of sustainability.
Education Objectives
This Ph.D. program is dedicated to training interdisciplinary researchers and innovators who can bridge science, technology, and sustainability. Graduates will acquire strong analytical and research capabilities, coupled with a global vision and ethical commitment to advancing sustainable development. They will lead efforts across academia, industry, and policy to create transformative solutions that contribute to environmental resilience and societal well-being.
Research Fields
- Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Synthetic Biology, and Biomanufacturing
- Energy Systems and CO₂ Capture, Utilization, and Storage
- Complex Earth Systems, Global Change, Planetary Health, and Carbon Neutrality Strategy
- Biomaterials, Bioelectronics, Neuroengineering, and Computational Medicine
- Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Dynamics
Westlake University is committed to making Ph.D. education valuable and affordable. We provide financial support for our doctoral students to cover their tuition, on-campus room and board rates, insurance premiums, and other living costs. All admitted Ph.D. students in our programs receive full or partial tuition waivers and a monthly living stipend to cover daily living expenses. In addition, Westlake houses world-class laboratories and multiple shared facilities that support a diverse array of cutting-edge research. Our facilities are well-funded and well-equipped, giving our Ph.D. students sufficient resources to succeed in their research, academics, and professional endeavors.