A: There is no expectation of co-funding but it is encouraged. This includes both cash and in-kind funding, both should be quantified as part of your submission.

Note: Co-funding = Use of host university funds and resources, research council, and/or CDT funds  to support the cost of delivering of the PhD programme

A: We welcome multiple responses from candidates, with an emphasis quality in what has always been a very competitive selection process.

A: All project submissions are judged equally against their alignment to the NWS mission and priorities. While for the defined project briefs the areas has already been identified as a priority, NWS’s assessment will equally evaluate those submitted in the open category as per the published assessment criteria. Open submissions have been successfully funded in previous rounds.

A: Unfortunately, during the bidding process we are unable to provide additional information, nor an opportunity to discuss individual proposals.

A: This would have assessed on a case by case basis, with a balance of considerations between the PI, the host institution (as contracting party) and the individual student considered. 

A: NWS would not provide rock samples for this project directly but could provide advice on where suitable rock samples might be obtained including from publicly accessible facilities such as the National Geological Repository [bgs.ac.uk], our partner organisations or from suitable field localities.

A: In the context of radioactive waste storage, the relevant processes are micro-karstification and karstification of either carbonate or evaporite bearing formations due to infiltration of weakly acidic meteoric water/groundwaters, especially during and post glacial periods.

A: NWS and our partner organisation have collected various digital datasets that could be shared as part of this project. At the pore scale, thin sections and thin section images are available, as are various types of laboratory data that characterise the pore networks. At the core scale, a range of petrophysical, mineralogical and geochemical laboratory data is available as is high resolution core scanning data and geophysical wireline log data. Nano scale data is lacking. At the decametre scale and above, 3D seismic reflection data is also available.

A: Additional co-supervisor(s) are welcomed.

A: The NWS supervision will be allocated post-award.

Additional note: Communication with NWS supervisor will mostly be online, with infrequent in-person meetings and attendance at the annual conference, meaning typical travel and subsistence will cover these meetings.

A: Active work refers to the handling of radioactive materials.

A: Thank you for the feedback – we will align our guidance and the form for future years. Please budget for the necessary costs as you see fit. 

A: We do accept previous submissions. It is expected that either supplied feedback is addressed, there been a change in emphasis and/or changes in co-funding arrangements. We ask that they be put into this year’s proforma.