University of Melbourne graduate researcher awarded prestigious Cambridge Decarbonisation Studentship
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) graduate researcher Poorya Shaghaghi has been awarded the 2025 Clare Hall Decarbonisation Studentship to continue his research on reducing carbon footprint in the building sector at the University of Cambridge.
Poorya Shaghaghi. Picture: Supplied
Granted to only one student globally each year by Clare Hall and the Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows (IEEF), the fully-funded studentship will support Poorya’s doctoral studies under the supervision of Professor Andy Woods FRS, Head of the IEEF Institute, as he transitions from his Master of Philosophy in Fluid Mechanics into a PhD in Earth Sciences.
Poorya will be focusing on advancing the fundamental understanding of ventilation flows, particularly buoyancy-driven flows such as displacement ventilation. His research will employ cutting-edge mathematical and fluid dynamic modelling – an area in which Cambridge has significantly contributed to existing knowledge.
Poorya will also collaborate with leading researchers in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge. He expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work with world-renowned experts in decarbonisation.
“It is a huge honour to receive this doctoral studentship, which will allow me to collaborate with some of the greatest minds of our time,” Poorya said.
“I am grateful for the exceptional training and opportunities I received at the University of Melbourne, which prepared me to be a strong candidate for this prestigious award. The opportunity marks a natural progression in my academic and research journey.”
Professor Jason Monty, Head of FEIT’s School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering, is equally delighted.
“Poorya’s achievement highlights his dedication and the world-class research environment at the University of Melbourne. We are proud to see him continue his impactful work at Cambridge,” Professor Monty said.
The Cambridge Decarbonisation Studentship recognises outstanding researchers who are dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions for a low-carbon future. Poorya’s work aligns with global efforts to reduce emissions in the built environment, a key sector in achieving net-zero targets.
This award also continues an outstanding year for Poorya, who was named ‘Best Student of the Year in Higher Education or Research’ by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating in 2024.