Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Research Fellow, Md Sakib Hossain from Bangladesh, Shares the Story of How He Secured the Fully Funded MISSION-CCS Position at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom

My name is Md Sakib Hossain, and I am a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Research Fellow (School of Mechanical Engineering) at the University of Leeds, funded under the MISSION-CCS Doctoral Network. Originally from Bangladesh, I specialize in the intersection of sustainable energy technologies’ process modeling, environmental sustainability, and computational techno-economic analysis. My doctoral work focuses on developing innovative methodologies to reduce the environmental and chemical impacts associated with amine-based post-combustion CO₂ capture systems, with the broader aim of advancing scalable, low-carbon industrial solutions.

My motivation for pursuing advanced research in this field stems from a strong interest in how engineering design, economic feasibility, System optimization, and sustainability indicators can be integrated to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies. The urgency of global decarbonization efforts demands not only renewable energy production but also robust systems for capturing and mitigating emissions from existing industries. I am determined to help bridge this crucial gap through transparent, data-driven modeling frameworks and open access tools.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network Scholarship Details

I am funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network as part of the project MISSION-CCS: Material Science Innovation for Accelerated, Sustainable and Safe Implementation of Carbon Capture and Storage. My position is supported by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK Government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee (Grant Number: EP/Y036980/1).

This funding provides full financial support for my doctoral studies, including tuition fees, a competitive monthly allowance, research mobility allowance, and resources for international training and conference participation. In monetary terms, the total value of this fully funded scholarship, over the three-year duration, is approximately £275,000 (around $364,000).

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes. In addition to the MISSION-CCS position, I received multiple fully funded PhD offers from internationally reputed institutions, including the Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT), USA, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia, the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, Deakin University, Australia, and a funded research position at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), Germany. After carefully evaluating the research scope, supervisory environment, and long-term career prospects, I chose the Marie Skłodowska-Curie funded position at the University of Leeds.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Bangladesh, graduating with a CGPA of 3.63/4 (First Class). I then pursued an M.Sc. in Sustainable Systems Engineering at the University of Freiburg, Germany, earning a German grade of 1.6 (Honors). Throughout my academic journey, I developed strong expertise in renewable energy technology, techno-economic analysis, and process modelling, which shaped my transition toward advanced Carbon Capture and Storage and Power-to-X research.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Leeds?

To prepare for my applications, I began by identifying institutions and research groups whose work aligned with my interests in sustainable energy systems and carbon capture technologies. I explored academic publications, departmental webpages, project consortia sites, and LinkedIn research networks to understand the ongoing research landscape and potential supervisors. Most scholarships and fully funded PhD opportunities, especially in Europe, the USA, and Australia, are advertised directly through university portals, Horizon Europe calls, research network newsletters, and professional academic forums, which I monitored regularly. In addition, I took the IELTS examination to meet English language requirements and achieved an overall band score of 8.5.

My preparation involved consistent practice using online resources, improving reading comprehension speed, and engaging in discussion-based speaking exercises to develop fluency. Collectively, this structured approach, combining mapping my research direction, identifying relevant programs, and ensuring strong standardized test performance, enabled me to apply strategically and confidently to institutions that matched my academic and professional aspirations.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network Scholarship?

I structured my application around demonstrating a clear match between my previous work and the research aims of the MISSION-CCS network. I emphasized my academic results, hands-on research experience, and peer-reviewed publications. I also requested strong recommendation letters from supervisors who were familiar with my technical and research capabilities. Customizing each motivation letter for the specific project made a significant difference.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Leeds? 

My experience at the University of Leeds has been intellectually rewarding. The research environment is collaborative, interdisciplinary, and closely aligned with industry needs, especially within the scope of my work.

How Do You Rate the University of Leeds Academically and Why? 

The University of Leeds maintains excellent research output and global rankings, particularly in engineering and sustainability fields. The institution actively supports cutting-edge, industry-relevant research, making it highly competitive academically.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My strong research profile was a key factor, specifically, my peer-reviewed journal publications, hands-on project experience at Fraunhofer ISE, Germany, and a clear alignment between my research interests and the project objectives. My ability to demonstrate technical depth, academic consistency, and motivation toward clean energy research and sustainability helped differentiate my application.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

In retrospect, I am satisfied with how I approached the entire process. My preparation was structured, targeted, and aligned with my long-term research interests, which helped me secure multiple fully funded opportunities. While every application journey is a learning experience, I would not fundamentally change the way I planned or executed mine. The clarity I had about my goals, the time I invested in understanding institutional expectations, and the effort I put into building a strong research profile proved highly effective.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Start early and focus on building a research narrative connecting your experiences, skills, and aspirations, which should complement each other. Publications, conference participation, and technical projects are strong assets. Tailor every application, avoid generic statements, and ensure that your motivation aligns with the specific research objectives of the project.