About

The Centre for Postdoctoral Development in Infrastructure, Cities and Energy (C-DICE) was established in 2021, supported by funding from the Research England Development Fund, partner universities and industry. Since its launch it has supported well over two thousand researchers, primarily at the postdoctoral level, drawn from over 18 university partners in the UK, as well as engaging internationally. 

C-DICE has operated at the forefront of innovation in postdoctoral development, with a particular focus on empowering the researcher workforce to drive progress towards a net zero future. It uniquely integrates the technical, professional and career development needs of postdoctoral researchers with their exceptional capabilities as a highly skilled talent pool, while directly aligning these strengths with the challenges industry faces in achieving decarbonisation.

Equity, diversity and inclusivity underpinned C‑DICE, recognising that a diverse talent pool was essential for tackling net zero. We engaged a wide network of UK research‑intensive universities to create opportunities that mobilised the skills of postdoctoral researchers. We also innovated and built the evidence base for the high‑level skills needed to achieve net zero, bringing together policymakers, large industrial organisations and SMEs. By working at the interfaces of these groups, we leveraged new innovations, supported the development of talented researchers, addressed technical challenges and helped build a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing to a decarbonised future.

C-DICE was led by Loughborough University, in partnership with the universities of Birmingham and Cranfield. Our wider partners are drawn from the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) and the UK Collaboratorium for Research in Infrastructure and Cities (UKCRIC).