1. Overview of the Postgraduate Positions for Erasmus Exchange Program
The Institute of Cement & Concrete, Meru University of Science & Technology (MUST) in collaboration with the Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, Italy is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for postgraduate students to participate in the Erasmus+ KA171 Student and Staff Exchange Program. This program enables academic and research mobility between the two institutions. The program seeks to competitively fill the position(s) of postgraduate student(s) for the for Erasmus Exchange Program at the Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, Italy.
2. Research Theme
In the future, low carbon cements are expected to gain more traction due to their potential to lessen the carbon footprint in construction industry. Ternary blended cement systems such as calcined clay cement with limestone and/or volcanic ashes, industrial/agro wastes are some examples of such binder systems. The adoption of low carbon cement systems and extensive application, however, will largely depend on the availability of supplementary cementitious materials but more importantly, chemical admixtures that will enable better control of their workability, set behavior, and strength development, among other key considerations. This study aims to investigate influence of early strength enhancers, set retarders, and superplasticizers for those binders. Furthermore, the impact of adding minerals, like artificial gypsum, on the rheology of low-carbon cement systems will be evaluated.
3. Program Overview
The Erasmus+ KA171 program facilitates the exchange of staff and postgraduate students, fostering academic collaboration and research excellence. Selected student (s) will undertake studies and research at the University of Padova, with the coursework and research being recognized under the Erasmus+ KA171 Inter-institutional agreement. The Erasmus+ KA171 program provides a stipend to cover subsistence costs, which can include accommodation. This Erasmus exchange program offers an exceptional opportunity for postgraduate students to advance their academic and research careers in collaboration with a prestigious European institution. We encourage eligible candidates to apply and take advantage of this enriching experience in a new environment.
4. Eligibility
i)Must be a registered student pursuing Master’s degree in Cement and Concrete or its equivalent at Meru University of Science & Technology
ii) Must show evidence of successful completion of Applied Mineralogy or Advanced Cement and Concrete Course(s) or equivalent
iii) Commitment to undertake the program for the entire duration at the University of Padova, Italy
iv) Demonstrated prior research experience with the cement and concrete industry will be an added advantage
v) Basic knowledge of Italian language & culture is an added advantage
5. Program Duration
The successful students will conduct their studies at the University of Padova for five (5) months.
6. Stipend and benefits
The successful postgraduate students visiting the University of Padova will receive about 850 Euros per month to cover their subsistence costs.
7. Travel Costs
The scholarship will cover the costs of travel to the University of Padova (Italy) during the exchange program. This will be based on the travel distance per participant [calculated using the distance calculator (https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/resources/distance-calculator_en) supported by the European Commission]:
100 – 499: 180 EUR per participant
500 – 1999 KM: 275 EUR per participant
2000 – 2999 KM: 360 EUR per participant
3000 – 3999 KM: 530 EUR per participant
4000 – 7999 KM: 820 EUR per participant
8000 KM or more: 1500 EUR per participant
8. Application Process
Interested postgraduate students are invited to submit their applications. The application should include:
a) Motivation letter.
b) Valid passport (biometric page only).
c) Certified copies of Bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts.
d) Applications and related documents should be forwarded and addressed to the Director, Institute of Cement & Concrete, Meru University of Science & Technology, Meru-Kenya, P.O Box 972-60200, Meru-Kenya.
e) An M.Sc concept note aligning with the research theme. The concept should include background, problem statement, possible research questions /hypotheses, objectives, methodology, work plan, and budget (Maximum 15 pages– including bibliography, front: Times New Roman, font size 12pt, margin 1-inch, single line spacing)
f) Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing qualifications, experience, and three referees with their contact information.
9. Submission Details
• Compile all documents into a single PDF file.
• Email the PDF to icc@must.ac.ke.
• Application Deadline will be on 29th September, 2024.
10. Contact for Inquiries
- For any inquiries, please contact Dr. Joseph Mwiti Marangu Email: jmarangu@must.ac.ke
11. Additional Notes
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Qualified women, people living with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.