About STOR-i CDT

The STOR-i Centre for Doctoral Training is a joint venture between the School of Mathematical Sciences and the Management Science department, which aims to develop a new generation of Statistics and Operational Research graduate. 

What is STOR-i?

STOR-i offers students a four-year PhD training programme in Statistics and Operational Research developed and delivered with industrial partners. Our cohort-based programme develops global research leaders by solving real-world problems to drive methodological advancements.

Learn more about what the STOR-i CDT is, how it's structured, and its main benefits for our research students.

Discover the STOR-i Programme

What is a CDT, and how is it different to a regular PhD?

What is a Centre for Doctoral Training?

Centres for doctoral training, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, aim to secure the future supply of graduates in specific disciplinary areas. EPSRC-funded CDTs offer exciting and innovative learning environments to give students the opportunity to develop and carry out their PhD-level research with the added benefit of taught courses to give them a solid background and knowledge in their chosen discipline.

STOR-i is one of these CDTs, offering an engaging and rounded cohort-based environment.

Why is there a need for a Statistics and Operational Research CDT?

EPSRC are growing the national research base in Statistics and Operational Research, as these two areas have long been acknowledged as shortage subjects. STOR-i brings together both areas, which are key to fulfilling an important need within the UK and further afield.

Centres for Doctoral Training bring together a critical mass of like-minded and outstanding students. A multi-disciplinary approach that integrates statistics, operational research, and industry brings strength in this area of work, which is essential for success.

We offer genuine collaborative work with industry and outstanding industrial engagement with an international reputation. A highly visible centre whose mission has a clear industrial focus is essential to achieving world-class students.

The quality and focus of our well-rounded training programme and the current scarcity of broadly trained Statistics and Operational Research graduates mean our graduates are in great demand across a wide range of sectors.

How is the STOR-i Centre for Doctoral Training funded?

STOR-i CDT is funded primarily by an award from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. EPSRC is committed to funding exceptional Doctoral Training within the UK.

STOR-i is substantially funded directly by Lancaster University, known internationally for its high-quality teaching and research. In addition, STOR-i receives funding from a range of industry partners offering in-kind and financial contributions.

Lancaster’s centre differs from other CDTs in its particular focus at the interface of statistics, operational research and industrial collaboration.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at STOR-i

STOR-i is committed to providing an inclusive environment, where the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected.

To continue developing a vibrant, collaborative and people-centred working environment, STOR-i offers bespoke support, including flexible working arrangements for students with caring responsibilities, disabilities and other personal circumstances to enable a doctoral training experience tailored for all.

Our vision is to develop a culture where open, respectful, trusted and supportive dialogue about EDI challenges and opportunities can thrive. Our cohort supports each other and learns from each other, bringing out the best in each individual, which can been seen through ventures such as DiverSTOR-i.

In so doing, we will create a community that develops an even greater awareness and mutual understanding of the attendant issues, thereby equipping future Statistics and Operational Research leaders to be EDI ambassadors in their future roles.

STOR-i student smiling in the STOR-i communal area
LMS Good Practice Scheme logo

LMS Good Practice Scheme

STOR-i is a supporter of the London Mathematical Society Good Practice Scheme. In becoming a supporter, the STOR-i CDT is committed to supporting the five principles of good practice:

  • A robust organisational framework to deliver equality of opportunity and reward‌‌‌
  • Appointment, promotion and selection processes and procedures that encourage men and women to apply for academic posts at all levels.
  • Departmental structures and systems which enable men and women to progress and continue in their careers.
  • Departmental organisation, structure, management arrangements and culture that are open, inclusive and transparent and encourage the participation of all staff.
  • Flexible approaches and provisions that encompass the working day, the working year and a working life and enable individuals, at all career and life stages, to maximise their contribution to mathematics, their department and institution.‌

Do you have more questions about the STOR-i CDT?

Find answers to common questions about STOR-i, covering before, during, and post-programme queries.

Explore our FAQs

Contact and find us

By Post

STOR-i Centre for Doctoral Training
Science and Technology Building
Lancaster University
Lancaster
LA1 4YR
United Kingdom

By Email

General enquiries:

stor-i@lancaster.ac.uk

We will typically try to respond within 48 working hours, but this can be extended during busy periods.

By Phone

General Enquiries:

Tel: +44 (0)1524 593940

Contact and find us

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Directions to STOR-i Centre for Doctoral Training

The main STOR-i entrance is on Fylde Avenue, on the direct opposite side of the road to the Postgraduate Statistics Centre (PSC).

If you are arriving on foot from the south of campus, you can also find us by following the South Spine, entering the Science and Technology building lobby, and going through the forward-facing doors on your left. Once back outside, you should be able to see the PSC on your left, and can continue walking until you find the STOR-i entrance on your right.

STOR-i is on the ground floor, and the admin office is room A86b.