We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to conduct research on the topic: “Behaviour of Concrete Structures as Lining for a Geological Disposal Facility of Radioactive Waste.”
This project combines fundamental studies on the theoretical and numerical time-dependent behaviour of concrete, including multiphysics analysis, with limited laboratory experiments. The ultimate objective is to assess the performance of a real structure.
The PhD is jointly funded by SCK CEN (Belgian Nuclear Research Centre) and ONDRAF/NIRAS (Belgian National Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile Material), in collaboration with the Department of Structural Engineering and Building Materials (Magnel-Vandepitte Laboratory), Ghent University.
About Dr. Tuan A. Pham
Dr. Tuan A. Pham is an award-winning researcher, lecturer, and innovator in civil and geotechnical engineering. Currently based at KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), his work focuses on climate-resilient infrastructure, energy geostructures, and AI-powered design tools. Recognized among the world’s Top 2% scientists (Stanford/Elsevier), Dr. Pham has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and developed patented software for pile foundation design.
Born and raised in Vietnam, he earned scholarships from five countries, completed advanced degrees in Japan, France, and the UK, and now leads international collaborations across Europe, North America, and Asia. His journey—from a medalist in mechanical olympiads to a Rising Star in Geotechnics—is a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and global opportunity. Through Scholarship Idea, he shares that path to inspire and guide future scholars worldwide.