Interdependent Infrastructure Networks

Interdependent Infrastructure Networks Resilient Interdependent Multilayer Critical Infrastructure Networks (2026) How can we prevent cascading failures that disrupt power, water and communications for millions? This PhD investigates how to strengthen the resilience of interconnected critical infrastructures facing climate change, cyber threats and global shocks. Focusing on energy and telecom systems as multilayer “networks of networks”, you will develop structural resilience metrics, build cascading‑failure simulations, analyse real datasets, and extend the open‑source NTRM platform (https://github.com/sskazakos/NTRM). What you get This self-funded PhD project is available to UK and Overseas applicants who are able to self-fund or identify their own sources of funding. You will be supported when applying to any external sources. The University of Sussex believes that the diversity of its staff and student community is fundamental to creative thinking, pedagogic innovation, intellectual challenge, and the interdisciplinary approach to research and learning. We celebrate and promote diversity, equality and inclusion amongst our staff and students. As such, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Type of award PhD PhD project How can we prevent cascading failures that leave millions without power, water, or communication? This PhD explores cutting-edge approaches to understanding and strengthening the resilience of interconnected critical infrastructure systems, at a time when climate change, cyber threats and global disruptions are increasing system vulnerability. Interdependent critical infrastructure, such as power, gas, telecommunications, water, transport and other networks, can be vulnerable to emerging threats like climate change, pandemics and cyber-terrorism, potentially leaving millions of people without energy, water or communications, risking lives, and costing £ billions. The root cause of the widespread nature of these disruptions can often be traced to the interconnected and interdependent structure of these infrastructure systems, which resembles a “network of networks”, otherwise referred to as multilayer networks. What you will do Develop a prototype toolkit of holistic metrics, which can be used to assess the resilience of interdependent energy and telecommunications networks, simply by considering their fundamental structure, types of interactions and locations of potential interventions. You will build upon an existing open-source research platform (Network Theory Resilience Metric [NTRM] - https://github.com/sskazakos/NTRM ), offering a strong practical starting point and opportunities to make visible, publishable contributions early in the PhD. Work with datasets from energy and telecom networks, wherever possible. Build more advanced simulation models for cascading failures. Collaborate with researchers and industry stakeholders. Publish in high-impact journals and conferences. Skills you will develop Network science an