A very special set of congratulations from EBNet to Dr Angela Bywater, on her graduation this week with the award of PhD for a thesis on On-farm anaerobic digestion viability: policy perspectives and operational opportunities.
Much of the work involved was carried out during her time – and in some cases even as part of her role – as Network Co-Manager of EBNet and its predecessor the BBSRC-funded NIBB the Anaerobic Digestion Network. Her doctorate was obtained by staff candidature: an especially tough route, as it requires published papers and is reviewed by two External Examiners. Thesis submission and defence were completed in her current role managing the UK side of the Global Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts (GCSB), led by Prof Jhuma Sadhukhan. So although all the effort is entirely Angie’s, we are very proud and happy to bask in her reflected glory.
Prof Charles Banks, director of ADNet, said: “Everyone who knows Angie will be aware of her expertise in this area and the huge amount she has done to forward applications of AD in the UK”. As well as being a pillar of EBNet’s AD WG, she is a member of ADBA’s Management board, and a major contributor to reports and initiatives by RASE, IFEAA, REA, IEA Task 37 and other key organisations in the sector.
Prof Sonia Heaven said, “Delightfully, this also means that EBNet can welcome Angie as our newest Early Career Researcher – and it’s probably a first for a Network Manager to obtain a doctoral degree directly related to the post and topic, so another feather in the cap for BBSRC NIBB funding!”
Angie’s thesis, which includes four published papers plus an extensive overarching commentary, can be accessed on University of Southampton eprints:
On-farm anaerobic digestion viability: policy perspectives and operational opportunities. Bywater, A.M., 2026. (Doctoral dissertation, University of Southampton).
Photo: the newly-minted Dr Bywater with (L) AF WG Co-Lead Dr Yue Zhang and (R) EBNet Director Prof Heaven
