Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
373 research degree projects
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Physics and astronomy | Engineering
Silicon-liquid crystal systems for dynamic wavefront control and light modulation
The project will focus on developing a new, adaptive meta-optical platform, combining micro-structured silicon with the tuneable layer made of liquid crystals for effective manipulation of near- and mid-infrared beams. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Mathematical sciences
Self-organised joint fleet structures in communication-constrained environments
Effective human-machine teaming in joint fleet operations presents significant challenges, especially under uncertain and dynamic conditions. The aim of this project is to design decentralised control and formation algorithms, predictive models under communication limits, and transparent interfaces. The aim is to optimise swarm behaviour, enhance autonomy, and strengthen human trust and mission effectiveness. -
Engineering | Biological sciences
EMBRACE (Enteric–Mind BRAin–Circuit Exploration): exploring gut-brain circuits to understand emotional and cognitive disorders
We are building a digital twin of the gut–immune–brain axis to decode how lifestyle and inflammation shape mental health and dementia risk. By integrating multi-omics and clinical data, this pioneering model will simulate disease onset, progression and response to treatment, unlocking personalised strategies for healthier aging. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering
Brain-inspired security primitive for secure hardware in space
Memristors mimic how the brain learns—offering low-cost, secure, and energy-efficient computing. This PhD tackles challenges limiting their adoption, from ageing to variability, to create unforgeable, self-identifying chips. -
Biological sciences | Engineering
Stratification and modelling of mechanobiological mechanisms of military MSK injury to prevent osteoarthritis
This project will explore how growth plate fusion influences the mechanobiology and health of the knee during and following elite training in the military. -
Engineering
Imaging extracellular earthquakes in 3D for drug delivery
In this PhD project, you’ll explore how vibrating microbubbles can deliver drugs precisely where they’re needed in the body. Using ultrasound, high-speed cameras, and advanced “metalens” microscopes, you'll capture 3D images of how bubbles affect cells and tissues, linking physics, engineering, and biology to develop safer, more effective ultrasound-based medical treatments. -
Engineering
Peak tyre-road friction estimation for electric vehicles
Estimating peak tyre-road friction coefficient for autonomous electric vehicles (EVs) is still an open research problem. A potential solution will make a huge impact in their active safety systems, which are crucial for autonomous EVs given the extra importance of vehicle safety while moving towards higher levels of driving automation. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Quantum communications enabled by hollow core optical fibres
Optical fibres can transport telecom signals over long distances. However, qubits or other quantum states such as multiple-entangled-photos are often generated at wavelengths where current optical fibres are unsuitable. There is an emerging class of new optical fibres pioneered in Southampton that could revolutionize transport of quantum signals and states. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Quantum nano-optical metadevices
Controlling nanoscale light−matter interactions will be foundational for advanced quantum nanophotonic devices, including optically/electrically pumped light sources, switches, modulators, and photodetectors. In this project we will engineer coupling of quantum emitters, such as quantum dots, atomic defects in 2D materials or Moiré superlattices, to metasurfaces for future monolithic chips with indistinguishable emitters. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Nitrogen-vacancy centers as nuclear polarization injectors for spin-based quantum sensing
Spin-based quantum sensing converts tiny quantum signals into detectable responses by aligning microscopic spins, for example in diamond nitrogen-vacancy centres. Can this alignment be exploited to amplify responses in other systems? This project addresses that question—theoretically and experimentally—via novel transfer protocols utilising periodic control fields and Floquet-engineering methods.