Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
271 research degree projects
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Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering
Development of robot swarms for wildfire detection
This PhD develops swarm algorithms for real-time wildfire monitoring. The project focuses on collective perception, fusing distributed observations under uncertainty, and predictive modeling of fire spread using generative and machine learning approaches. The goal is a scalable, autonomous system providing actionable intelligence for rapid wildfire response. -
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Biological sciences
Development of a mammalian two-hybrid system for targeting membrane proteins
Despite their importance in driving disease, identifying compounds that bind and regulate membrane protein function can be extremely challenging. In this project, we will develop a high-throughput screening platform that utilises a mammalian two-hybrid system for the identification of modulators of membrane proteins. -
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Flexible Hybrid thermoelectric materials and devices
This project aims to develop flexible micro thermoelectric generators integrated into textiles to power wearable electronics. Using low-cost electrodeposition and screen-printing on flexible substrates like Kapton or Mylar, these devices will harvest body heat for self-powered wearables, offering durable, scalable, and practical energy solutions for healthcare, defence, and sports applications. -
Engineering | Electronics and Computer Science | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Computational nanorobotics with machine learning
The project develops intelligent nanorobots for autonomous control and adaptive behaviour in liquid nanoscale environments, exploring algorithms for simulation, control, and prediction with applications in drug delivery, diagnostics, and nano-manipulation. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Improving acoustic security through the lens of mathematics and physics
Acoustic security is rapidly emerging at the intersection of cybersecurity, privacy, cyber physical systems, and acoustical physics. While machine learning has produced notable results, this project goes further—advancing both attacks and defenses through new mathematical approaches and deeper insights from acoustics. -
Engineering | Physics and astronomy | Mathematical sciences
Efficient CFD-CAA coupling for aeroengine noise simulation
Do you want to shape the future of quieter, more sustainable aviation? This PhD develops efficient computational methods to simulate aeroengine noise, combining fluid dynamics, acoustics, and high-performance computing to create faster, more accurate tools that help reduce environmental impact. -
Engineering
Unlocking the potential of optimized vertical-axis wind turbine arrays via surrogate-modelling and topology optimization
This project will develop a multi-scale optimization framework using surrogate modelling and topology morphing techniques to overcome the high cost of Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) design. It will create VAWTs optimized specifically for array performance, harnessing both lift and drag effects. This will significantly improve the viability of commercially viable urban wind farms. -
Engineering | Sociology, social policy and criminology | Psychology
Evaluating the environmental, health, and equity impacts of mobility hubs
Mobility hubs integrate transport and community services to promote active, sustainable travel. Despite growing UK adoption, evidence on their impacts is limited. This PhD will combine data analysis and community engagement to evaluate current hubs and develop guidance on optimising them to equitably maximise social, health, and environmental benefits. -
Physics and astronomy
Quantum sensing with levitated nanodiamonds
This project develops a gyroscope using a levitated nanodiamond with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. These systems enable coupling between the mechanical angular momentum of a levitated nanoparticle and its internal electronic spins, opening pathways for quantum control and precision sensing. -
Engineering
Development of advanced intelligent systems for enhancing reliability and mission assurance of small satellites
This project will address the systems engineering challenge of enhancing mission assurance for small satellites by developing an AI-powered risk assessment framework.