PhD Projects | Study | University of Southampton

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247 research degree projects

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Chemical and electrochemical deposition of 2D nanomaterial films

This research forms part of a large multidisciplinary project examining 2D semiconductors and technologies needed to implement them. This part explores the 2D insulator boron nitride, and involves chemical and electrochemical deposition.

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 30 June 2026
Engineering

Predicting fluid-borne noise from pipe systems

This experimental project is aimed at a fundamental investigation into the noise generation and transmission mechanisms of components such as valves and pumps located within fluid filled pipework, which may be a major source of noise within industrial systems. The project aims to develop more accurate methods for predicting noise levels and influence ways to reduce it.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 20 April 2026
Engineering

Multimodal modelling of personalised haemodynamics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)

Heart failure affects millions, yet personalised treatments remain limited. This project develops advanced computational models to simulate the progression of patient-specific heart function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It combines image-based fluid–structure interaction modelling and statistical emulation to improve diagnosis and enable more precise treatments.

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 1 October 2026
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Next generation nucleic acid drugs with enhanced delivery and efficacy

Nucleic acid drugs (NAD) are unique in targeting mRNA particularly those that cannot be addressed by conventional small molecule drugs or therapeutic antibodies. Our aim is to chemically modify them to enhance their delivery and develop a NAD with good activity, that has efficient delivery to cells and is safe.

Funding: Fully funded (UK and international)

Closing date: 30 April 2026
Engineering

Development of a high-power electrodeless nuclear propulsion system for a rapid in-space transportation system

Launch the next era of space exploration. This project develops a revolutionary over 500kW electrodeless dual-stage thruster for high-power Nuclear Electric Propulsion. By replacing eroding electrodes with electromagnetic acceleration, you will design a long-life, high-efficiency system capable of faster, more sustainable, and secure human missions to Mars and beyond.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 20 April 2026
Engineering | Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Biological sciences

Microbial governed Biocomputing for Robots with Autonomy and Intelligence (MicroBRAIN)

The project is about a novel sensing-computing platform that (a) employs living cells, and (b) is energetically autonomous. The main target outcome is the creation of a radically new kind of information processing technology that is not simply inspired by biochemical processes in living systems, but actually uses living microbial cells, growing as biofilms on electrodes inside novel bioelectrochemical systems.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 May 2026
Electronics and Computer Science

Ultra-low-power digital ASIC design for next-generation implantable brain-computer interfaces

Implantable BCIs are limited by a strict power budget to prevent thermal tissue damage. Wireless data transmission consumes most power, especially as channel counts scale. This project focuses on designing ultra-low-power ASICs that perform on-chip neural processing, drastically reducing bandwidth needs while maintaining decoding accuracy.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 31 May 2026
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Modelling artificial cells

We have long exploited the remarkable abilities of single-celled organisms like bacteria to produce chemicals and degrade environmental pollutants. In this project, we'll use modelling to program artificial cells with desired features, providing new efficient routes to high-value chemicals and materials.

Funding: Fully funded (UK only)

Closing date: 30 April 2026
Engineering

Full-field experimental characterisation of hyperelastic polymers in extreme environments

Push hyperelastic materials to their limits and measure their response to harsh environmental conditions. This project develops non-contact, full-field experiments (DIC and infra-red thermography) to capture deformation and heating during extreme strain-rates and temperatures, creating gold-standard datasets to calibrate advanced hyperelastic/viscoelastic models and enable more reliable engineering simulations.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 8 December 2026
Engineering

Development of a dual-stage MHD-enhanced plasma wind tunnel for high-fidelity hypersonic environment simulation and defensive signature characterisation

This project develops a dual-stage, contamination-free plasma wind tunnel to replicate Mach 12+ hypersonic conditions. By integrating Inductively Coupled Plasma and MHD acceleration with a high-fidelity Digital Twin, the research will advance the UK’s hypersonic technologies, characterise re-entry emissions, and provide a sovereign test capability for hypersonic defence resilience.

Funding: Competition funded

Closing date: 8 December 2026