Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
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248 research degree projects
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Photonics and optoelectronics
Antiresonant hollow core optical fibre precision coils
A miles-long glass tube thinner than a human hair enshrouds delicate glass capillaries with sub-micron thickness; this is Antiresonant hollow-core optical fibre, the next generation of fibre technology already creating new fields in data, quantum, sensing and healthcare. This project explores deploying these novel fibres in compact coils for sensing. -
Engineering | Biological sciences | Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Microbial electrochemical process-based flue gas CO2 sequestration
The work aims to develop a modular system for simultaneous CO2 sequestration and platform chemical production from O2 containing flue gas. Optimisation of the central microbial electrochemical process is one of the focuses of this project in order to maximise the performance of the system. -
Engineering | Biological sciences
Anaerobic fermentation for medium chain carboxylic acid production
This project builds on Southampton’s extensive expertise in anaerobic biotechnology for bio-based circular economy. Currently most fatty acid production is from a petrochemical basis, however anaerobic fermentation allows the use of low value feedstocks to co-produce fatty acids and other platform chemicals in a single system. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Physics and astronomy | Mathematical sciences
Polarization effects in antiresonant hollow core optical fibres
Dive into the mysterious world of polarization in antiresonant hollow core fibres, where conventional wisdom is turned on its head, and unexpected phenomena emerge every day. Through your insights and innovation, you will shape the future of this cutting-edge technology from data centres, to high-power lasers, to space systems. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering
Piezoelectric Nano-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NOEMS) resonators for neuromorphic computing
Physical reservoir computing is attracting much attention as a simple and energy-efficient option of neuromorphic computing and our focus is to use Micro or Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS) technologies to meet the system requirements of low-power consumption, high device density for high speed processing, and suitable nonlinearity and memory capacity at the same time. -
Engineering
Modelling of gust-propeller interaction noise
This project investigates gust–propeller interaction noise for eVTOL aircraft. Using time-domain modelling, CFD, and experiments validations, it will characterize unsteady aerodynamic loads and validate classical gust-response models. The project aims to predict and mitigate noise in urban environments, supporting quieter, safer, and more efficient eVTOL designs. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Graphene-based silicon photonic photodetectors for mid-infrared wavelengths
This project’s aim is to explore the integration of graphene with Silicon Photonic circuits to create fast and sensitive photodetectors for the mid-infrared (mid-IR) region, a key wavelength range for detecting gases and molecules. -
Engineering | Mathematical sciences
Designing smart space structures for extreme environments: from nonlinear dynamics to resilient mechanisms
This PhD will develop AI-based predictive and control methods for nonlinear, regolith-resilient mechanisms in collaboration with ESA, combining structural dynamics, compliant design, and topology optimisation to create lightweight, intelligent space structures for next-generation exploration. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Developing high performance optical amplifiers for the future of space communications
The space communication environment is like no other, subjecting data-carrying lasers to immense transmission distances, substantial Doppler shifts and, in some cases, a highly turbulent atmosphere. To help overcome these challenges, in this project you will develop advanced optical amplifiers for the exciting era of satellite lasercom on the horizon. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Engineering Coherence in Metamaterials and Metasurfaces
Systems where coherence establishes spontaneously, such as lasers, Bose-Einstein condensates, superradiant emitters and time crystals, are important for classical and quantum technologies. Photonic metamaterials/metasurfaces are ideal platforms to foster the emergence of coherent phenomena. This project will study how coupling between nanostructures can mediate coherence and enable future photonic devices.