Current project opportunities
The Universities of Bristol and Nottingham are offering doctoral projects starting in September 2027 with a focus on the creation of sustainable and efficient solutions for the design of composite structures.
This taught doctoral training programme, focuses on the skills and expertise needed for future leaders to address the design, manufacture and assurance of composite products. You will:
- gain in-depth knowledge of composite materials and their use, with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy
- conduct cutting edge, industrially relevant research
- benefit from a structured professional development programme tailored to your career aspirations in industry or academia.
There are many challenges in understanding the behaviour of composite materials and structures. These projects seek to develop new manufacturing routes, design concepts, analysis procedures and solutions.
Closing Date for All Applications
15th November 2026
Our exciting industry supported research projects include areas that support the production of renewable energy, sustainable aviation and maritime transportation, and development of electric vehicles.
The projects cover the performance of the structure, development of efficient and less wasteful manufacturing processes as well as creation of new sustainable material formulations.
Your project will be supervised by internationally leading academics with expertise in modelling, application of AI to structural design and analysis, development of sensing and imaging in manufacturing and for understanding material performance, as well as cutting edge development of sustainable materials.
We are seeking highly motivated and committed individuals with an eye on the future, who are interested in conducting stimulating and essential, industrially relevant, research and have a passion for finding sustainable solutions. There are many challenges in understanding the behaviour of composite materials and structures, so the projects seek to develop new manufacturing routes, design concepts, analysis procedures and development of new solutions.
If you are interested in joining our CDT, please complete this Expression of Interest (EOI) form. We will use the information provided to keep you informed about fully funded PhD/EngD opportunities and encourage you to apply for projects that will be advertised in November 2026.