For the academic year 2025, the University of Edinburgh, a public research university, is providing several fully funded PhD seats in a variety of research fields. Candidates with a Master’s degree who want to pursue advanced research in areas including robotics, environmental science, artificial intelligence, and more can apply for these possibilities.
Deadline: Application deadlines vary by program, ranging from late 2024 through October 2025.
Type: Postgraduate
Value: The scholarship provides full coverage of tuition fees, a stipend for living expenses, and research support.
Eligibility: Candidates with a Master’s degree who have a strong academic background and research interest in the specified areas.
Eligible Fields: Eligible fields include, but are not limited to:
-Food texture characterization
-Robotics and soft robotics
-Environmental science
-Artificial intelligence
-Machine learning and data science
-Biomedical engineering
-Experimental fire science
1. PhD in data-driven computational sensing and imaging
Application deadline: February 28, 2025
Creating machine learning models and techniques to enhance computational sensing systems will be the main goal of this study.
In order to increase sensing accuracy and decrease computation time, the project will investigate a number of techniques, such as auto-encoders and physics-informed neural networks.
Apply here
#2. PhD in intracellular capillarity of biomolecular condensates
Application deadline: January 16, 2025
According to what is known, the goal of this study is to comprehend the material characteristics and interfacial forces of biomolecular condensates in biological cells. The study will investigate the biological roles of capillary forces in cellular organization as well as surface tension, viscosity, and elasticity.
Project-interested candidates will try to figure out how these forces might be improved for future uses.
Apply here
#3. PhD in integrated fabrication and sensing for soft robotics
Application deadline: January 31, 2025
The goal of this PhD project is to create fabrication methods that directly incorporate sensing technology into soft robotic systems. The research will concentrate on improving soft robots’ capacity to sense touch, pressure, and deformation by fusing flexible electronics, cutting-edge materials, and 3D printing. Furthermore, the goal of the project is to develop multipurpose systems that can interact dynamically with their surroundings.
Apply here
#4. PhD in image reconstruction using FPGA-based generative AI
Application deadline: May 20, 2025
The goal of this project is to develop accelerators that use Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to deliver computer vision jobs.
Investigating optimization strategies for real-time, high-throughput systems, the research will concentrate on implementing applications such as picture dataset generation and image-to-image translation on FPGA-based systems. Apply here
#5. PhD in high-fidelity laser tomography for flow fields
Application deadline: December 31, 2024
The creation of data assimilation algorithms for Laser Absorption Tomography (LAT) flow-field image reconstruction will be the main responsibility of this role.
In order to enable more precise and high-fidelity reconstructions of flow fields, the research attempts to include physics into machine learning models for fluid motion. Apply here
#6. PhD in hardware-accelerated flow-field measurement using laser absorption spectroscopy
Application deadline: December 31, 2024
Hardware-accelerated laser absorption spectroscopy for industrial gas measurement will be developed in this PhD study. The project include working with international researchers and industry partners, and the student will obtain experience in both laboratory and industrial settings. Apply here
#7. PhD in fouling control of water treatment membranes
Application deadline: June 22, 2025
This project aims to develop optimized cleaning strategies for water treatment membranes used in Scottish Water treatment plants. The research will explore how to improve cleaning efficiency, particularly under cold water conditions, to enhance membrane performance and sustainability in water treatment. Apply here
#8. PhD in experimental fire science: characterizing fuel properties during combustion
Application deadline: December 23, 2024
The PhD will involve the development of measurement instrumentation to monitor the variation in structure of fuels during combustion. The research will focus on quantifying fuel temperature and burning rates, and will explore the influence of fuel properties on physical characteristics such as drag force and radiative absorption. Apply here
#9. PhD in molecular transport mechanisms through atomistic simulations
Application deadline: June 22, 2025
This project will use molecular dynamics simulations to design reverse osmosis membranes with highly selective properties. The focus will be on mechanisms governing the transport of harmful substances, such as boric acid and carcinogenic disinfection by-products, through membranes.
The goal is to improve wastewater treatment technologies. Apply here
#10. PhD in droplet dynamics on topographically patterned slippery surfaces
Application deadline: October 21, 2025
This research will study the interaction of droplets with structured surfaces that are coated with a liquid lubricant layer. The project will use experimental and computational methods to investigate the fluid dynamics of these systems, which are important for applications in microfluidics, diagnostics, and self-assembly. Apply here
#11. PhD in food texture characterisation for advanced manufacturing
Application deadline: January 18, 2025
This project focuses on developing methodologies to rapidly and reliably characterise the texture of food during manufacturing and storage. The research will combine mechanical and rheological testing with artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to optimize the food manufacturing process.
Apply here
#12. PhD in designing structured surfaces with superwettability properties
Application deadline: January 16, 2025
This project explores the wetting behavior of liquids on structured surfaces for applications in coatings, electronics, microfluidics, and inkjet printing. The research aims to control the wettability of surfaces using surface chemistry and topography, which is important for various engineering applications. Apply here
#13. PhD in microflyers for environmental monitoring
Application deadline: December 31, 2025
This PhD will focus on the design and testing of small flying sensors for environmental monitoring. The research aims to overcome current limitations in flight time and create distributed sensor networks that can monitor natural disasters and remote areas, providing valuable data for environmental protection. Apply here
Host Country: UK
