Weft Knitted Spacer Fabrics (WeKSFs) for High-Performance Textiles

This fully funded PhD position will reward the successful candidate with an award covering full fees, a maintenance stipend in line with UKRI rates, and a Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) grant worth 10,000 GBP for personal development and consumables. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to join the PGR community in the School of Design and access training and support for their specialism.

<p paraeid="{e455ecd2-35b9-4f58-bdc2-e3b1c18d4d49}{204}" paraid="1239016729">Spacer fabrics represent a transformative class of technical textiles that combine light weight, breathability, and structural versatility, offering an alternative to traditional laminated foams or padding materials such as polyurethane, polyethylene, and EVA. Constructed using advanced knitting technologies, these materials consist of two surface layers connected by a central “spacer” layer that provides cushioning, resilience, and air permeability. </p> <p paraeid="{e455ecd2-35b9-4f58-bdc2-e3b1c18d4d49}{210}" paraid="784261179">Spacer fabrics are widely used across protective clothing, medical textiles, and sportswear, where they deliver comfort, impact protection, and moisture control. Among these, Weft Knitted Spacer Fabrics (WeKSFs) are a promising platform for creating high-performance, multifunctional materials that can be tailored to specific requirements. </p> <p paraeid="{e455ecd2-35b9-4f58-bdc2-e3b1c18d4d49}{220}" paraid="596028799">Conventional Warp Knitted Spacer Fabrics (WKSFs) are commonly used in industrial applications but are limited by the constraints of warp knitting machinery, particularly in achieving complex, localised variations in structure and function. Weft knitting offers greater flexibility, enabling local embedding of inlay yarns, alternate spacer elements, and personalised performance zones. </p> <p paraeid="{e455ecd2-35b9-4f58-bdc2-e3b1c18d4d49}{230}" paraid="326524696">Despite their potential, current WeKSF applications are restricted by trade-offs between comfort, flexibility, compression resilience, and protection. Opportunities remain to explore new design strategies that can produce 3D spacer preforms, hybrid composite structures, and auxetic geometries (that expand under tension to enhance surface coverage and reduce contact pressure). </p> <p paraeid="{e455ecd2-35b9-4f58-bdc2-e3b1c18d4d49}{254}" paraid="1788318873">This PhD will address these challenges by investigating how structural design and manufacturing parameters in weft knitting can be optimised to improve the function of spacer fabrics in demanding performance environments. </p> <p paraeid="{c382c192-b6ee-40a2-90ad-18fd5262b8dc}{182}" paraid="1497335179">The research question being asked is how Weft Knitted Spacer Fabrics can be engineered to optimise comfort, protection, and adaptability in high-performance textile applications. To answer this complex and challenging research aim, the project will examine: </p> <ul role="list"> <li paraeid="{c382c192-b6ee-40a2-90ad-18fd5262b8dc}{200}" paraid="1962082171">Developing novel WeKSF architectures using advanced flat-bed and WholeGarment® technologies. </li> <li paraeid="{c382c192-b6ee-40a2-90ad-18fd5262b8dc}{200}" paraid="1962082171">Investigating auxetic geometries and other 3D knit structures for improved flexibility, pressure distribution, and impact absorption. </li> <li paraeid="{c382c192-b6ee-40a2-90ad-18fd5262b8dc}{200}" paraid="1962082171">Exploring hybrid material compositions, embedding spacer layers with complementary materials for targeted performance. </li> <li paraeid="{c382c192-b6ee-40a2-90ad-18fd5262b8dc}{200}" paraid="1962082171">Conducting empirical evaluation of mechanical, compression, moisture, and thermal properties to determine structure–function relationships. </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{c382c192-b6ee-40a2-90ad-18fd5262b8dc}{232}" paraid="183978061">Therefore, the project will combine experimental textile design, mechanical testing, and computational analysis to establish new principles for multifunctional fabric development. </p> <p paraeid="{c382c192-b6ee-40a2-90ad-18fd5262b8dc}{242}" paraid="152768096">The research will be supervised by Dr. Eleanor Scott, whose expertise in knitted textile technology and high-performance applications forms the foundation of this project. Her research includes sustainable PPE innovation, fibre-to-fibre circularity, and comfort perception in knitted assemblies. Dr. Mark Taylor, co-supervisor, brings complementary expertise in textile testing and performance evaluation, including force absorption in protective systems and garment durability. His experience will ensure rigorous physical testing and verification of the developed spacer fabrics. Together, the supervisory team combines deep technical knowledge with strong industry partnerships and policy engagement, ensuring the research is aligned with real-world manufacturing and safety standards. </p> <p paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{13}" paraid="1977670896">Shima Seiki Europe are the industrial partner for this project and will provide access to support, training and equipment where necessary, ensuring industrial relevance and technical support throughout the project. </p> <p paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{31}" paraid="1922497375">Spacer fabrics are central to emerging innovation in protective apparel, medical textiles, and sports performance wear. This project will directly contribute to these sectors by: </p> <ul role="list"> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{41}" paraid="1083973017">Overcoming design limitations that restrict flexibility, comfort, and durability.</li> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{41}" paraid="1083973017">Exploring seamless and 3D manufacturing methods for enhanced ergonomics and material efficiency.</li> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{41}" paraid="1083973017">Developing auxetic and hybrid knitted architectures for improved impact protection and wearer comfort. </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{67}" paraid="1424728723">The successful applicant will join the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) a collaborative international research Institute that applies academic expertise, working together with a range of external partners, to address global challenges and sustainable development in textile and colour industries. We are focused on the development of innovative science and technology, materials, methods and processes.  </p> <p paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{79}" paraid="1369742868">The School of Design is a world leading research centre with a focus in creativity and developing innovative materials and manufacturing solutions with interdisciplinary researchers and industrial partners. We have a strong industrial collaboration with UK and international fashion and textiles enterprises. These industrial collaborators will work closely with the PhD student.  </p>

<p paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{124}" paraid="1407304614"><strong>Duration and Value of the Award </strong></p> <ul> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{130}" paraid="1413475272">The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study, part-time will be pro-rata. This amount increases per annum in line with the UKRI rate.  Full-time awards provide full fees and maintenance for 3 years.</li> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{130}" paraid="1413475272">The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to 2 years (pro-rata for part-time), subject to satisfactory academic progress.  </li> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{130}" paraid="1413475272">The LITAC Scholarship includes an additional £10K, spread over the period of study; to cover outcome dissemination, personal development aligned with the PhD research, and research consumables.</li> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{130}" paraid="1413475272">Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria</strong></p> <p>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.</p> <p paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{182}" paraid="849605484"><strong>Other Conditions </strong></p> <ul role="list"> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{188}" paraid="1387149797">Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2026.</li> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{188}" paraid="1387149797">Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.</li> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{188}" paraid="1387149797">The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study leading to the degree of PhD. </li> <li paraeid="{8469ccd8-0ef3-4a75-b8c9-44c88326d9ef}{188}" paraid="1387149797">Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship, it is expected that researchers will be based on campus for a significant portion of each week. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Selection Process</strong></p> <ul> <li>The deadline to be considered for this LITAC scholarship is Friday 27th February. Before you can apply for this scholarship, you will need to apply for your study place and have your 9-digit student identification number. We strongly advise you to submit your study application at least 2 weeks before the scholarship deadline to allow the Admissions team time to process your application.</li> <li>All scholarship applications will be considered after the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered.</li> <li>The final list of awards are based on academic merit and no other factors such as financial hardship are taken into account.</li> <li>Please note that whilst you may be successful in securing an academic offer for any project specifically linked to this funding opportunity, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</li> </ul>

<p><strong>Stage 1</strong></p> <p>First, apply for a research place of study through the <a href="https://prod.banner.leeds.ac.uk/ssb/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon">online application form</a>. Please state clearly that the funding you wish to be considered for is the Weft Knitted Spacer Fabrics (WeKSFs) for High-Performance Textiles’ LITAC project. You will be expected to meet our <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/design-research-degrees/doc/apply-9">eligibility criteria</a> for PhD candidates. </p> <p>In order to be considered for this project, you must submit all the required <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/design-research-degrees/doc/apply-9">supporting documents</a> for your application for PhD study by the deadline. Any study applications that are not accompanied by the documents requested by the deadline will not be considered for the award. </p> <p>Once you have received your student ID number (a 9-digit number), move onto stage 2.</p> <p><strong>Stage 2</strong></p> <p>Apply for the Weft Knitted Spacer Fabrics (WeKSFs) for High-Performance Textiles’ LITAC project by completing the <a href="https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/leeds/litac-scholarship-weft-knitted-spacer-fabrics-weksfs-for-high-p">online scholarship application form</a>. You must submit your scholarship application by <strong>5pm UK time on Friday 27^th February 2026.</strong></p> <ul> <li>Please note that an unsuccessful application for this scholarship does not exclude you from applying for other research study opportunities or scholarships offered by the University of Leeds.</li> <li>Please note that, due to the large volume of applications, the University of Leeds will not enter into any correspondence regarding the progress of an application until after the outcome is known.</li> <li>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the minimum English language requirements (below).</li> </ul> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and proposer, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. We are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian and other people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+, and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

We invite applications from candidates with interests in textile design, materials science, or engineering, and with backgrounds in areas such as: Knitted or woven textile technology, materials testing and mechanical performance, protective clothing or medical textile design, or advanced manufacturing or digital knitting.<br /> <br /> Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree and ideally a relevant Masters qualification. Practical experience with textile machinery or material evaluation would be advantageous.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study in the School of Design is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>For further information please contact the Admissions Office at ahcpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk. </p>