EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (Industrial Competition) 2026/27 - Engineering & Physical Sciences

PGR-F-458

Key facts

Deadline: Friday 24 April 2026
Funding start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Number of funding places: 2
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Source of funding: Doctoral training partnership
Key staff: Mr Yuvaraj Dhandapani and Dr Junfeng Yang
Additional staff: Professor Richard Barker, Dr Joshua Owen, Dr Timothy Hunter
Schools: School of Chemical and Process Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

For 2026 entry, we're offering 2 talented budding researchers the opportunity to secure funding for a postgraduate research and join our thriving community of leading researchers within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. These competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (Industrial Competition) offer the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 and an additional top-up of £4,000 per year for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided. There is 1 opportunity open to UK applicants only and 1 opportunity open to both UK and International applicants. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Industrial Competition and selection is based on academic merit. This funding opportunity is linked to 2 specific projects only and includes collaboration with Industry partners. The projects are listed below under the Linked Project Opportunities section below (available to view soon). Please note that whilst you may be successful in securing an academic offer for any project 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.

Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website or our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals. Important: Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award Eligibility Criteria • Applications are open to either International or Home (UK) applicants Other Conditions <ul> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2026</li> <li>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>The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study leading to the degree of PhD.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Studentship.</li> </ul> Why do your PhD at Leeds? 96% of our research is world-leading (REF 2021) At Leeds, our research in major engineering disciplines, mathematics and physical sciences addresses the most prevalent real-world challenges – providing solutions that have had both a national and global impact. Study in an active research environment Studying your PhD with us means you’ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life – alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area. A strong network of support The <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Leeds Doctoral College</a> connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you’ll need to get the most out of your PhD. Close industry links Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that'll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD. Professional skills development We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That’s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that'll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career. Personal and wellbeing services Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you’ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you’re feeling your best – and reaching your potential in your studies. Join our global community We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we’re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research – and societal impact.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Faculty information</h2>

Please visit the <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/">Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences</a> website to find out more about our Schools and current research activities. Selection Process for Project closing on Friday 24 April 2026: <ul> <li>Applications will be processed after the closing date of 24 April 2026 (please ensure that all documentation to support your application is submitted by this date)</li> <li>Once processed, applications will be circulated to supervisors who will shortlist and interview</li> <li>Please note that you may be considered for an academic offer, however, you may not be considered for funding, these are 2 separate processes</li> <li>Supervisors will select their top candidates and put them forward to be considered for EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (Industrial Competition) Funding by the School Selection Panel</li> <li>The School Selection Panel will take place to determine the candidates who will be awarded funding, along with reserve candidates</li> <li>Academic and funding offers to be issued by no later than 30 June 2026</li> <li>Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by no later than 31 July 2026.</li> </ul> The Projects are: <ul> <li>Degradation mechanisms of cement/steel-cement interfaces with novel cementitious materials in simulated Carbon Capture/Storage wellbore conditions (open to UK and International Applicants)</li> <li>Hydrogen Released from Nuclear Waste and its Consequence of Small Scale Explosion (open to UK applicants only)</li> </ul>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. • For Application type please select Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate. • The admission year for this project is 2026/27 Academic Year. • You will need to select your Planned Course of Study from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select EPSRC Engineering and Physical Sciences DTP. • The project start date for this project is 1 October 2026, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research. • Please state clearly in the Research Information Section, the name of the Research Project you wish to be considered for as well as the named supevisor for the project. Please state in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (Industrial Competition) 2026/27. More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project. Applications will be reviewed and assessed after the closing date of Friday 24 April 2026. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early. For the projects closing on 24 April 2026, please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by this closing date. <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). 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 prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties 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, 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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 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.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

For further information please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a> If you are interested in the projects linked to this funding opportunity, please contact the individual supervisors.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked project opportunities</h2>