Sustainable Multifunctional Composites for Net-Zero Engineering

PGR-P-2322

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Friday 14 November 2025
Project start date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Country eligibility: UK only
Funding: Competition funded
Source of funding: Doctoral training partnership
Additional supervisors: Dr Hamed Yazdani Nezhad, Dr Liuquan Yang
Schools: School of Mechanical Engineering
Research groups/institutes: Institute of Design, Robotics and Optimisation

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

Are you ready to help shape the materials of the future? This fully funded PhD offers an exciting opportunity to design and develop next-generation multifunctional composites that will transform transport, energy, and aerospace systems. Working at the intersection of multi-physics computational modelling, materials engineering, composite manufacturing, and experimental characterisation, you will tackle one of today’s most pressing global challenges: sustainable development of durable, recyclable, and smart composites to enable a net-zero future. This project is a unique industry–academia collaboration involving Airborne UK, the National Composites Centre (NCC), and Magma Global Ltd, alongside world-leading researchers at the University of Leeds. You will join the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Research Group and its dedicated state-of-the-art laboratory within the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Bragg Centre for Materials Research (Henry Royce Institute), gaining access to exceptional modelling, manufacturing, characterisation, and testing facilities. Supervised by Dr. Hamed Yazdani Nezhad with co-supervision from academic and industrial experts in composite design and coatings, you will become part of a multidisciplinary, international team committed to sustainable innovation. Alongside cutting-edge research, you will benefit from tailored training, industry engagement, conference participation, and networking opportunities, setting you up for a successful career in academia and high-impact industrial R&D. An inclusive environment and supportive application process: 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. Interested? Discuss this PhD Opportunity with Dr. Hamed Yazdani Nezhad by contacting: H.YazdaniNezhad@leeds.ac.uk

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

Background: Polymer composites are central to the next generation of transport and energy solutions, offering unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and adaptability. Yet, to truly support net-zero targets, these materials must evolve to be smarter, more durable, repairable, and recyclable. This PhD addresses these challenges by advancing the science and engineering of novel multifunctional composites that combine structural performance with adaptive features such as decarbonised and smart manufacturing, self-tuning, sensing, and energy storage. By developing coupled numerical-experimental design approaches and manufacturing routes, your work will contribute directly to the UK and global net-zero ambitions and international sustainability goals. Research objectives: You will work towards the overarching goal of designing and manufacturing sustainable, adaptive composites for net-zero applications including decarbonised manufacturing, with specific objectives including: Objective 1: Simulation & Design – Perform Next-gen multi-physics finite-element analysis to design and quantify novel electromagnetic fibre-reinforced composites. Objective 2: Manufacturing Innovation – Develop and optimise novel fabrication methods for the novel multi-functional composites. Objective 3: Experimental Characterisation – Conduct state-of-the-art instrumented lab-scale multi-physics testing of the manufactured composites. Objective 4: Validation Testing – Compare experimental performance against predictive models across material, geometric, and variations (fabrication process parameters and service loading). Objective 5: Dissemination – Present findings at world-leading international composite conferences (e.g. ECCM, ICCM) comprising of globally leading academic and industrial delegates, and in high-impact journals, and engage with industry partners. Training and Career Development From the start, you will receive specialist training in: <ul> <li>Multi-physics simulation (e.g. finite element analysis) </li> <li>Mechanical testing and material characterisation </li> <li>Advanced composite manufacturing techniques </li> </ul> You will also benefit from short-term industry secondments and training opportunities with our project partners. Broader development support includes: <ul> <li>Research and presentation skills training (via Leeds Doctoral College) </li> <li>Project management, scientific writing, and knowledge exchange </li> <li>Attendance at major international conferences in 2027 and 2028 (ECCM and ICCM) </li> </ul> This structured training ensures you graduate with cutting-edge technical (numerical and experimental) expertise, strong industry links, and transferable skills to thrive in academic or industrial careers. The Research Environment The Institute of Design, Robotics and Manufacturing (iDRAM) at the University of Leeds is shaping the future of sustainable, digitally enabled engineering. Research here focuses on Industry 4.0 technologies, including smart manufacturing, robotics, and advanced design systems, to create cleaner, more efficient production processes. PhD students at iDRAM work on projects that integrate automation, AI, and data-driven optimisation to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and enable circular economy principles in manufacturing. The institute’s expertise spans digital twins, additive manufacturing, and intelligent robotics, all critical for achieving sustainable industrial transformation. With access to cutting-edge facilities such as the EPSRC National Facility for Innovative Robotics Systems and strong partnerships with global industry leaders, students gain hands-on experience in technologies driving the green industrial revolution. By joining iDRAM, PhD researchers become part of a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering sustainable solutions for sectors from aerospace to healthcare—developing the skills to lead in a world where digital innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Our Commitment to an Inclusive, Equitable and Diverse Research Community: As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. 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">How to apply</h2>

Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Sustainable Multifunctional Composites for Net-Zero Engineering as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/14134/dr-hamed-yazdani-nezhad">Dr. Hamed Yazdani Nezhad</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Mechanical Engineering. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). Applications will be considered after the closing date. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed. Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 14 November 2025: <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> 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">Funding on offer</h2>

A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 in academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided. This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit. Please note that there is only 2 funded place(s) available and there are 17 projects in competition for this funding. If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. Please refer to the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJ.S.Hewer%40leeds.ac.uk%7C07632c93c06a442dca3d08ddfc172939%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C638943898649349324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nylGSov8jOc7hr6X%2FmfnfQPecbVUnGqgoSqVgPGy5K0%3D&reserved=0">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.

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

For further information about this project, please contact Dr Hamed Yazdani Nezhad by email to <a href="mailto:H.YazdaniNezhad@leeds.ac.uk">H.YazdaniNezhad@leeds.ac.uk</a> For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>

<h3 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h3>