Material Science & Mechanical Eng: Fully Funded EPSRC PhD Scholarship: Multi-Functional Materials for Soft Robotics by Additive Manufacturing (RS742)

Funding provider(s): EPSRC DTP

Subject area(s): Material Science and Mechanical Engineering

Project start date(s): 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Supervisors: Dr Anil Bastola (Primary), Prof Antonio Gil, Dr Mokarram Hossain

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

Soft robotics stands at the forefront of robotics research, offering adaptability, safety, and multifunctionality that surpass traditional rigid robotic systems. However, current advancements are constrained by the use of singular smart materials, which limit multifunctional capabilities such as high gripping strength, dynamic responsiveness to multiple stimuli, and greater degrees of freedom, while maintaining structural integrity and rapid actuation.

Smart materials such as magnetic and shape memory materials offer a promising solution to these limitations due to their complementary properties - magnetic materials provide softness and dynamic actuation, while shape memory materials contribute rigidity and adaptability. Despite their potential, integrating these materials into actuators or sensors for soft robotic systems remains a significant challenge.

Additive manufacturing (AM)/3D printing of smart materials (also widely known as 4D printing) uniquely enables the integration of two or more smart materials into a single structure, unlocking their combined benefits. This project aims to develop multi-material smart material systems via 3D printing that combines the shape-memory effect with magnetic functionality for advanced soft robotics with enhanced dexterity, greater degrees of freedom (DoF), and complex multi-actuation capabilities.

The PhD research will involve the following:

1. Material Formulations: Developing and optimising material formulations for 3D printing, focusing on tailoring the mechanical and functional properties of magnetic and shape memory materials.
2. System Design and Manufacturing: Employing a unique multi-material 3D printing technique (jetting or direct ink writing) to integrate magneto-shape memory materials with embedded electronics for controllable actuation and sensing. This phase will focus on creating actuator/morphing and sensor elements responsive to magnetic fields and heat.
3. Characterisation and Device Development and Testing: Characterisation of printed materials using advanced techniques including but not limited to viscoelasticity (rheometry, DMA), thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), mechanical testing (tensile, compression), and morphological analysis (SEM). Finally, actuator and sensor prototypes will be fabricated with optimum properties of printed materials and demonstrate combined responsiveness of magnetic and shape memory materials with improved dexterity and DoF for soft robotics.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for the emerging field of smart materials and 3D printing, aiming to develop new approaches in soft robotics research. They should have a background in materials science and engineering, 3D printing, or a related field, and be willing to collaborate with and explore other disciplines, including physics. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with experts in smart materials and structures, focusing on both manufacturing and simulation. They will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (M2RI) at Swansea University.

Candidates must hold an UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline – see country specific qualifications

IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. Please see our Swansea University English Language entry policy.

ATAS

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance; further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website. 

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process. Successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with a scholarship course offer. 

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees for UK and International students and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.    

We are still accepting applications from international applicants. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice– please select:

   Mechanical Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year– please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)–
4. ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
5. ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS742 - Additive Manufacturing’

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form) in addition to your programme application form.  

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• A cover letter
• One reference
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable)
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of submission of EDI Form

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

For informal enquires, please contact Dr Anil Bastola (a.k.bastola@swansea.ac.uk)

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable.