Materials and Science Engineering: Fully Funded EPSRC DTP PhD Scholarship: Sustainable Smart Packaging (NIBAC) (RS745)

Funding provider: EPSRC

Subject area: Nature-Inspired Biomimetic All-Cellulose-based Films for Smart Sustainable Packaging (NIBAC)

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

Supervisors: Dr Jing Wang (Primary), Prof. Davide Deganello (Secondary)

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Materials and Science Engineering

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

The global consumption and disposal of non-biodegradable packaging materials, especially conventional plastics, significantly cause environmental degradation and health hazards. In an era marked by escalating environmental and human health concerns and the quest for sustainable solutions, the realm of biodegradable packaging materials stands at the forefront of innovation. This NIBAC project emerges as a pivotal initiative at the nexus of sustainability, technology, and material science. Aimed at revolutionising the landscape of packaging, this proposed project is a concerted effort to develop advanced, safer, and eco-friendly packaging solutions derived from plant- based sources (e.g., cellulose).

The fundamental premise of the proposed project revolves around harnessing nature's bounty, utilising renewable resources, and integrating cutting-edge technologies to craft sustainable packaging that not only addresses environmental concerns but also incorporates smart functionalities to meet modern-day demands.

This project involves collaborations with leading experts and valuable access to world-class equipment at the University of Cambridge and University of Bristol. The successful applicant will join the “Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute” and “Sustainable Multifunctional Nanocellulose” Group, which offers opportunities to interface prestigious scholars and expand your academic network.

Consequently, the fundamental science and commercialisation promise of this NIBAC project combined with our joint endeavours will foster academic and industrial partnerships, contributing to the realisation of Swansea University’s Sustainable Top 30 ambition, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UK’s Net-Zero 2050 Commitment.

N.B. Passionate candidates/advocators for Sustainability and candidates in Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Science Engineering, Composites Science and Engineering are welcomed and encouraged for this application

Candidates must hold a 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. For more details, please see the 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 scholarship course offer.

Please include in advert – 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.

The studentship covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

Funds for other expenses (e.g. conferences, fieldwork): £1,000 per annum.

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

1. Course choice – please select:

Materials 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) – 

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select  No 

• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter  ‘RS745 - Sustainable Packaging’

*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. 

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
• Two references
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable)
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of submission of EDI Form

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 in addition to your programme application form.   

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form)  

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

*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.