Breaking news for future PhD researchers: a fully funded doctoral opportunity in the UK is now open for the 2026–2027 cohort, focusing on cutting-edge titanium chemistry and additive manufacturing. This funded PhD project at Loughborough University invites international students to step into advanced materials research with strong industry relevance, and applications remain open until 31 December 2025.
This article walks you through what this PhD is about, what funding it offers, who can apply, and the key deadlines you need to know.
What type of opportunity is this?
This is a fully funded PhD studentship in Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, centered on titanium chemistry to post-process additive manufactured lattice structures. The project blends experimental chemistry, surface engineering, modelling, and AI/ML tools to solve real-world challenges in advanced manufacturing, with applications across transport, catalysis, and bioengineering industries.
What this PhD project is all about?
Additive manufacturing enables complex lattice designs, but surface quality and porosity control remain major challenges. This PhD investigates the chemistry behind titanium surface finishing, using wet chemical processes and reaction analysis to control porosity in engineered lattices.
The research combines hands-on laboratory experimentation with modelling and data-driven techniques, offering a multidisciplinary environment where materials are designed, manufactured, and validated under one roof.
What the scholarship and funding provide?
This PhD is fully funded for both UK and international students, removing financial barriers to doctoral study in the UK. The funding package includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire PhD duration
- A tax-free annual stipend of £20,780 for three years
- Access to advanced laboratory facilities and multidisciplinary research teams
- Training in high-demand skills including experimental design, modelling, AI/ML-assisted optimization, materials characterization, and professional research management.
Eligibility checks – who can apply?
Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
- A UK 2:1 degree in BSc Chemistry or an MSc in an applied chemistry-related field
- Relevant background in areas such as inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical physics, or simulation and modelling of chemical reactions
- Strong interest in both experimental and numerical/modelling-based research
- Willingness to work in a multidisciplinary research environment
- Fulfilment of English language requirements as set by the university
The last date to apply for this fully funded PhD project in Titanium Chemistry and Additive Manufacturing at Loughborough University is 31 December 2025.