Durham University will train a new cohort of PhD students across chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematical sciences, and physics, starting in October 2018. This grant funds the next generation of researchers rather than a single project. It addresses a structural gap: the need for sustained, high-quality doctoral training to maintain the UK’s research capacity in fundamental sciences and engineering. Without such programmes, the pipeline of skilled scientists and engineers—who later develop new materials, algorithms, energy systems, and medical technologies—would shrink. The potential impact is broad but indirect. These PhDs will work on topics ranging from catalysis and sustainable chemical processes to future energy systems and condensed matter physics. Their research could eventually improve industrial catalysts, make power grids more efficient, or advance astronomical instrumentation. Because the training spans multiple departments, the programme also fosters cross-disciplinary thinking that often leads to unexpected applications. Much of the work is curiosity-driven fundamental science. That is by design: deeper understanding of molecular assembly, particle physics, or algorithmic complexity rarely yields immediate products, but historically it has underpinned breakthroughs in computing, telecommunications, and medicine. This grant ensures that foundational knowledge continues to be generated and that the people who generate it are equipped for careers inside and outside academia.
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EPSRC-funded PhDs are offered at Durham University for an October 2018 start in the following departments: Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences and Physics. Each Department has research groups where research strength is focussed; new PhDs are likely to fall within the scope of one or more of these groups, which are as follows: Chemistry: Bioactive Chemistry and Synthesis, Catalysis and Sustainable Chemical Processes, Computational & Dynamics, Functional Molecules & Materials, Physical Organic and Assembly, Soft Matter and Interfaces. Computer Science: Algorithms and Complexity, Innovative Computing Engineering: Future Energy Systems, Sustainable Infrastructure, Next Generation Materials and Microsystems Mathematical Sciences: Statistics and Probability, Pure, Applied, Mathematical and Theoretical Particle Physics Physics: Astronomy, Atomic and Molecular Physics, Advanced Instrumentation, Condensed Matter Physics, Elementary Particle Theory. Advertisement and recruitment are devolved to departmental level. Potential students should use the web page links provided to find details of specific projects. Training summary Training will take place via the individual supervisor teams and research groups. Further training will be provided centrally through CAROD (Centre for Academic and Researcher and Organisation Development). All Durham doctoral students undertake a Researcher Development Program. This program utilises four key areas for development, which a Ph.D. student would evidence development against as part of their yearly review as part of the Vitae Researcher Development Framework. These areas are: 1) Engagement, influence and impact 2) Research governance and organisation 3) Knowledge and intellectual abilities 4) Personal effectiveness Training for careers beyond the PhD is available at departmental level, and through the University's Careers, Employability and Enterprise Centre (CEEC). Decision timeline The indicative distribution of studentships between departments has been agreed in October 2017. Project allocations are now underway, such that advertisement and recruitment should take place through the autumn of 2017 and early 2018, for starts in October 2018. A similar timescale is intended for the following academic year, for projects and students starting in October 2019. Information links General information on postgraduate study at Durham University is available at: https://www.dur.ac.uk/postgraduate/ This includes links to the online application and admissions system. More specific Science Faculty and departmental information is available via the following links: https://www.dur.ac.uk/science.faculty/postgraduatefunding/ https://www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/ https://www.dur.ac.uk/computer.science/postgraduate/ https://www.dur.ac.uk/engineering/postgraduate/ https://www.dur.ac.uk/mathematical.sciences/postgrads/ https://www.dur.ac.uk/physics/postgraduate/ Postgraduate Open Days are opportunities for prospective students to look at Durham University. Please see https://www.dur.ac.uk/postgraduate/opendays/ for more details.
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