Development of INnovative Structural materials Pioneering Ingenuity and Revolutionary Insights and Transforming Engineering. (INSPIRITE)

In an era where climate change is a priority, engineers are driven to discover innovative construction materials and methods that accommodate a rapidly growing global population while ensuring sustainability throughout the entire construction process. Cutting-edge building materials are revolutionizing construction practices. These contemporary materials are not only eco-friendly, reliable, and durable but also lightweight and versatile. Significant progress in materials science in recent years has spurred the development of new architectural designs that are both unique and more environmentally sustainable. Given the increasing need for sustainable engineering solutions, finding advanced structural materials with promising material characteristics is crucial.

The project aims to move beyond existing research, and explore whether sustainable, low carbon footprint structural materials with high potential like 3D printed materials, fiber glasses, biomaterials and advanced composites can be developed and characterised to be used in structural design. The focus lies in exploring, characterizing, and enhancing the resilience of new advanced materials under different conditions, pioneering novel material architectures for the forthcoming low carbon construction industry.

Candidates with backgrounds in civil/structural engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, or related fields are encouraged to apply and contribute to the development of next-generation structural material. The candidate will be part of the Future Infrastructures Research Group at Heriot-Watt University and join a vibrant community of PhD students, post-doctoral associates and academics working in various aspects of material characterisation, design, processing and testing. The candidate will closely collaborate with Dr Orhan Yapici within a multidisciplinary research team, benefiting from a cooperative environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Funding:

This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees (Home and Oversees) and provide an annual stipend (currently £18,622, increasing to £19,237 in 2024-25) for 42 months. Thereafter, candidates will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.

Eligibility:

These scholarships are open to all students, whether home, EU or overseas.

The successful candidate will have at least an upper second-class (minimum 2:1) undergraduate honours degree in the relevant subject area and ideally a Masters Degree. We may also consider candidates who can demonstrate appropriate alternative learning such as experience gained in the workplace or professional qualifications.

Candidates should have backgrounds in civil/structural engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering,

How to Apply:

To apply you must complete our online application form.

Please select PhD Civil Engineering as the programme and include the full project title and reference number (EGIS2024-OY) on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.

Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; please provide a written proposal (3-5 A4 pages), including a supporting statement outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project.

You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.

You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than two years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

Please contact Dr Orhan Yapici (o.yapici@hw.ac.uk) for further information or an informal discussion.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Timeline:

The closing date for applications is 8th July and candidates should ideally be available to start in September but must be available by January 2025. We expect interviews to take place in July-August.