Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
300 research degree projects
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Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Molecular upconversion luminescence via [d-f] hybrids
The aim of this project is to work on state-of-the-art heteropolymetallic architectures (organometallic transition-metal and lanthanide complexes) in the area of two-photon molecular upconversion luminescence, for application as novel bioimaging probes. -
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Biological sciences
Photoswitchable ion transporters towards supramolecular chemotherapy
Photoswitches enable remote control of molecular function with high spatiotemporal precision. This interdisciplinary project will involve the synthesis and testing of new drug-like switchable anionophores for use in the controlled treatment of diseases such as cancer. -
Engineering
Imaging extracellular earthquakes in 3D for drug delivery
In this PhD project, you鈥檒l explore how vibrating microbubbles can deliver drugs precisely where they鈥檙e needed in the body. Using ultrasound, high-speed cameras, and advanced 鈥渕etalens鈥 microscopes, you'll capture 3D images of how bubbles affect cells and tissues, linking physics, engineering, and biology to develop safer, more effective ultrasound-based medical treatments. -
Engineering
Peak tyre-road friction estimation for electric vehicles
Estimating peak tyre-road friction coefficient for autonomous electric vehicles (EVs) is still an open research problem. A potential solution will make a huge impact in their active safety systems, which are crucial for autonomous EVs given the extra importance of vehicle safety while moving towards higher levels of driving automation. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Quantum communications enabled by hollow core optical fibres
Optical fibres can transport telecom signals over long distances. However, qubits or other quantum states such as multiple-entangled-photos are often generated at wavelengths where current optical fibres are unsuitable. There is an emerging class of new optical fibres pioneered in Southampton that could revolutionize transport of quantum signals and states. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Quantum nano-optical metadevices
Controlling nanoscale light鈭抦atter interactions will be foundational for advanced quantum nanophotonic devices, including optically/electrically pumped light sources, switches, modulators, and photodetectors. In this project we will engineer coupling of quantum emitters, such as quantum dots, atomic defects in 2D materials or Moir茅 superlattices, to metasurfaces for future monolithic chips with indistinguishable emitters. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Nitrogen-vacancy centers as nuclear polarization injectors for spin-based quantum sensing
Spin-based quantum sensing converts tiny quantum signals into detectable responses by aligning microscopic spins, for example in diamond nitrogen-vacancy centres. Can this alignment be exploited to amplify responses in other systems? This project addresses that question鈥攖heoretically and experimentally鈥攙ia novel transfer protocols utilising periodic control fields and Floquet-engineering methods. -
Photonics and optoelectronics
Manufacture of photonic and quantum technologies via ultra-precision diamond machining
This project will develop the core components of superconducting, photonic and atom/ion trap quantum systems using ultra-precision diamond machining. The project will work with leaders in the field (academia and industry) to create vacuum systems with integrated photonics and electrical functionality. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Engineering | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Optimising optical microresonators for quantum technology applications
Join our dynamic research team to explore cutting-edge microscale optical resonator designs for quantum technologies. This PhD will combine photonics, quantum physics, and computational modelling to design devices that enhance the interaction between matter and light on the quantum level to unlock new capabilities in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. -
Photonics and optoelectronics | Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Quantum Reservoir Computing for photonic and quantum materials modelling
Quantum physics and artificial intelligence are converging to redefine how light鈥搈atter systems are explored and engineered. This project will develop Quantum Reservoir Computing as a new theoretical and computational framework, exploiting the dynamics of quantum systems to achieve efficient learning, prediction, and inverse design of photonic and quantum materials.