This fully funded PhD scholarship is offered by the University of Leeds in the School of Food Science and Nutrition and the Bragg Centre for Materials Research, in partnership with PepsiCo and the Food Consortium Collaborative Training Partnership. The project focuses on biomimetic approaches to enhance adhesion in food processing, leveraging bio-inspired materials and advanced surface science to address challenges in food manufacturing. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team, working at the interface of food science, materials science, and industrial innovation.

The scholarship covers full tuition fees for four years, a UKRI maintenance grant of £20,780 per year (2025/26 rate), and an additional industrial stipend top-up of £1,800 per year. Both Home and International applicants are eligible, though international students must cover their own travel, visa, and health insurance costs. The award is available for full-time or part-time study, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory progress.

Applicants must have been offered a place on the PhD programme at the School of Food Science and Nutrition and must not already hold or be studying for a doctoral degree. The project offers opportunities for cohort training and industrial collaboration, providing a unique environment for research and professional development. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2025, and the award must be taken up by April 1, 2026. For further details and application instructions, candidates should consult the University of Leeds webpage and the FindAPhD project listing.