Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Advancing Sustainable Solar Solutions for Global Energy Access (Materials Engineering) Swansea University in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship at Swansea University offers an outstanding opportunity to advance sustainable solar solutions and transform global energy access, particularly in underserved regions. The project is embedded within Swansea University’s UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Energy Technologies and the REACH-PSM initiative, focusing on community-driven development of perovskite solar module manufacturing. These efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to foster equitable and sustainable energy access through innovative research and global partnerships.

As a PhD student, you will accelerate the development of printable perovskite photovoltaics for deployment in Africa, with a strong emphasis on sustainable materials. The research will involve advanced photochemical characterisation to understand device uniformity, morphology, performance, and stability. You will optimise materials to be cost-effective, efficient, and adaptable to diverse environmental conditions, and assess their environmental impacts using lifecycle analysis. The project also includes developing processes for reusing and recycling key materials, contributing to circular economy principles and the creation of second-generation solar products.

Collaboration is central to this studentship. You will work closely with UNESCO Chair partners, REACH-PSM collaborators, and local communities to ensure that technological advancements are socially impactful and suitable for real-world applications. The research environment at Swansea University’s Bay Campus is internationally renowned, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant, multidisciplinary team. Supervisors Professor Matthew Davies and Professor Trystan Watson, along with other leading experts, will provide guidance and support throughout your studies.

Funding for this position covers the full cost of tuition fees and provides an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), with no fee difference for international students. The studentship is available for three years and is open to both UK and international applicants, subject to cohort quotas. Applicants must hold a 2.1 undergraduate degree (or non-UK equivalent) in Engineering or a relevant science discipline, and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in each component). Some applicants may require ATAS clearance, but this is not necessary for the initial application.

To apply, submit your application via the Swansea University portal before the deadline of 2 February 2026. Ensure you provide all required documentation and check country-specific entry requirements if applying from outside the UK. Successful candidates will be informed about ATAS clearance procedures if applicable. This studentship is ideal for those passionate about renewable energy, sustainability, and making a real-world impact through research and innovation.