This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University, supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) through the Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT) programme, focuses on the optimisation of porous breakwater (PB) design and placement for enhanced flood mitigation in coastal environments. Coastal flooding is an escalating global threat, exacerbated by climate change and rising sea levels. Traditional coastal defence structures, while effective, can be costly and ecologically disruptive. Porous breakwaters present a promising alternative, offering wave energy dissipation and controlled overtopping to reduce flood risk with minimal environmental impact.

The project aims to advance the modelling and optimisation of PBs using cutting-edge computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element modelling (DEM) techniques. Research will investigate how variations in porosity, core material characteristics, and breakwater geometry affect wave overtopping rates and flood extents under different storm surge scenarios. It will also explore optimal spatial arrangements of PBs—such as single or multiple lines and angles of incidence—tailored to specific coastline morphologies and flood hazard profiles.

The project will balance flood reduction effectiveness with structural stability and ecological benefits, including potential habitat creation. Candidates will model interactions between waves and metamaterials of diverse shapes, materials, and textures, generating practical solutions for sustainable coastal defence. The studentship covers 100% tuition fees and provides a minimum annual tax-free living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported.

Applicants must hold or expect to obtain at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as computing, mathematics, or engineering. Strong analytical, independent research, and communication skills are essential. Both home and international candidates (including EU) are eligible, with full studentship support. Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills), and international applicants may need ATAS clearance.

The project is based in the School of Engineering at Newcastle University and will be supervised by Dr Amir Fard. The application deadline is January 8, 2026, with the studentship commencing October 1, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend a prospective applicant webinar for further information.

To apply, candidates should use the Newcastle Portal, select the relevant programme code, and provide a personal statement, CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, language certificate (if applicable), and details of two academic referees.