Maria Sharmina

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ CDT) is advertising a fully funded PhD project for September 2026 entry titled Techno-economic optimisation of robotic inspection for circular offshore energy assets . The project is supervised by Prof Maria Sharmina and Dr Pawel Ladosz at The University of Manchester . The broader CDT spans robotics, AI, and net zero research, with projects and training across The University of Manchester, The University of Glasgow, and The University of Oxford. Research focus: robotics, artificial intelligence, techno-economic optimisation, robotic inspection, offshore energy assets, circular economy, and sustainability/net zero applications. This is a strong fit for applicants interested in engineering systems, autonomous inspection, optimisation, and energy transition research. Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related STEM discipline, with at least a 2:1 (or international equivalent). Programming experience is required, and applicants must not already hold a PhD. Some projects may have additional project-specific requirements. Funding: the studentship covers Home tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (stated as £20,780 for 2025/26), plus a Research Training and Support Grant for travel, conference attendance, secondments, consumables, and other research/training costs. Additional CDT support may be available for equipment, accessibility needs, and institutional visits. A limited number of international studentships may be available, and international fee waivers are considered case by case by the host institution. Application window: Phase 2 deadline is 15 May 2026, 5:00 pm UK time . Applicants must use the RAINZ CDT application form, choose up to three projects, and later complete any host-university local application if shortlisted.