Robert M Dorrell

Loughborough University, in partnership with the AURA Offshore Wind Energy Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), Trelleborg, and Metol, is offering two fully funded PhD studentships for an October 2026 start. These projects are designed to advance the future of sustainable wind energy through innovative research in materials science, chemical engineering, and environmental assessment. The studentships are part of the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience, a collaboration between the Universities of Durham, Hull, Loughborough, and Sheffield. Project 1: Nanoparticle-reinforced coatings for leading edge protection of offshore wind turbine blades focuses on developing advanced polyurethane coatings enhanced with ceramic nanoparticles to improve the durability and erosion resistance of wind turbine blades. The research will involve materials formulation, microstructural and mechanical characterization, and environmental testing using a novel rain erosion simulator. The project is supported by Trelleborg and aims to deliver scalable, low-maintenance solutions for the wind energy sector. Project 2: Chemical recycling and life cycle assessment of next-generation thermoplastic composites for wind turbine blade manufacture addresses the challenge of recycling turbine blades by exploring solvolysis-based chemical recycling of new thermoplastic resin systems developed by Metol. The project will include advanced analytical characterization, re-manufacturing of composite laminates, and comprehensive life cycle assessment to evaluate environmental impacts and circularity metrics. Both projects offer a comprehensive training programme, starting with a six-month cohort-based training at the University of Hull, followed by research at Loughborough University. The studentships are fully funded, covering tuition fees and a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/26 rates), with increases in line with UKRI guidelines. Funding is available for both Home (UK) and a limited number of International students. Eligibility: Applicants should have a strong academic background in materials science, chemical engineering, polymer science, chemistry, or a related field. English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, minimum 6.0 in each skill) is required for non-native speakers. Applicants must meet UKRI/EPSRC residence requirements for Home status, but international scholarships are also available. Application materials include a short presentation video, supplementary application form, transcripts, and CV. Application deadline: 5 January 2026. Apply via the Loughborough University admissions portal, selecting 'Materials Engineering Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience' as the programme. Only one CDT project application is allowed per applicant. For more information, visit the project and CDT websites or contact the supervisors directly.

This PhD studentship, co-funded and co-supervised by HR Wallingford and the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience, offers a unique opportunity to address the challenge of accurately predicting the fatigue life of offshore wind turbines. The project is a collaboration between the Universities of Durham, Hull, Loughborough, and Sheffield, with the research programme based at Loughborough University and HR Wallingford. The research focuses on developing reduced-order models for long-term wave loading, enabling accurate fatigue estimation in offshore wind turbines. By leveraging advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models and real sea state data from major offshore wind farm locations, the project aims to enhance the long-term economic viability of offshore wind turbines globally. The student will develop new datasets and apply machine learning-based analytical tools, contributing to the wind energy sector and hydraulic engineering. The studentship funds four years of full-time study (part-time options available for Home students), including six months of multidisciplinary training at the University of Hull and ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD). CDT-funded placements at HR Wallingford provide extended collaboration with industry supervisors and access to accredited test facilities, opening pathways to careers in wind energy and hydraulic engineering. Entry requirements include a First-class Honours degree, or a 2:1 Honours degree and a Masters, or a Distinction at Masters level with any undergraduate degree (or international equivalents) in engineering, environmental science, mathematics and statistics, or physics. Ideal candidates will have studied fluid mechanics or physical oceanography to a high level. English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, no less than 6.0 in each skill) is required for non-native speakers. Funding is provided by the EPSRC CDT, covering tuition fees and a stipend at UKRI rates (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26, increasing in subsequent years). Scholarships are available for Home (UK) students and a limited number of international students. The CDT is committed to diversity and offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for under-represented ethnic groups who meet the entry requirements. Applications are open until 5 January 2026. Applicants must apply via the Loughborough University admissions system, selecting 'Civil Engineering Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience', and upload transcripts, CV, supplementary application form, and a short presentation video. Reference Aura26-RD must be quoted. Interviews will be held online in early to mid-February 2026. Supervisory team includes Prof Robert M Dorrell (Loughborough University), Dr Charlie Lloyd (Loughborough University), and Dr Sina Haeri (HR Wallingford). For queries, contact Professor Dorrell via [email protected].