Transforming Lives PhD Scholarship

This PhD scholarship at Sheffield Hallam University offers an exciting opportunity to advance research in tennis shoe performance and tread pattern optimisation, focusing on gender differences, player fatigue, and shoe lifecycle adaptations across various court surfaces. The project is based in the School of Sport and Physical Activity and is supported by the Transforming Lives PhD Scholarship, commencing October 1, 2026.

The research aims to address gaps in understanding the dynamic interplay between pressure distribution, heat generation, material degradation, and biomechanical adaptations throughout a tennis shoe's lifecycle. The project is closely linked with On, a leading sports gear company, and involves collaboration with renowned tennis professionals. The study will optimize tennis shoes for agility, stability, and durability, considering gender-specific needs, fatigue, and playing styles.

Key objectives include:

• Conducting a literature review on gender differences, player fatigue, and shoe wear.
• Surveying and reviewing videos to analyze male and female movement patterns on different court surfaces.
• Designing experiments using 3D motion capture and force plate data to quantify biomechanics in tennis movements.
• Investigating shoe/surface interactions with thermal cameras, force plates, and pressure insoles to determine optimal friction and sole degradation.
• Measuring player adaptations throughout a shoe’s lifecycle, defining shoe fatigue, and testing shoe properties.
• Developing innovative outsoles based on research findings, with specifications tailored to gender and surface.
• Testing outsole prototypes produced by On against defined specifications.

The scholarship covers home PhD fees (£5238) and provides an annual stipend of £22,152 (Living Wage Foundation rate) for 3.5 years. International and EU applicants are welcome, but must cover the fee gap (~£13,362/year) themselves, as no additional funding is available for this purpose. The stipend is intended for living expenses only.

Applicants should have a BSc (1st or 2:1) honours degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related area. An MSc is desirable, as is experience in Sports Engineering. Sheffield Hallam University requires IELTS 7 (or equivalent) for applicants from non-UKVI exempt countries, with at least 6.5 in all test areas, taken within the last two years. All applicants must submit a 1,500-word research proposal, two academic references, highest degree certificate, and passport. International applicants must also submit IELTS results and confirm resources to cover the fee gap.

The application deadline is June 10, 2026 (12 noon BST). Interviews will be held on July 1, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted, and alternative interview slots are not available. For application issues or general enquiries, contact [email protected].

For more information and to apply, visit the official application portal. This project is ideal for candidates passionate about sports science, biomechanics, and engineering innovation in athletic footwear.