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University of Reading
Just Landed
2 days ago
Leverhulme Trust Studentship
PhD Studentship in Soft Robotics and Embodied Intelligence University of Reading in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biomedical Engineering
Funding
A confirmed three-year studentship covering Home fees and providing a maintenance stipend of £22,905 per year. Funding is confirmed only through a formal studentship award letter separate from an offer of admission.
Deadline
Jan 15, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Reading
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About this position
This PhD studentship investigates how embodied intelligence can emerge through interactions between soft materials, a robotic body and the environment. Led by Dr Yoshikatsu Hayashi at the University of Reading, the project focuses on a soft brain-body system in which hydrogel networks, ionic communication, rhythmic movement and sensory feedback may collectively generate adaptive behaviour.
The research builds on evidence that electroactive gels can improve their performance in a computer game through feedback, suggesting that adaptive behaviour may arise from physical materials without living neurons. You will connect hydrogel networks to a soft robotic body and study how bioelectrical learning, bodily movement and environmental feedback contribute to intelligent behaviour. The work aims to identify fundamental principles of Physical AI and inform the development of future intelligent soft robots.
You will work across soft robotics, materials science and biomedical engineering, combining hydrogel fabrication and bioelectrical measurements with AI, artificial neural networks, feedback control, experimental design and data analysis. The research environment includes the University of Reading’s bioengineering and movement laboratory facilities, doctoral researcher development activities, and opportunities to exchange ideas with international collaborators and communicate science through presentations and outreach.
Funding details
A confirmed three-year studentship covering Home fees and providing a maintenance stipend of £22,905 per year. Funding is confirmed only through a formal studentship award letter separate from an offer of admission.
What's required
Applicants should hold or expect to gain at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or equivalent, in physical chemistry, robotics, mechanical or electronic engineering, physics, or a closely related discipline. Essential interests include soft matter and soft robotics, control systems and interdisciplinary research. Programming, experimental design or methods, and data analysis experience are desirable. The studentship is open to candidates who qualify for Home, UK or Republic of Ireland fees.
How to apply
Click the Apply button on the advert, create an account, and use the emailed link to begin the application. Select the PhD in Biomedical Engineering, quote reference DRC26-154 in the Scholarships applied for box, and if prompted for a research proposal, paste in the project title and continue.
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