Developing Bio‑Inspired Adaptive Materials for Next‑Generation Neuromorphic Devices (Ref: CM/PR-SF1/2026)

About the Project

This project aims to design, study, and understand materials that mimic the behaviour of biological tissues, opening the door to electronics that can learn, adapt, and process information efficiently. Together, we aim to contribute to a new era of brain-inspired materials science.

This research will explore materials that emulate biological functions such as adhesion cues and external signalling for stem cell maturation, alongside properties including ion transport, adaptive conductance, and dynamic switching. Candidate systems may include a variety of novel systems, including memristive oxides, proton-conductive polymers, hydrogels, and other soft bio-inspired materials. The project will utilise (bio)chemical and topographical cues to direct specific instructions to cells, enabling the formation of desired and bespoke living network systems.

The goal is to identify and optimise materials suitable for integration into neuromorphic devices, aligned with platforms previously developed in projects such as NeuChip.eu and NeuroSYNC.

This project sits across Loughborough’s chemistry, materials, bioengineering, and electronics communities. You will work alongside researchers exploring nanomaterials, soft matter, and functional interfaces, and through close collaboration contribute to advances in unconventional computing.

Prof Paul Roach (Main Supervisor) is an expert in biomaterials, biointerfaces, and bioinspired functional systems, with extensive experience in soft materials and biological mimicry. He works closely with Dr Eric Hill on developing new in vitro technologies, combining surface and materials chemistry with stem cell biology to fabricate living neural circuitry. Additional co-supervision from Dr Hill will provide further support in stem cell methodologies, alongside collaborations in materials science and neuromorphic device engineering that strengthen the interdisciplinary nature of the project.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Paul Roach p.roach@lboro.ac.uk

Name of secondary supervisor:
Eric Hill https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/chemistry/staff/eric-hill/

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have or expect to achieve a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in Chemistry, Biology, Biomaterials, Bioengineering or a related subject.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: Yes - Bench fee value: £10k per year

Closing date of advert: July 2027

Start date: October 2026, February 2027, July 2027, October 2027

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How to apply:
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Chemistry. Please quote the advertised reference number: CM/PR-SF1/2026 in your application. To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. Please note that this criteria is used for both funded and self-funded projects.

Please note, applications for this project are considered on an ongoing basis once submitted and the project may be withdrawn prior to the application deadline, if a suitable candidate is chosen for the project.

Project search terms:
bioengineering, chemistry, neural engineering, neuroscience, biomaterials

Email Address Sci:
sci-pgr@lboro.ac.uk